Manual for a Cantilever Sliding Gate

Technical guide · component selection · suspended gate

From the upper C-profile and trolley units to the bottom guide, stops, lock and sample drawings.

Diagram of a suspended sliding gate with an upper C-profile, trolley units and bottom guide

Suspended sliding gate running in an upper C-profile. Click to open the diagram at full resolution.

DIY suspended sliding gate

Ideally, plan the gate in this order. First choose how to mount the upper C-profile, then select the C-profile size, followed by the right trolley units. Only then consider the bottom guide and other accessories such as stops, locks, handles, pull handles or locking hardware.

What is a suspended sliding gate?

A suspended sliding gate runs on trolley units housed in the upper load-bearing C-profile. Unlike a track gate, it has no load-bearing track across the opening. The bottom guide only stabilizes the gate against lateral movement.

The load-bearing part of the system is at the top. The C-profile transfers the weight of the gate leaf to the ceiling, beam or wall. The trolley units run inside the profile and support the gate leaf itself. Only guide components and stops are used at the bottom.

Basic components of a suspended gate

Basic components of a suspended system
Load-bearing components C-profile anchored to the ceiling, beam or wall; suspension trolley units; C-profile brackets.
Guiding components Guide rollers to prevent lateral movement and stops to define the end positions.
Optional accessories Hook locks, handles and pull handles for security and convenient operation.

Choosing the C-profile mounting method

You can mount the C-profile from above to the ceiling or a beam, or from the side to a wall or steel post. Depending on the mounting surface, the brackets can be screwed in place, installed using mechanical or chemical anchors, or welded to a prepared steel structure.

The C-profile can also be drilled directly and screwed to the supporting structure. There is enough space inside the profile for a suitably selected and correctly installed screw not to obstruct the suspension trolley unit. This is an alternative where you do not want or need to weld the profile. However, the type and spacing of the screws, as well as the load-bearing capacity of the mounting surface, must be suited to the gate's weight and usage.

Top and side brackets for the C-profile of a suspended gate

On the left, a bracket for a horizontal surface or beam; on the right, a bracket for a vertical surface or post.

Typical bracket spacing: approximately 80 to 100 cm. Always adjust the actual spacing to the gate's weight, C-profile length, anchoring method and the load-bearing capacity of the structure.

Galvanized brackets

For a standard steel structure, choose a bracket to match the size of the C-profile used:

Stainless steel brackets

If you are using a stainless steel system or installing it in an environment where greater corrosion resistance is required, we also offer top and side INOX brackets for the medium C-profile, 42 × 52 × 2.5 mm.

Choosing a C-profile for suspended gates

The key factors in choosing a profile are the gate's dimensions, weight and intended use. The C-profile must be compatible in size with the trolley units and brackets. With bracket spacing correctly set, the system's load capacity is usually determined by the suspension trolley units rather than the profile itself.

C-profile 34 x 31 x 2 mm for a suspended gate

C-profile 34 × 31 × 2 mm

C-profile 42 x 52 x 2.5 mm for a suspended gate

C-profile 42 × 52 × 2.5 mm

C-profile 57 x 67 x 3 mm for a suspended gate

C-profile 57 × 67 × 3 mm

Galvanized C-profiles

Standard sizes for typical suspended gates.

Stainless steel C-profiles

INOX finish for environments with higher corrosion-resistance requirements.

Alternative CAIS system for heavier suspended gates

For a heavier gate leaf, you can choose the CAIS system. This system uses a different combination of components from the basic profiles and trolley units listed above. The C-profile, trolley unit and gate-leaf bracket must be compatible with one another – choosing a heavier-duty profile alone is not enough.

Which components go together

Matching the CAIS C-profile, trolley unit and adjustable bracket
CAIS C-profile Suspension trolley unit Gate-leaf mounting bracket
73 × 61 × 3.5 mm, Fe or Zn SPEED C GD180, M16 thread
95 × 86 × 5 mm, Fe or Zn SPEED CM GD200, M20 thread

For the SPEED C trolley, another option for attaching the gate leaf is the AD150 bracket for a suitable U-profile. Its use and dimensions are listed below in this chapter.

