Where a Sliding gate isn't possible because the ground is uneven

Commercial Cantilever Gates – Heavy Duty Sliding Security for Busy Entrances

Commercial cantilever gates are the ideal solution when you need a secure, reliable sliding gate system but ground conditions, traffic levels or safety requirements make traditional tracked gates or swing gates unsuitable. Designed for industrial estates, warehouses, logistics yards, farms, schools and high‑traffic commercial entrances, these cantilever systems run above the ground with no track across the roadway, giving smooth operation and minimal disruption to vehicles.

AGD Systems designs, manufactures and installs bespoke commercial cantilever sliding gates in steel, aluminium and other specialist infills to match existing fencing and security lines. From compact security gates for smaller service yards to wide-span industrial entrances up to 12 m clear opening, each system is engineered for intensive use, high wind loading and demanding access control requirements.

Because the gate is fully supported from one side and counterbalanced, there is no ground track to damage, block or maintain in the main traffic area. This makes cantilever gates particularly effective where ground levels are uneven, where articulated lorries or forklifts are turning, or where block paving, concrete yards or finished surfaces must not be disturbed by track cutting.

If you are looking for information on cantilever gates for private driveways or domestic properties, please see our dedicated Domestic Cantilever Gates page.

Overview

Commercial cantilever gates are horizontal sliding security barriers that run clear of the ground, extending from a main support post. They are the ideal solution where tracked sliding gates or swing gates are not practical. Widely used across the UK for industrial, commercial, and agricultural entrances, they are perfect for sites where the ground is uneven, sloping, or finished with loose surfaces such as gravel or block paving.

Because the gate leaf is fully suspended and counterbalanced, a cantilever system can span wide openings without requiring a track across the roadway. This ensures smooth operation, robust security, and low maintenance for busy sites.

What is a cantilever sliding gate?

A cantilever gate consists of a rigid leaf supported on carriage wheels running inside a specialised track. The gate projects beyond the clear opening to a counterbalanced section at the rear. It slides across the entrance to locate into a receiving post, preventing the leaf from being forced out or lifted.

Unlike tracked systems, there is no rail fitted to the road surface. Instead, the entire structure is anchored by substantial concrete foundations set to the side of the opening. This design keeps the roadway completely clear for vehicles and pedestrians, eliminating issues with debris, snow, or damage to ground tracks.

Why choose a commercial cantilever gate?

Cantilever systems are an excellent choice for many UK commercial and industrial entrances, especially where:

Ground conditions are poor: The ground is uneven, sloping, or difficult to excavate for a level track.
Surfaces are delicate: The driveway features loose gravel, setts, or block paving that must not be disturbed.
Clearance is critical: The entrance must remain free of obstructions for forklifts, HGVs, and low-loader vehicles.
Weather is a factor: Snow, mud, or grit regularly collects on the ground, which would foul a standard ground track.
Space is tight: There is insufficient room inside the site for swing gates to operate.

Typical applications

AGD commercial cantilever gates are engineered for high-traffic and high-security sites across the UK, including:

Warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics yards.
Factory and industrial estate entrances.
Self-storage facilities and yards with palisade or mesh fencing.
Car parks, staff parking areas, and controlled access zones.
Agricultural sites, rural yards, and machinery storage.
Schools, colleges, and public sector buildings requiring controlled vehicle access.

Key Advantages of Cantilever Gates

Cantilever gates offer distinct performance and installation benefits over tracked or swing alternatives:

Reduced groundwork: No requirement to cut a continuous channel across the roadway.
Reliable on uneven ground: The gate leaf never touches the road, so it is unaffected by subsidence, ruts, or changes in surface level.
All-weather operation: Performance is largely unaffected by ice, snow, or heavy mud.
Quiet operation: The mechanism provides smooth, near-silent movement, making it suitable for sites near residential areas.
High security: The gate is held securely between steel posts, offering excellent resistance to lateral force and forced entry.

Commercial Cantilever Sliding Gate Installation

Comparison: Cantilever vs. Other Gate Types

For many UK businesses, cantilever gates provide a more practical solution than alternative designs:

Vs. Swing Gates: A cantilever gate requires less clear space behind the opening and does not swing into traffic lanes or parking bays.

Vs. Tracked Sliding Gates: With no bottom rail to collect dirt or sustain damage from heavy vehicles, cantilever systems are far better suited to rough yards and industrial environments.

Span Capabilities: For wide openings, a cantilever design offers superior stability. Typical single-leaf clear widths reach 10–12m, with wider spans possible using double gate configurations.

Automation and Operation

Most commercial cantilever gates installed by AGD Systems are electrically operated, utilising a reliable rack-and-pinion drive motor.

