Manual for a track-mounted sliding gate

Technical guide · DIY construction · track sliding gate

This guide will help you prepare the space for a track sliding gate and choose the rail, wheels, guide system and drive. You’ll also find sample drawings for openings from 2.5 to 6.5 m. The drawings are provided as a planning aid.

Image of a track sliding gate. Click to open a larger view.

How a track gate works and its components
Clearance, rail and concrete foundation
Preparing the wiring and drive
Drive wiring diagrams
Choosing a rail for a track gate
Choosing wheels for a track gate
Choosing a guide system for a track gate
Stops, locking and controls
Checks before installing the drive
Track gate drawings for openings from 2.5 to 6.5 m
Component kits

From foundations to a complete track gate

A track gate carries its weight on the bottom wheels and travels along a rail laid along the entire gate path. When planning, first check that there is enough room for the gate to open, prepare a level base and wiring, then match the rail profile to the wheels, and finally choose the guide system, stops, locking hardware and, if required, a drive.

Main components of a track sliding gate

The gate leaf runs on a pair of bottom wheels. The wheels transfer the weight down to the rail and foundation. The top or side guide keeps the gate aligned laterally, but must not carry its weight.

Track system components
Running gear	U-shaped rail (U16 or U20) or V-shaped rail and compatible wheels fitted in the bottom frame channel.
Gate guide system	Top guide between rollers or side guide in a U/L profile.
End positions	Bottom and top stops that bring the gate to a halt and keep it stable.
Optional accessories	Hook lock, handles, grip handles, drives, rack sections, photocells, warning beacons and NICE remote controls (remotes from other brands).

Most important compatibility requirement: the wheel groove profile and diameter must match the rail being used. A wheel for U16 is not suitable for a U20 rail, and a V-groove wheel is for a V-shaped rail.

Clearance, rail and concrete foundation

The rail must be installed in a straight line, with no breaks between sections. The gate travels along it across the clear opening and continues into the space beside the fence. If the wheels are positioned at the ends of the frame, the rail must extend beneath the entire wheel path.

Rail / concrete foundation

Positioning the running gear and drive foundation.

Front view, side view and plan showing the rail and drive foundation installation.

Key to the foundation diagram labels

ŠP	Clear opening width.
DK	Running rail length.
SD	Bottom stop.
ZP	Gate drive foundation.

The labels correspond to the diagrams above the key. Determine the exact dimensions and installation clearances from the current drawing for the product you have chosen.

Opening clearance: measure the full gate-leaf travel, including the frame overhang, wheel positions, stops and space for the drive. Determine the specific dimensions from the current drawing for the components you have selected.

Preparing the wiring and drive

Even if the gate will initially be operated manually, it’s a good idea to install conduit before pouring the concrete. You can then add a drive, photocells, a warning beacon or a key switch without cutting into the finished foundation.

Wiring preparation, figures 5–7. Branch labels A–D correspond to the table below. Click to open a readable detail.

Indicative wiring for selected drives
Connection	NICE ROAD 400	NICE ROBUS 400/600/1000
A - 230 V power supply	1 × 3 × 1.5 mm²	1 × 3 × 1.5 mm²
B - left photocell	1 × 2 × 0.25 mm²	1 × 2 × 0.5 mm²
C - right photocell	1 × 4 × 0.25 mm²	1 × 2 × 0.5 mm²
D - warning beacon	1 × 2 × 0.5 mm² + thin RG58, 50 Ω coaxial cable	1 × 2 × 0.5 mm² + thin RG58, 50 Ω coaxial cable

For power cable lengths over 30 m, NICE specifies a conductor cross-section greater than 3 × 1.5 mm² for the ROBUS RB400/RB600/RB1000 drives.

Optional rail heating: A resistance heating cable can be installed inside the rail. Since the gate area usually has a drive and a 230 V supply, the heating can be controlled by a temperature or humidity sensor, or by a simple switch.

Drive wiring diagrams

Choose the diagram according to the drive and control unit model. The older NICE Robus RB and newer NICE Robus RBS have different terminal blocks. Their wiring diagrams are not interchangeable. Always refer to the manual for the specific control unit.

NICE Robus RB400 / RB600 / RB1000

Diagram from the NICE ROBUS400/600/1000 installation manual, printed page 11, figure 7. Click to open a readable detail.

NICE ROBUS400/600/1000 installation manual – wiring diagram (PDF, page 12 of the file).

NICE Robus RB600 – product and installation manual. For other control unit versions, use the documentation for that specific version.