CAIS C-profiles

Choose from two sizes, each available in untreated steel (Fe) or galvanized steel (Zn). All four profiles have holes for bolted mounting. The anchoring method and bracket spacing must be designed according to the actual gate load.

CAIS C-profile 73 × 61 × 3.5 mm Fe with holes for bolted mounting

CAIS C-profile 73 × 61 × 3.5 mm, Fe

STAGE SB · untreated steel
For SPEED C trolley.

CAIS C-profile 73 × 61 × 3.5 mm Zn with holes for bolted mounting

CAIS C-profile 73 × 61 × 3.5 mm, Zn

STAGE SZ · galvanized steel
For SPEED C trolley.

CAIS C-profile 95 × 86 × 5 mm Fe with holes for bolted mounting

CAIS C-profile 95 × 86 × 5 mm, Fe

STAGE MB · untreated steel
For SPEED CM trolley.

CAIS C-profile 95 × 86 × 5 mm Zn with holes for bolted mounting

CAIS C-profile 95 × 86 × 5 mm, Zn

STAGE MZ · galvanized steel
For SPEED CM trolley.

CAIS trolleys

CAIS SPEED C suspension trolley with four metal rollers

CAIS SPEED C – trolley for 73 × 61 × 3.5 mm C-profile

Four metal rollers, galvanized steel body and Ø 16 mm central hole. For 73 × 61 × 3.5 mm profiles in both Fe and Zn finishes.

Load capacity of one trolley according to the product page: 480 kg . The GD180 bracket (M16), or the AD150 bracket with a suitable U-profile, connects the trolley to the gate leaf.

CAIS SPEED CM suspension trolley with four metal rollers

CAIS SPEED CM – trolley for 95 × 86 × 5 mm C-profile

Four metal rollers, galvanized steel body and Ø 20 mm central hole. For 95 × 86 × 5 mm profiles in both Fe and Zn finishes.

Load capacity of one trolley according to the product page: 980 kg . The GD200 bracket (M20) connects the trolley to the gate leaf.

The trolley's load capacity is not the load capacity of the entire gate. The assembly must also be assessed based on trolley placement, gate-leaf attachment, C-profile anchor spacing, and the load-bearing capacity of the supporting structure. The basic trolley table in the following chapter does not apply to CAIS trolleys.

CAIS mounting brackets and attachments

The following parts connect the gate leaf to the suspension trolley. They are not brackets for attaching the upper C-profile to a wall or ceiling.

CAIS GD180 upper adjustable bracket with M16 thread

CAIS GD180 – upper adjustable M16 bracket

For the SPEED C trolley and 73 × 61 × 3.5 mm . The galvanized steel bracket connects the trolley to the gate leaf.

CAIS GD200 upper adjustable bracket with M20 thread

CAIS GD200 – upper adjustable M20 bracket

For the SPEED CM trolley and 95 × 86 × 5 mm . The galvanized steel bracket connects the trolley to the gate leaf.

CAIS AD150 mounting attachment for a suspension-gate leaf made from U-profile

CAIS AD150 – mounting attachment for a gate leaf made from U-profile

Another way to connect the gate leaf to the trolley SPEED C . According to the product page, it is designed for 46 × 60 mm U-profile or 40 × 45 × 40 × 2 mm U-profile in the gate-leaf structure.

Dimensions according to the product drawing: attachment length 150 mm , external width 57 mm , U-section height 58 mm , side plate thickness 5 mm and bolt M16 × 100 . The top plate is 8 mm thick .

For SPEED CM with a Ø 20 mm hole, we do not list it as an interchangeable part; the GD200 bracket is designed for this trolley.

Suspension trolley load capacities

The load capacities in the table are for one trolley, according to the source manual.

If you need a higher load capacity, you can use more trolleys. In practice, they are often arranged in pairs: two trolleys side by side, then a gap, followed by another two trolleys, much like the axles of a car. The exact layout must be adapted to the gate structure and load distribution.

