Design the gate before fixing the fence line
Treat clear opening, leaf count, swing, levels, posts, foundations, hinges and locking as one system.
Use the selected manufacturer's drawing: leaf size, inside-post spacing, centre spacing and hardware clearances are not interchangeable measurements.
Set the clear opening from the use
Allow for vehicle mirrors, turning path and approach, or for pedestrian accessibility and safe egress where applicable.
Larger leaves increase hinge moment, wind exposure and sag risk; stay within documented width, mass and hardware limits.
Draw the swing envelope
Show inward or outward swing and keep the complete swept area clear. Sloping ground can reduce bottom clearance during movement.
Prevent the leaf from obstructing roads or paths and provide approved stops or hold-open hardware where required.
Specify gate posts separately
A gate post carries static and dynamic leaf loads and may need a different section and foundation from a line post.
Select post, embedment or base plate and concrete from the gate drawing, soil and wind conditions; verify buried services before excavation.
Align and adjust the hinges
Use the supplied hinge set and sequence. Betafence describes leaving bolts loose, levelling the leaf and then tightening within the adjustment.
Keep hinges coaxial, fit retainers and review pinch points and lift-off prevention.
Set the latch after free alignment
The lock must not pull a misaligned leaf into place. Align the gate first, then set latch and strike.
For double leaves, install drop rods and centre stops from the approved drawing and keep ground sockets drainable.
Connect panels without pulling posts
Do not force a standard panel to move the gate post. Use approved infill, cutting and edge protection.
Plan power, conduits, photocells, safety edges, grounding and manual release before concrete when automation is expected.
Commission through movement
Record plumb, level, gaps, fixings, coating and sharp-edge condition, then cycle the leaf through its full travel.
Check again after initial use and keep hinges, latch, post movement, coating and socket cleaning in the maintenance plan.