Guarding Your Gate's Rolling Wheels: Safety First, Compliance Always

Guarding the Rolling Wheels on Your Gate: A Must for Safety and Code Compliance

When it comes to automated sliding gates, convenience and security are only part of the equation. One of the most overlooked—yet essential—components of gate safety is ensuring that the rolling wheels are properly guarded.

If you own or install sliding gates, especially in residential, ranch, or equestrian settings like those we serve throughout Loxahatchee, Wellington, and the western communities of Palm Beach County, this small detail can have serious consequences if ignored.

Why Are Wheel Guards So Important?

Rolling gate wheels often travel along ground tracks or behind the frame of the gate. These wheels can pose a hazard to children, pets, and even adults if they are exposed—leading to the risk of entrapment, crushing, or limb injury.

Proper wheel guards:

• Prevent hands, feet, and objects from becoming trapped between the gate and the supporting surface

• Improve the gate’s long-term structural performance by shielding components from debris

• Demonstrate that your gate system was installed with safety and code compliance in mind

What the Standards Say: ASTM F2200 and UL 325

Busanti Gate Company installs and services gate systems in accordance with two primary safety standards:

1. ASTM F2200 – The Standard Specification for Automated Vehicular Gate Construction, which mandates that sliding gates must be guarded in all pinch points and openings that could pose an entrapment hazard.

   Specifically, Section 6.1.1 of ASTM F2200 requires that rollers exposed in the gate's plane of travel be guarded or shielded to prevent contact.

2. UL 325 – The Standard for Safety for Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems, which requires automated gate systems to be installed in a way that minimizes the risk of entrapment or injury. Though UL 325 primarily covers the operator itself, it defers to ASTM F2200 for construction elements—including wheel guards.

Together, these standards work to reduce the risk of injury and liability, which is why all reputable installers—including Busanti Gate Company—adhere to both.

How We Help

At Busanti Gate Company, we take safety seriously. Our team:

✅ Installs fully enclosed wheel guards on all new sliding gates
✅ Performs inspections and retrofits on existing gates to meet code
✅ Educates homeowners and property managers about ongoing safety obligations

We also design and build custom solutions, so even if your gate is unique, we can create compliant and durable safety shielding that blends seamlessly with your gate’s aesthetic.

Schedule a Gate Safety Tune-Up

Not sure if your gate is compliant? We offer gate safety inspections and service calls across Loxahatchee, Wellington, Jupiter Farms, and beyond.

🔗 Book a service visit now
📞 Call us at 561-444-8473

🚫 Why Wrought Iron Gates Don’t Work in South Florida 🚫

Thinking about installing a wrought iron gate? Think again. Here in South Florida, the climate is not your friend when it comes to iron.

🌴 High Humidity + Salt Air = Corrosion Nightmare
Within a short time, that elegant gate becomes a rusted, flaking liability — especially near the coast. Even powder-coated wrought iron can't withstand our relentless elements.

🔥 Warping & Paint Failure
Daily sun exposure, heavy rain, and shifting soil conditions cause traditional wrought iron gates to warp, peel, and sag — turning beauty into burden.

💡 Better Solutions Exist
At Busanti Gate Company, we build custom gates engineered for South Florida — using aluminum, stainless hardware, and finishes designed to endure. Lightweight, rustproof, and made to last.

➡️ Ask us about our hurricane-ready, low-maintenance gate options!

📍Proudly serving Loxahatchee, Wellington, Jupiter Farms, and beyond.
📞 561-444-8473
📅 Book your free consultation: www.BusantiGateCompany.com/schedule

The Truth About Farm Gates: Yes, They Sag — But There’s a Right Way to Fix It

If you own a farm, ranch, or rural property in South Florida, chances are you’ve seen it happen — your gate that once stood straight and level starts sagging. It’s not your imagination — it’s a fact. Almost all farm-style gates, especially those long, lightweight tube gates, will eventually sag.

At Busanti Gate Company, we’ve seen it all, and we believe in being upfront: sag happens. But how you handle it makes all the difference.

Why Do Farm Gates Sag?

It comes down to basic physics and materials:

✔ Long, unsupported spans naturally flex over time
✔ Lightweight metal gates aren't built for structural rigidity
✔ Improperly set or weak gate posts accelerate the problem
✔ Inexpensive hinges or poor installation create stress points

Even with perfect installation, over time, the weight of the gate and environmental factors (heat, rain, wind) will cause sagging.

The Common Band-Aid Fixes

We often get called to fix sagging farm gates that have had these "quick fixes" applied:

⚠️ Wheels or Caster Supports — These help in the short term but wear down quickly, especially in sandy, uneven terrain.
⚠️ Third Hinge Installation — Provides temporary reinforcement but doesn’t address the underlying problem.
⚠️ Suspension Cords or Chains — An old-school trick to hold the gate level, but it looks unsightly and rarely holds up long-term.

These are all just Band-Aids, not permanent solutions.

The Real Solution: Quality Materials & Expert Installation

At Busanti Gate Company, we take a different approach:

✔ We properly set heavy-duty gate posts in concrete
✔ We use high-quality, appropriately rated hinges
✔ We design and fabricate gates with sag-resistance in mind
✔ We never cut corners on hardware or structural integrity
✔ We ensure alignment, level, and swing are correct from day one

A gate properly designed, built, and installed by experienced professionals will last years longer and stay level — no wheels, chains, or improvised fixes required.