Load capacity per trolley
C-profile 2 rollers 4 rollers
34 × 31 × 2 mm 30 kg 50 kg
42 × 52 × 2.5 mm 100 kg 250 kg
57 × 67 × 3 mm 175 kg 350 kg

Important: the table reproduces the values from the source manual. For each specific trolley, always check the load capacity stated on the product page, especially if it has a different type of rollers.

Load distribution between trolleys

Using more trolleys does not necessarily reduce the maximum load on each trolley. Their positioning and structural deflection are decisive.

Distribution of force F when using two, three and four trolleys

Diagram showing the distribution of total load F across two, three and four trolleys.

Load share per trolley
Number of trolleys Load distribution from left to right
2 0.5 F + 0.5 F
3 0.188 F + 0.625 F + 0.188 F
4 0.133 F + 0.367 F + 0.367 F + 0.133 F

With three trolleys, the middle trolley may carry 0.625 F, which is more than the 0.5 F carried by each of a correctly spaced pair of trolleys.

Practical note: If you want to use more trolleys, they are typically not spaced evenly along the entire length of the gate leaf. In practice, two trolleys are placed close together, with another pair close together, much like the axles on a car. The exact solution depends on the gate design and how the load is distributed.

Choosing a guide system for a suspended gate

The bottom guide prevents the suspended gate from swinging sideways and helps ensure smooth, stable movement. First, review the guide options, then choose a solution to suit the frame, available space and installation method.

Three bottom guide options for a suspended gate

Guide rollers on both sides, a roller fitted inside the profile, and an L-profile guide.

Browse the category for an overview of available rollers and other solutions: bottom guides for suspended gates .

For a heavier gate: A track for a track-based sliding gate can be installed at the bottom, along with bottom wheels. This distributes the weight between the top and bottom guides, so the entire gate leaf is not supported solely by the top C-profile and suspension trolleys. This type of combined solution should be designed to suit the gate weight and supporting structure.

Guide track

Bottom guide track for suspended and folding gates

The 83 × 51 mm galvanized track is installed along the length of the gate. A bottom guide pin with a bearing runs in its groove.

Rollers

All bottom guide options

Choose from bottom guide wheels, adjustable rollers and solutions for different suspended-gate frame widths.

Stops for suspended gates

Mechanical stops define the end positions and prevent the gate from sliding out of the C-profile. A stop can be fitted inside the C-profile or anchored to the ground or a post.

Internal stop for a suspended gate C-profile

Stop in the top C-profile

Internal stop for a suspended gate C-profile

It is fitted inside the top profile and limits trolley movement at the end position.

Internal stop for C-profile, 34 x 31 x 2 mm

Stop for small profile

Internal stop for C-profile, 34 × 31 × 2.0

Sized for the small 34 × 31 × 2.0 mm suspended-gate C-profile.

Galvanized bottom stop for a sliding gate with base plate

Bottom stop, galvanized

Bottom stop with base plate

It is screwed to a solid surface and sets the position of the bottom of the gate leaf.

Stainless steel bottom stop for a sliding gate with base plate

Bottom stop, stainless steel

Stainless steel bottom stop with base plate

Stainless steel version of the screw-on bottom stop.

View all stops for suspended gates

Choosing optional accessories: locks, handles and pulls

A hook lock is used to secure a manually operated sliding gate. Choose the size to suit the frame profile and the required operating method. Then pair the lock with a suitable handle or pull handle.

D hook lock, ZH-04 for sliding gates

D hook lock

D hook lock, ZH-04

Lock with a retractable hook for frame profiles from 40 × 25 mm.

H hook lock, ZH-08 for sliding gates

H hook lock

H hook lock, ZH-08

Larger version that allows the gate to be operated with a handle.

Stainless steel hook lock ZH-09 INOX

Stainless steel lock

Stainless steel hook lock ZH-09 INOX

Stainless steel version with a cylinder for sliding and swing gates.

Stainless steel square pull handle, 268 x 64 mm

Gate pull handle

Stainless steel square pull handle, 268 × 64 mm

Pull handle for convenient manual operation of a suspended gate.

