Typically, the slide gate operator is installed next to the opening of the gate. This is called a standard or front installation.
Some sites will not allow the gate operator to be installed next to the opening due to vegetation or structures, etc. In this case, the operator should be installed at the back end of where the gate opens into. This "rear installation" would require the drive chain to be routed differently and to have external idler pulleys mounted to guide the chain.
- In a standard installation, the drive chain is connected on each end of the gate and the sprocket movement pulls the gate side to side.
- On a rear installation, another idler pulley would be added and the chain loops around the pulley to pull the gate from the same spot.
The picture below shows the difference between front and rear installations.
(Article & Diagram Courtesy of LiftMaster)