NICE Robus RBS400 / RBS600

Wiring diagram for the individual components of the RBS400/600 control unit, Figure 12. Click to open the diagram and terminal block detail in full resolution.

Mains cable wiring, Figure 13. Click to open a readable detail.

NICE RBS400/600/600HS installation manual – wiring diagram and description (PDF, pp. 16–17).

Products: NICE Robus RBS400 and NICE Robus RBS600.

The original is also available for the older ROAD setup: original NICE ROAD 400 diagram. Current range: NICE sliding gate operators.

Choosing a track for a tracked gate

First choose the track profile, then the rollers. The U-track has a rounded running surface for a U-groove roller, while the V-track has a 90° apex and takes a V-groove roller. Tracks for bolting down are fixed to a level, fully cured base; the cast-in version is installed during concreting.

Standard straight tracks in the current category
Track	Profile	Installation	Material
U16 track for bolting down	U16	for bolting down	Zn
U20 track for bolting down	U20	for bolting down	Zn
V-track for bolting down	V	for bolting down	Zn
U20 track for casting into concrete	U20	for casting into concrete	Zn
INOX U16 track for bolting down	U16	for bolting down	INOX
INOX U20 track for bolting down	U20	for bolting down	INOX
INOX V-track for bolting down	V	for bolting down	INOX

The table covers standard U/V tracks. Curved tracks are intentionally omitted. The full current range is in the category tracks for tracked sliding gates.

Choosing rollers for a tracked gate

Once you have chosen a compatible track profile, consider the gate weight, roller diameter and mounting method. A gate usually uses one pair of rollers, so the load capacity on product pages is stated per pair for standard models.

With bracket
View roller

Recessed, for bolting down
View roller

Recessed, for welding
View roller

Roller with bracket is the most commonly used option and is easier to install.
Recessed roller is used when you want to reduce the clearance between the gate and the ground. It is recessed into the structure’s bottom profile.
Recessed roller Depending on the type, it can be bolted or welded to the structure.

Current standard roller options
Product	Track	Available diameters
IBFM roller with bracket for bolting down	U16	Ø50, Ø60, Ø80, Ø90, Ø100
IBFM recessed roller for bolting down	U16	Ø60, Ø80, Ø90, Ø100
IBFM recessed roller for welding	U16	Ø60, Ø80, Ø90, Ø100
IBFM roller with bracket for bolting down	U20	Ø80, Ø100
IBFM recessed roller for bolting down	U20	Ø80, Ø100, Ø140
IBFM roller with bracket for bolting down	V	Ø50, Ø60, Ø80, Ø90, Ø100
IBFM recessed roller for bolting down	V	Ø60, Ø80, Ø90, Ø100
IBFM recessed roller for welding	V	Ø80, Ø90, Ø100

Choose the diameter from the options table on the relevant product page.All rollers for tracked gates

Choosing a guide for a tracked gate

The guide keeps the top of the gate on track. It does not carry the weight of the gate leaf, and the rollers must not clamp the frame so tightly that the gate binds.

Top guide between rollers
View top guide

Side guide using a roller in a U- or L-profile
View side guide

Top guide	Side guide
Use this if the infill does not extend above the frame’s top profile. The roller bracket is fixed to a fence, wall or alignment post.	Use when the infill is to extend above the frame. A U- or L-profile is welded to the inside of the gate leaf, and the roller from the post runs in it.

Choose the guide system to suit the gate frame and infill.All guides for track gates

Stops, locking and controls

Gate stops

The bottom stop halts the frame when the gate opens or closes. The top stop also stabilises the gate leaf in its end position. The gate operator stops the gate at the set end positions. Keep the mechanical stops in place too; they will catch the gate when it is moved manually after the operator has been disengaged.

See bottom and top stops for track gates.

Manual locking

A hook lock is used for a manually operated gate. For a track gate, you also need a pin or another catch to prevent the gate leaf from lifting out of the lock. Choose a compatible handle or pull handle to suit the thickness of the frame and infill.

See locks, handles and pull handles for track gates.

Operating the gate operator

The gate can be operated with a NICE remote control or a remote control from another brand, key switch, push button, keypad, reader or smart module. Check receiver and remote-control compatibility against the specific control unit, not just the operator brand.

Checks before installing the gate operator

Before installing the operator, move the gate manually through its full travel. Movement must be smooth, without catching or excessive resistance. Check the guide system and stops. The operator must not be used to compensate for faulty mechanical installation.

Track gate drawings for clear opening widths of 2.5 to 6.5 m

Click the image to open the drawing. Basic dimensions, profiles and weights are also listed in the text below.

These values do not represent a universal load capacity for every gate with the same clear opening width.