Let’s talk about a real slice of Aussie life, and what is that? 

The daily wrestle with the front gate.

If you have a beautiful, wide entrance framed by a double swing gate, you know the routine. 

You pull up, stop the car, unbuckle your seatbelt, jump out, and manually heave two heavy gates open. Drive through, and then repeat the whole tedious process to close them. 

It's an immediate buzzkill to come home.

But what if I told you that the future is already here, and it’s gloriously simple? 

Picture tapping a small remote, or even just your phone, and watching your heavy-duty dual swing gate swing open with elegant silence.

This isn’t about unnecessary luxury. This is about security, convenience, and making your property access effortless.

Key Takeaways

  • We break down the linear actuator arm and the safety of the DC 24V motor that powers modern gate systems.

  • A direct comparison between the Solar-Powered and the Electric (AC 230V) models.

  • How to accurately match the Max Weight and Max Width of your gate to the correct heavy-duty dual swing gate opener kit.

  • A look at Gatomate’s best systems, including the must-have WIFI Phone App control and ultimate security with the Electric Bolt Lock System.

  • Essential advice on solar panel sizing, battery health, and maximising your gate's security and lifespan.

How Does a Double Swing Gate Opener Actually Work?

Before we talk models and specs, let’s look under the hood. It’s all about a simple, powerful linear actuator arm or two that replaces your muscle power with efficient DC 24V motor strength.

Unlike a sliding gate opener, which pushes one panel sideways, a double swing gate opener (often referred to as a dual swing gate opener) utilizes two linear actuator arms, one mounted to each gate leaf. 

These arms are the muscles of the operation.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

A. The Muscle: The Linear Actuator Arm

This is the telescopic rod that attaches your gate to the post. It contains a DC 24V motor and a long, threaded rod, often made of durable stainless steel. When you activate the system:

  • To Open: The motor spins, extending the rod, which pushes the gate open.

  • To Close: The motor reverses, retracting the rod, which pulls the gate shut.

B. The Brain: The Smart Control Board

Housed in a weather-resistant control box, this is the electronic nerve centre. 

It receives the signal from your remote, keypad, or Wi-Fi phone app, and then manages the power distribution to the motors. 

A quality board, like those in Gatomate’s systems, also handles crucial functions like:

  • Soft Start and Slow Stop: This is vital. The gate speeds up gradually and slows down to a gentle stop just before closing. This reduces wear, extends the life of the gate opener motor, and keeps things quiet.

  • Auto-Stop/Safety Reverse: Using a photocell sensor (an invisible infrared beam across the driveway), the gate will instantly stop and reverse if it detects an obstruction while closing. Safety first!

  • Adjustable Force: The board allows you to set the motor's power, ensuring it’s strong enough for your heavy-duty gate while remaining safe for people and pets.

C. The Power Source (DC 24V Motor Advantage)

Almost all modern, high-quality automatic double swing gate opener systems in Australia run on 24V DC power. Why is this important?

Safety: Low-voltage DC 24V motors are inherently much safer than high-voltage (240V AC) systems.

Battery Compatibility: The 24V DC design ensures perfect compatibility with simple, inexpensive battery systems, ensuring your gate remains operational throughout day and night.

Efficiency: They are highly efficient, consuming low power, which is essential for solar-powered gate openers.

Electric vs. Solar for Your Double Gate

The biggest choice isn't the gate motor itself, but how you feed it. 

Do you want the rock-solid, always-on reliability of mains power, or the total freedom and power-cut immunity of a solar system? 

Your driveway location is about to make this decision for you.

When you automate your gate, you are hiring two strong, silent butlers to do the work. 

The next step is figuring out where to plug them in. 

This decision usually comes down to two things: 

Where your gate is located and how much you value power-cut peace of mind.

Option A: The Solar-Powered Gate Opener

Suppose your farm gate is a kilometre down a winding track. 

To run an electrical cable out there would involve trenching, permits, and a four-figure bill from the electrician. 