Stop Fighting with a Sagging Gate

Tired of propping your gate up, replacing wheels, or dealing with constant adjustments? It's time to invest in a properly built and installed gate that functions — and lasts.

Schedule a gate evaluation today:
www.busantigatecompany.com/schedule
Or call 561-444-8473 for expert advice and honest solutions.

Busanti Gate Company — Design • Build • Automate • Service
Proudly serving Loxahatchee, Wellington, Jupiter Farms, and beyond.

Is Your Gate Safe? The Truth About Safety Devices and Gate Automation.

Gate automation offers incredible convenience, security, and peace of mind. But just like a garage door or automatic sliding door, your gate should be equipped with proper safety devices to protect your family, visitors, and property.

At Busanti Gate Company, we believe your gate should not only function — it should operate safely.

What Are Gate Safety Devices?

Safety devices are designed to prevent accidents, property damage, or injury caused by an automated gate. These devices may include:

✅ Photoelectric Sensors (Photo Eyes) — These detect movement across the gate’s path and stop the gate if something or someone crosses it.
✅ Edge Sensors — Pressure-sensitive strips that stop the gate if they make contact with an object.
✅ Audible Alarms & Lights — Warn nearby pedestrians or vehicles when the gate is in motion.
✅ Automatic Reversing Features — Ensures the gate reverses direction if an obstruction is detected.

These are standard features we recommend on most automated gate systems to comply with UL 325 and ASTM F2200safety standards.

But What About Solar Gate Systems Like Ghost Controls?

Solar-powered gate openers, like Ghost Controls, are popular across South Florida, especially in rural areas like Loxahatchee, Wellington, and Jupiter Farms, where electrical connections may be difficult to access.

While these systems offer affordable and convenient automation, it's important to understand their limitations:

⚠️ Ghost Controls Solar Gate Openers are not designed to support additional safety devices such as photo eyes or edge sensors.
⚠️ This means, aside from the built-in obstruction sensing, there are no external safeguards to enhance safety beyond the standard factory settings.
⚠️ For properties with children, pets, or high foot traffic, this limitation is important to consider.

Our Recommendation

We love solar gate solutions for the right property — but safety should always come first. We recommend:

✔ Discussing your property's needs with a gate professional
✔ Choosing a system that supports safety devices if your property sees regular pedestrian or vehicle traffic
✔ Considering electrical upgrades if safety features are a priority
✔ Understanding that in some rural setups, Ghost Controls Solar systems are best suited for low-traffic, vehicle-onlyaccess points

Your Gate, Your Choice — But Always Safe

When you work with Busanti Gate Company, we explain your options, the safety features available, and the limitations of different gate systems — so you can make an informed, confident decision.

Whether it's a simple solar gate or a fully automated, UL-rated system with advanced safety, we design, build, automate, and service gates with your safety in mind.

Need a Gate Evaluation?

Schedule a free safety consultation today:
www.busantigatecompany.com/schedule

Or call 561-444-8473 for expert advice.

Busanti Gate Company — Design • Build • Automate • Service
Proudly serving Loxahatchee, Wellington, Jupiter Farms, and surrounding communities.

Is Your Gate Safe for Visitors? Why Regular Service is Essential

Your gate is the first thing visitors, family, and even delivery drivers encounter at your property. But is it safe? Is it reliable? At Busanti Gate Company, we often find that homeowners and businesses don’t realize how important regular gate service is—until a failure happens.
Whether your gate protects your home, business, or farm, ensuring it's properly maintained isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety.

How Often Should You Service Your Gate?

The truth is, every gate is different. Factors like traffic volume, usage patterns, and even Florida's harsh weather impact how often your system should be inspected and maintained. Here's our general recommendation:

✅ Monthly Service:

For high-traffic properties like businesses, equestrian facilities, or multi-family homes where the gate operates dozens—or hundreds—of times per day.

✅ Quarterly Service:

If your gate opens more than 25 times a day, we strongly recommend quarterly service. This is typical for busy households, farms, or properties with regular deliveries or visitors.

✅ Semi-Annual Service (Every 6 Months):

For most standard residential gates, especially those with moderate daily use, a twice-yearly service ensures components stay lubricated, aligned, and operating safely.

Don’t Let Dead Batteries Leave You Locked Out

Battery-powered gate openers are common in South Florida, especially for properties without convenient electrical connections. But batteries don't last forever.
Busanti Gate Company offers battery checks and replacements as part of our service visits, helping you avoid the frustration—and safety risk—of a non-functional gate when you need it most.

Peace of Mind, Year-Round

A malfunctioning gate isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Broken safety sensors, misaligned hardware, or a gate stuck halfway open exposes your property and creates liability.
Our Gate Service Plans ensure your system is:

·       ✔ Properly lubricated

·       ✔ Aligned and tested

·       ✔ Safety devices are working

·       ✔ Batteries are checked and replaced as needed

Ready to Book a Service?

Click below to schedule your gate service and keep your property safe and secure:
https://www.busantigatecompany.com/schedule
Or call us at 561-444-8473 for expert advice.

Busanti Gate Company — Design • Build • Automate • Service
Proudly serving Loxahatchee, Wellington, Jupiter Farms, and beyond.