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

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.