That’s where Solar-Powered Gate Opener is your champion.

A solar-powered opener is the ultimate solution for remote properties, farm gates, and extra-long driveways. 

It's completely self-sufficient.

It is ideal for the long driveway, the farm gate, or the homeowner who wants power-cut peace of mind and zero electricity bills.

Option B: The Electric Gate Opener

Now, let's talk about the suburban home. 

If your gate is right near the house, or if you already have an outdoor power point nearby, the Electric Gate Opener is a fantastic choice. It is the definition of "set it and forget it."

The Story of Electric

The Constant Feed: This system simply plugs into your standard 230V mains power. An internal transformer converts this into the reliable 24V DC power for the motors.

Built for a Busy Life: If your gate opens and closes dozens of times a day, mains power provides continuous, guaranteed charging. You'll never have to worry about a cloudy week depleting the battery supply.

The Electrician Factor: The only hurdle here is the high voltage input. For safety and compliance, hard-wiring the 230V input will typically require a licensed electrician.

It is ideal for urban or suburban homes, high-traffic driveways, and homeowners who prefer not to manage a solar panel and battery system.

The Crucial Specs: Don't Buy Until You Check This!

Think of your gate opener as the engine of a car. 

Would you put a tiny four-cylinder motor in a massive delivery truck? 

Of course not. 

Matching your motor's strength to your gate's size is the only way to guarantee a long and reliable life for your system.

You wouldn't hire a personal trainer to lift a weight they could barely handle once. 

The same goes for your gate motor. 

Before you even look at features like the WIFI App or the remote control, you need to answer two simple questions about your gate: 

How heavy is it? And how wide is it?

Failing to match the opener's capacity to your gate is the number one reason automatic gates fail early. 

Here is the simple formula for success:

1. Max Weight: The Motor's Strength

The Problem: Your motor needs power to overcome friction and stuck hinges, not just the gate's dead weight.

The Solution: Always buy a motor with a huge power reserve. Our systems handle up to 350 Kg per leaf.

2. Max Width: The Leverage Challenge

The Problem: A longer gate creates massive leverage. Feel of pushing a heavy door near the handle versus near the hinge because the width is a huge strain.

The Solution: Choose arms built for distance. Our kits reliably handle gates up to 3.5m per leaf.

3. The Invisible Enemy: Wind Loading

The Problem: Solid gates act like giant sails. Strong winds can add hundreds of kilos of sudden force, damaging your motor arms.

Tip: For windy spots, always add an Electric bolt Lock System. It physically locks the gate when closed, ensuring it against the wind and protecting your investment.

Gatomate’s Top Picks: The Best Double Swing Gate Opener Kits

Ready to see the heavy hitters? 

These automatic double swing gate openers are the best in Australia, designed to handle large, heavy-duty gates while offering smart control and reliability.

Top Pick 1: The Ultimate Smart System with Max Security

Product: Gatomate Full Solar Power Double Swing Gate Opener | DIY kit with WIFI Phone APP & Electric Bolt Lock

The Vibe: Complete modern convenience and peace of mind.

Key Features:

Capacity: Market-leading 700Kg total weight and 7m total span.

Connectivity: Features an essential Wi-Fi phone app control. Open your gate for a delivery driver when you're 500km away. 

Max Security: Comes standard with an Electric Bolt Lock System. This is the single best accessory for any double swing gate opener, locking the two leaves together and protecting the motor arms from strong wind or forced entry.

Power Options: As a solar-powered double swing gate opener, it includes everything from the Solar Panel (choice of 40W to 120W) down to the dual DC 12V Batteries (up to 22Ah) for guaranteed operation.

Plus if you want to know more about solar sliding gate opener, this guide will help you make much more informed decisions regarding purchase. 

Top Pick 2: The Rock-Solid All-Solar Workhorse

Product: Gatomate Automatic Full Solar Power Double Swing Gate Openers Australia DIY Kit

The Vibe: Pure off-grid reliability. This is the classic, zero-fuss solar-powered farm gate opener setup.

