Cantilever gates keep your driveway clear of tracks for safer, smoother access. Learn when a cantilever is right and how Richmond hardware lasts in Australian conditions.
A cantilever gate is a sliding gate that does not rely on a ground track. Instead, it is suspended above the driveway using a counterbalance system and roller carriages mounted to sturdy posts. This design eliminates ground obstructions and ensures smooth, reliable operation even in difficult site conditions.
The key difference between a cantilever gate and a traditional tracked sliding gate is the absence of a ground rail. Tracked gates depend on wheels rolling over a track fixed in the driveway, which requires constant cleaning and can easily clog with gravel or leaves. By contrast, cantilever gates glide on enclosed rollers inside a steel channel attached to the gate itself, protecting the moving parts and lowering maintenance.
While cantilever systems demand more lateral run-back space due to the counterbalance tail (typically ~⅓ of the opening), they provide significant advantages in reliability, safety, and suitability for uneven or sloped terrain.
This slab is the key structural element of a cantilever install. It:
For a 14-ft (≈4.27 m) opening, use a single poured mounting block sized to suit our drill template and footing layout. The design intent is that the slab volume approximates the minimum load from a mini-mix truck, giving ample mass and stiffness.
Tail length is typically ~⅓ of the opening; confirm with our calculator and drawing set.
Typical layout shows a 1500 mm long footing with ~400 mm depth and carriage centres set to the channel, with clearances to the gate centreline and posts. Use the template to mark M16 and M10 anchors after the pour has cured.
Use the 14-ft drill template to spot hole positions (M16 × ~150 mm and M10 × ~110 mm). Avoid rapid/quick-set concrete. Where required, the motor riser plate (195GTCLMOTRISER) sets motor height and bolt pattern.
Drawings show standard steel sizes and the rule-of-thumb tail length. Confirm spans, loads and automation with Richmond engineering before ordering.
No rail to bridge the hump; gate rides above on carriages.
No track to twist or water-fill; alignment stays true.
Deep tractor tracks don’t matter — no in-ground rail to foul.
Nothing to clog — rollers are elevated and protected.
Rear counterbalance rides on carriages fixed to the mounting block or a foundation frame.
Load rollers carry weight; guide rollers keep alignment across the opening.
Guide brackets stabilise the leaf for smooth, safe travel.
No — the gate rides on roller carriages and keeps the driveway clear.
Rule of thumb is ~⅓ of the clear opening; confirm with drawings/calculator for your span.
Cantilever gates are well-suited to crowned roads, slopes and rough rural surfaces.
Richmond can review drawings and recommend a bill of materials.
Informational only. Confirm load ratings, spans and automation with Richmond engineering prior to purchase.
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