Today, we’ll take a look at the functionality and difference between the most common types of farm gates seen on farms around the world today.

Property Gates to Contain & Control Movement

1) Metal gates

A metal farm gate generally refers to gates made from different types of metals. There are a plethora of gate designs and sizes, but these all qualify as metal gates.

Metal or aluminum proves to be the most popular type of property gate material.

This is because it is cost-effective, lightweight, durable, and fights off rust better than steel.

The latter, on the other hand, is the material of choice when it comes to robustness. It provides a solution geared toward hard use and harsh weather conditions. When we compare aluminum to steel, aluminum looks better aesthetically while steel is a better choice for functionality.

2) Sliding gates

Sliding gates are the most popular alternative to swing variations. They are suitable for an opening without the room for a swinging gate. They’re also useful for driveways with a sharp incline – gravity might cause the swing gate to ware much faster in this kind of scenario.

These sliding gates come in one of two variations. The first option is a track model. With this model, a metal rail glides along a track in the ground. It works similarly to train tracks for your gate opening. Alternatively, the other model is known as the cantilever model. It takes on a similar sliding concept, however, the gate never touches the ground. The only difference between the two sliding gates is that the sliding happens in an aerial fashion with the cantilever model. This is via a post assembly which won’t result in the gate jamming after a flood, etc.

3) Stock gates

Stock gates confine and control livestock movement.

The most common stock gate is called the stanchion gate design which is used to set up a feeding line. This is accomplished by means of providing a head slot for each animal. The gate may be of a heavy duty build depending on the requirements and temperament of cattle.

If the animals in question are large, aggressive cattle, you might want a more sturdy gate design. If the animals are failry docile, such as goats, a light-duty gate will suffice for confining, controlling, and feeding less powerful animals.

4) Tubular gates

Tubular farm gates are often built from an arrangement of metal tubing. This tubing joins together in various designs, encompassing coiled or asymmetrical patterns. These are often topped off by a hollow metallic overhead frame.

The most common material used in tubular gate construction is galvanized steel complemented by a zinc coating. Not only will this help your gate through harsh weather, but it will also boost longevity for the structure. Sections may need to be replaced over time, but this type of gate won’t need to be replaced as a whole if you stay on top of maintenance. This can be cost-saving in the long run, as you won’t run into surprise expenses unless there’s a bad storm or some sort of vandalism.

5) Pipe gates

These are quite similar to tube gates. In other words, the only noticeable difference occurs in terms of size.

Pipe gates tend to utilize thinner tubes in comparison. Hence, they are more appropriate for decorative and aesthetic designs. They don’t provide as much strength as the aforementioned. Consequently, the primary use of a pipe gate is for demarcation purposes such as outlining gardens.

They are often paired with mesh netting.

This bolsters robustness and fills the area between large gaps where animals can escape.

6) Panel gate

Finally, the panel gate earns its name from its patterning.

This type of gate construction requires the gate design to be split into a series of boxes – or panels. This is accomplished by means of tubing, wire mesh, or metal sheets. There are generally three variations in panel gate construction.

The corral panel reinforces the bottom part in an effort to control animal movement. This type of panel gate is designed with safety in mind and is ideal for everything from round pen work to animal lessons and training, to walk-thru ability.

The second alteration of the panel gate is the heavy-duty panel. This option is more suitable for the more powerful parents of the calves contained with corral panels.

Lastly, the third type of panel gate is frequently referred to as ‘handy panel(s).’ These are perfect, low-pressure animal confinement gates. They are even more popular in cattle maintenance when it comes to acreage tasks.