Automatic Gates: Configured for intensive use on busy sites, these can be integrated with keypads, card readers, ANPR, GSM/app-based controls, and intercoms.
Manual Gates: For lower-usage entrances or sites without power, manual cantilever gates provide the same track-free benefits with secure locking mechanisms.

Safety and UK Regulations

Safety is paramount. All powered sliding gates must be designed, installed, and maintained to meet relevant UK and European standards, including BS EN 12453 and BS EN 12445.

AGD Systems ensures every installation is fully compliant, incorporating safety devices tailored to the specific site risks:

Safety Edges: Leading-edge strips to detect obstacles.
Photocells: Safety beams across the opening to monitor for vehicles and pedestrians.
Force Limitation: Intelligent motor controls to reduce impact forces.
Anti-entrapment: Guarding around posts and rolling gear.
Emergency Controls: Stop buttons and manual release mechanisms for power failure.

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure continued compliance and safe operation.

Materials, Finishes, and Design

We manufacture gates from heavy-gauge steel or aluminium for maximum strength and rigidity. For clients requiring a softer aesthetic, timber cladding (using durable hardwoods like Iroko) can be applied to a steel frame.

Design options include:

Infill: Vertical bar (square or round), 868 mesh, palisade, or solid panels for privacy.

Profile: Flat-top or curved-top designs.

Finish: Hot-dip galvanised as standard, with optional polyester powder coating to match corporate branding or existing fencing.

For exposed sites, open-pattern vertical bar designs are recommended to allow airflow, reducing wind loading on the mechanism.

Specification and Support

There is no "standard" commercial gate; every site is different. AGD Systems designs each cantilever gate to suit the specific clear width, height, security level, and available run-back space.

Our services include:

Site survey and risk assessment.
Detailed design and specification advice.
Manufacture and professional installation.
Ongoing maintenance and servicing.

Contact AGD Systems

If you are planning a new commercial entrance or upgrading existing security, we can help you design a system that delivers secure, reliable access control.

Call 01933 229123 or contact us online to arrange a site visit and personalised quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much run-back space is required to install a commercial cantilever gate?

Unlike a tracked sliding gate, which only requires space equal to the clear opening, a cantilever gate requires additional room for the counterbalance or "tail." As a general rule for commercial specifications, you will need a run-back area that is approximately 30% to 40% longer than your clear opening width.

Example: If your entrance is 6 metres wide, you will typically need 8 to 8.5 metres of clear space to the side of the opening to accommodate the full length of the gate in the open position.

This run-back area must remain clear of obstacles such as fences, trees, or parked vehicles to allow the gate to cycle fully. During our site survey, we calculate the exact overhang required based on the weight and infill of your specific gate design.

Can a cantilever sliding gate be installed on a sloping driveway?

Yes, this is one of the primary advantages of the cantilever design. Because the gate leaf is suspended entirely from the support posts, it can "float" over uneven ground, kerbs, or slopes that would physically block a swing gate or cause a ground-tracked gate to derail.

Across the opening: If your driveway slopes upwards or downwards across the width of the entrance, we can install the gate level, leaving a gap beneath that varies.
Along the track: If the gate needs to slide uphill (against gravity), we specify heavy-duty motors with hydraulic braking systems and safety radial dampers to manage the load safely.

This makes them the standard solution for industrial sites with cambered roads or unmade gravel surfaces.

What are my legal obligations regarding automated gate safety?

As a business owner or facilities manager in the UK, you have a legal Duty of Care to ensure your automated gates are safe for both employees and the public. Under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, an automated gate is classified as a "machine."

AGD Systems ensures your installation complies with BS EN 12453, which typically involves:

Force Testing: Verifying that the gate will stop and reverse if it hits an obstacle.
Safety Edges: Rubber contact strips on all leading edges (front and rear) to detect impact.
Photocells: Beams that prevent the gate from closing if a vehicle or person is in the zone.
Documentation: We provide a full technical file and maintenance log for your health & safety audits.

How secure are cantilever gates compared to swing gates?

Commercial cantilever gates generally offer higher security than standard swing gates for two key reasons:

Anti-Lift Design: The gate leaf travels on enclosed carriage wheels usually located inside the bottom beam (monorail). This "captive" design makes it virtually impossible for intruders to lift the gate off its hinges.
Ram Resistance: When closed, the gate is locked into a heavy-duty receiving post and held rigid by the support post, offering significant resistance to lateral force or vehicle impact.

For high-security sites, we can specify 358 (prison mesh) or palisade infills topped with razor wire or rotating spikes to deter climbing.