Like all machinery, boom gates can deteriorate over time – especially if they aren’t being maintained. Owners of car parks, driveways, commercial properties, warehouses and more want to keep them running smoothly. But, yes, this maintenance takes a bit of effort to achieve all the long-term benefits. 

In this blog, we’ll go over our tips for making your gates stay good as new for as long as possible.

Checking and Maintaining Boom Gates for Longevity and Cost-Effectiveness

Why Regularly Maintain Boom Gates?

If you want long-term smooth operation, you’ll need to engage in regular maintenance of your automatic boom gates. This prevents expensive breakdowns, extends the gate’s lifespan, and maintains security. Boom gates are made to prevent unauthorised access and ensure reliable traffic management. We want to help them do this!

Preventative upkeep, such as regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of electrical components, helps your boom gate system remain reliable and efficient. This is especially important if your boom gate faces heavy weather conditions and high-frequency use. 

What are the Benefits of Boom Gate Maintenance?

Regular servicing of barrier gates ensures all mechanical and electrical parts function smoothly, preventing issues like slow movement or failure to open or close. For large car parks or busy driveways, this is important to stop congestion or inconvenience.

Routine care and cleaning reduce wear and tear on components, which helps prolong the operational life of the gate, potentially by 15 years or more with proper maintenance. Preventing such breakdowns saves you expensive emergency repairs, which are often more costly than scheduled service.
 

Regular checks on sensors, motors, and wiring prevent functional failures, while also adapting the system to withstand the stress of environmental factors like dust, wind, and extreme temperatures. Lubricating moving parts and aligning components also helps reduce friction and prevent banging noises. This creates a more peaceful environment and improves component longevity. 

What are the Top Maintenance Tasks for Your Boom Gates?

Before completing DIY checks and maintenance, always check the boom gate’s user manual. You may use gloves and glasses for safety. Keep a close eye on components, and ensure electrics are turned off before you try to adjust anything. Always talk to a professional about boom gate maintenance if you’re unsure. 

Cleaning

Monthly or bi-monthly cleaning removes dirt, dust, and debris from arms, sensors, and the motor housing to prevent blockages. 1. Use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution to clean the boom arm and surrounding components. 2. Turn off the power supply to electrical components before cleaning. 3. Monitor the area around the gate for debris that could hinder operation or cause damage.
 

Inspections

• Visual: Once a week, perform a visual check of the entire system, looking for loose brackets, damage to the boom arm (dents, cracks), bent posts, and any obstacles in the gate’s path. 
• Electrics: Regularly inspect wiring, connections, and the control panel for loose connections, frayed wires, or tripped breakers. Ensure proper power flow and system function. 
• Sensor and Motor: Dust and debris can lead to operational failures. Regularly clean and test sensors and motors. 

Lubrication and Adjustments

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a weather-resistant lubricant to hinges, bearings, and pivot points. Do this every three to six months, adjusting based on gate usage frequency. 
• Check Balance Spring: Occasionally inspect the balance spring for deformation and adjust as needed to maintain proper balance. 
• Tighten Fittings: Periodically tighten screws, bolts, and other fittings to prevent unnecessary movement, noise, and mechanical failure. 

Contact Us

Consider using a professional technician for routine inspections, to identify wear and misalignment, and to promptly address any damage to your car park access control systems. Professionals can also help with system upgrades and ensure the gate maintains its certification

For reliable professional maintenance from a gate company with vast experience in Brisbane, come to us at Brisbane Automatic Gate Systems. Give us a call today to learn more about our services.