All hook locks · Lever handles, knobs and escutcheons · Gate pull handles

Frequently asked questions and answers

1. Does a suspended gate need a running track?

In a standard suspended-gate setup, the top C-profile and trolleys carry the weight; the bottom of the gate leaf only stabilizes it. For a heavier gate, however, a combined solution with bottom wheels and a track for a track-based sliding gate , which distributes the load between the top and bottom, can be designed.

2. How far apart should the C-profile brackets be installed?

The manual gives approximately 80 to 100 cm as the most common spacing. The actual spacing must take into account the weight of the gate leaf, profile length, anchoring method and load capacity of the supporting structure.

3. How do I choose the right C-profile?

Based on the gate dimensions and total weight, including the infill. The suspension trolley must be designed for the same C-profile size, and its load capacity must be suitable for the actual load.

4. Is the weight distributed evenly when using three or four trolleys?

Not always. According to the diagram in the manual, with three trolleys the middle trolley may carry up to 0.625 of the total load F. When using four trolleys, they are often installed in two pairs close together, much like the axles on a car, rather than evenly along the entire length of the gate leaf. The exact positioning depends on the gate design and how the load is distributed.

5. Which type of bottom guide is best?

It depends on the frame and the space around the gate. You can use rollers on both sides of the frame, a roller running inside the bottom profile, a bottom guide track or an L-profile guide. The guide should stabilize the gate leaf without creating unnecessary friction.

6. What are end stops used for?

They define the open and closed positions and prevent the trolleys from sliding out of the C-profile. A stop can be fitted in the C-profile or anchored to the ground or a post.

Suspended gate design examples

The drawings have been rotated to the natural orientation. The preview is sized to fit the center column; click to open the full-resolution drawing with all dimensions.

Suspended gate with a clear opening of 1.5 × 2.5 m

  • Frame 1 700 × 2 500 mm
  • Profile JÄKL 60 × 40 × 2 mm
  • Profile required approx. 12 m
  • Net weight approx. 36 kg

Suspended gate with a clear opening of 3.0 × 2.5 m

  • Frame 3 200 × 2 500 mm
  • Profile JÄKL 60 × 40 × 2 mm
  • Profile consumption approx. 19 m
  • Weight approx. 56 kg

Cantilever gate for a clear opening of 4.5 × 2.5 m

  • Frame 4 700 × 2 500 mm
  • Profile JÄKL 60 × 40 × 2 mm
  • Profile consumption approx. 26 m
  • Weight approx. 76 kg

Cantilever gate for a clear opening of 6.0 × 2.5 m

  • Frame 6 200 × 2 500 mm
  • Profile JÄKL 60 × 40 × 2 mm
  • Profile consumption approx. 33 m
  • Weight approx. 96 kg

Note on profiles: Profiles can be larger or arranged differently, for example diagonally. For hot-dip galvanizing, the manual recommends using structural material with a 3 mm wall thickness to reduce the risk of twisting. For a different design, a thinner profile wall may also be used if, following a technical assessment, it is appropriate for the dimensions, weight and rigidity of the specific gate.

The dimensions shown are for illustration only. The cantilever gate can also be designed in other dimensions and welded from different hollow sections. For non-standard dimensions or a heavier infill, we recommend checking the profile, number of carriages and anchoring method for the specific situation.

Ordering and advice

» Ask about the technical solution

If you haven’t found the information you’re looking for, contact us. We can advise you on choosing a C-profile, brackets, carriages, bottom guide and accessories for your cantilever gate.

Information we need to select suitable products for you

  • the clear width and height of the opening,
  • the dimensions of the entire gate leaf and its estimated weight including infill,
  • a photo or sketch of the location where the C-profile will be anchored,
  • how you would like to arrange the bottom guide.

Technical note: The examples shown are for guidance only and do not replace an assessment by a qualified professional of the specific supporting structure, anchoring method and installation conditions.

Prepared by Eng. Ján Kubíček.

Last updated: 16. 9. 2026.

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