Key Features

Simplicity: Designed to be a straightforward DIY swing gate opener kit, ideal for those who prefer reliable function without the need for constant remote monitoring.

Efficiency: Uses the same powerful, low-consumption DC 24V motor arms found across the range.

Toughness: Built to endure Australia’s harsh climate, with robust, sealed actuator arms.

Solar Sizing: Gatomate provides clear charts to help you match your daily gate usage to the correct Solar Panel (e.g., 40W/14Ah for up to 10 uses a day) and battery backup capacity.

Top Pick 3: The Dedicated Mains Powerhouse

Product: Gatomate Electric Double Swing Gate Opener

The Vibe: Persistent and consistent power for busy entrances.

Key Features:

Power Source: Operates from AC 230V mains power via a conversion system to the safe DC 24V motors.

Consistency: Ideal for properties requiring a very high cycle rate or where the gate serves as a primary entry/exit point for numerous users throughout the day.

Complete Kit: This electric double swing gate opener package includes 5 remote controls, a wireless keypad, and a Photocell Sensor, providing every essential control feature right out of the box.

Conversion Ready: While electric, the robust nature of the DC 24V motor means it can easily be adapted with an accessory solar kit if your needs change down the track.

Expert Tips: Getting the Most From Your Automatic System

You’ve picked your motor. Now, here are the three non-negotiable expert secrets for maintenance, security, and intelligent control.

A. Optimising Your Solar Setup: The Right Size Matters

Your solar setup relies entirely on your daily usage.

  • For low usage (up to 10 times/day): You'll need a 40-watt Solar Panel and a 14Ah battery.

  • For medium use (Up to 20 times/day): Upgrade to a 50-watt Solar Panel and an 18Ah Battery.

  • For high use (Up to 30 times/day): Choose a 100-watt Solar Panel and a 22Ah Battery.

B. Why You Need That Electric Bolt Lock System

If you have solid gates or live in a high-wind area, the Electric Bolt Lock System is a necessity.

  • Wind Resistance: A large gate acts like a sail. The lock securely fastens the gates to the ground, taking the destructive wind load off the motors and actuator arms.

  • Security: It provides mechanical dead-bolting, making it nearly impossible for intruders to pry the gates open. It’s the ultimate security solution.

C. The Power of WIFI Phone App Control

Control from your phone is a huge value-add for any double swing gate opener.

  • Remote Access: Stuck in traffic? You can remotely open the gate for a courier and close it again, keeping your property secure.

  • Status Check: No more driving away and wondering, “Did I close the gate?” The App gives you instant confirmation of your gate’s status.

  • Easy Integration: Gatomate systems are designed for this seamless control, often working from up to 100m awayl.

Make the Smart Switch

Choosing the right heavy-duty dual swing gate opener is an investment in your safety, convenience, and time. 

By selecting a kit that perfectly matches your gate's size and power needs, you are installing a reliable system that will serve you for years to come.

Ready to wave goodbye to manual opening? 

Browse Gatomate’s full range of best double swing gate opener kits today and take the first step toward effortless entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I install the kit myself? 

Yes, absolutely. Our kits are designed as a DIY swing gate opener project, particularly the low-voltage solar models. Wiring the 230V AC power for electric models generally requires a licensed electrician.

2. What happens during a power cut? (Manual Override)

Every system has a manual release key. In the event of a power outage, use this key to disengage the motor arm from the gate. This allows you to easily push the gates open by hand until power is restored.

3. What if I lose my remote? 

The system can support up to 120 remote controls. You can easily program a new remote control to the control box in minutes, and you can also delete all existing codes if a remote is lost or stolen.

4. How long is the warranty? 

All Gatomate kits come with a 12-month "back-to-base" Australian warranty. We provide technical support to assist with any issues you encounter during installation or use.