Cantilever gates are a popular option for sliding gates, particularly in places that get snow, where ground clearance is required and using a track and wheel sliding gate system won’t work. In Phoenix and other parts of Arizona, blowing dust and debris can also pose a challenge for ground-level gate tracks. Because cantilever gates are designed to “float” above the ground, they avoid these obstructions and provide a reliable alternative.
However, while most people understand gate hinges and gate latches, cantilever gate hardware is a bit more complex. Here’s a guide to the hardware used for this kind of gate in various settings.
The Cantilever Gate Trailer
While it’s not strictly gate hardware, the cantilever gate trailer is an integral part of this type of sliding gate system.
Unlike other kinds of sliding gates, a cantilever gate has an extra section of gate, also known as the “trailer,” that acts as a counterbalance or cantilever to the gate. This ensures the heavy gate remains in balance during operation and when it’s closed.
The drawback is that a cantilever gate is usually about 1.5 times the width of the opening, so you need to have adequate space on one side for the gate to slide open. If your sliding gate does not have a cantilever gate trailer, it’s not a true cantilever gate—just a different style of sliding gate.
One thing to keep in mind is clearance. In tight urban environments like downtown Phoenix, make sure your property has the space to accommodate the trailer before committing to a cantilever design.
Cantilever Gate Rollers
| Cantilever gate rollers are large, heavy-duty wheels usually attached to cantilever gate posts, often using a U-bolt or a similar type of bolt or bracket.They hold the top and bottom of the gate frame in place and allow it to roll back and forth. Because the gate should remain stable through the entire slide path, most cantilever gate designs include two sets of top and bottom rollers on the same side of the opening.
Rollers can be made of steel, nylon, or other materials, and brackets come in round or square designs. If you use a cantilever roller that integrates into a round gate frame, it can help ensure smoother sliding. Always confirm the bracket or bolts are sized correctly for your post’s diameter and wall thickness. In places like Arizona, monsoon debris and dust storms can accumulate around rollers, so regular inspections and occasional cleanings help keep these gates in good working order. |
Cantilever Roller Covers
| Cantilever rollers can be vulnerable to tampering or damage from debris like dust, leaves, and other material. Left uncovered, they may be easier to clog or even vandalize.Cantilever roller covers, typically made of plastic, fit over the roller assembly and protect it from dirt and damage. They’re easy to install on new gates, and many can be retrofitted to existing gates if sized correctly. If your gate is in an area prone to drifting soil or vegetation, covers can extend roller life and reduce maintenance needs. |
Tracks and Rollers
| Another type of cantilever gate hardware you might see is a track and roller system. In this design, rollers can be floor or post-mounted and fit inside a custom extruded channel or track.Because this system doesn’t depend on the gate frame itself for rolling, it can be used with square or rectangular gate frames. Heavier or wider gates, such as those at industrial facilities, often rely on track-based systems for added stability. If you need extra support, you can side mount a second or third rail along the fence to carry large gates without sagging.
Track and roller systems are particularly well-suited to commercial and industrial applications around Phoenix, where large gates are common and consistent performance is essential. |
Cantilever Gate Catches
| Cantilevers can use drop pin style latches or other latch types used on standard gates, but if you intend to automate your gate in the future, a specific cantilever gate latch (often called a vee catch) is recommended.These catches guide the gate into its correct position upon closing, and many also function as an anti-lift feature to keep the gate securely in place. For commercial settings where security is a priority, a vee catch can be a worthwhile upgrade. |
Cantilever Gate Posts
The final—and arguably most important—part of your cantilever gate system is the posts. They’re almost always much more robust than standard fence posts because they must support significant weight, often while moving.
The weight of the gate will typically dictate which posts to use. Always check with the gate manufacturer about recommended post size and wall thickness. Undersized posts can lead to failure or ongoing instability, especially for heavier installations found on commercial properties.
Cantilever Gate Installers
While there are a few residential sliding gate systems available, most cantilever gates are commercial or industrial in nature, so start your search with contractors experienced in those projects. Cantilever gates are heavier, more difficult to install, and can be dangerous if not installed correctly. This is a job best left to professionals—particularly if you’re unfamiliar with welding, structural design, or local codes.
In the Phoenix area, look for installers with proven expertise in handling large sliding and cantilever gates, as they’ll understand the region’s unique climate and requirements.
Western Fence Co. has decades of experience designing and installing secure gate solutions throughout the Phoenix Metro area. If you’re looking for cantilever gate installation or automation, learn more about our Phoenix gate installation services.