In the scenic region of Upper Hutt, a retirement village required a reliable and space-efficient gate solution to manage its frequent vehicle traffic on a challenging landscape. The primary challenge was to install a gate that would not encroach upon the existing parking spaces or be hindered by the sloped terrain, which would leave a large gap under the gate if traditional swing gates were used. Additionally, the gate system needed to withstand high usage, given the frequent comings and goings within the retirement village.

Simon from Withington Electrical was the automation specialist for the job. The products Simon choose for this project were the Edgesmith Bifold gate, powered by an Edgesmith Roger Presto gate motor.

Unlike sliding gates, which were not an option due to space constraints, or swing gates, which would interfere with nearby car parks and the uneven ground, the Bifold gates offered a compact and efficient alternative. The brushless motor within the Roger Presto unit is designed for intensive use and has multiple inputs for accessories.

The installation process involved the integration of keypads, safety beams, ground E loops for a fast exit, battery back-up in the event of power failure and bearing hinges for a smooth and quiet gate movement.

Over the first 14 months, the gate system demonstrated exceptional performance and durability. According to the cycle counter within the Edge 1 controller, the gates completed over 120,000 cycles, indicating high reliability and usage frequency. This volume of cycles underscores the robustness of the Bifold gates and the efficiency of the Roger Presto gate motor in a demanding environment.

The installation of the Bifold gate with a Roger Presto gate motor at the Upper Hutt retirement village has proven to be a highly successful project. The gates have provided a practical solution to the spatial and terrain challenges while withstanding extensive use and highlights the effectiveness of automated Bifold gates in settings where traditional gate options are impractical, reinforcing their suitability for high-traffic areas with space constraints.