Numerous contractors and web sites advertise automatic gate operators for sale and/or installation.  While the prices may seem to be advantageous, there are more important issues to consider.
Safety
Safety is a primary concern when dealing with any automatic gate operating system. It is extremely important to know the capabilities and limitations of any gate operator, in order to avoid potential accidents and injuries.
As a installing dealer of gate operating systems, E.E.S. strives to provide not only proper installation techniques but also guidelines and recommendations which minimize risk. While it is impossible to provide specifics for every possible situation, below are several informative brochures which contain a wealth of valuable information.
Official DASMA (Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association International) gate opener system safety guide (PDF document) Official ASTM Standard Specification for Automated Vehicular Gate Construction OSCO SLIDE gate operator safety brochure OSCO SWING gate operator safety brochure
Real Costs
Many people think that once they have a cheap automatic gate system installed, they saved money and are done paying for it.  In reality, many low cost gate systems provided by unqualified installers necessitate higher than normal service to keep the system running properly.  There is also a high probability that some or all of the system will need to be replaced sooner than a proper system should last (and definitely sooner than you had expected).  You will end up paying twice as much, or more, for your system than you should.  THE MAJORITY OF OUR WORK IS "RE-DOING" WORK THAT OTHERS HAVE DONE POORLY.
Electronic Entry Systems and our relationship to UL 325 Safety Standard for Automatic Gate Systems
Electronic Entry Systems, Inc. is the ONLY INSTALLING DEALER IN THE MIDWESTERN UNITED STATES that is an original member of the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Committee that developed UL325, which is the NATIONAL SAFETY STANDARD for Automatic Gate Systems. Up to this day, we remain a member of the committee that has an ongoing relationship with UL as well as a commitment to update, revise, comment and vote on this extremely important national safety standard for our industry.