There are three main types. A cantilever gate hangs from rollers on its own posts and never touches the ground — the standard for Manitoba. Track gates (American slide and bottom track) roll on wheels along the ground, which is cheaper but lets snow, ice and gravel get in the way. An overhead track gate rides a beam above the opening, for heavy panels, very wide openings or sites with a canopy.
A sliding gate opens sideways along the fence line instead of swinging, so it works on slopes, short driveways and wide openings where a swing gate would need too much room. What separates the types is how the gate carries its weight.
Cantilever Slide Gates
The gate hangs from rollers mounted on posts beside the opening and never touches the ground. The frame runs about 50% longer than the opening, and that tail balances the gate as it moves. No track means nothing to shovel, chip ice out of or replace. The trade-off is space: you need roughly 1.5 times the opening width of clear fence line beside it. More on cantilever gates.
American Slide Gates
A wheel and fence track system: the gate rolls on wheels and is guided by a track along the fence line as it opens. It’s a simple, economical way to close a chain link opening, but the wheels run on the ground, so snow and uneven ground affect it.
Bottom Track (V-Track) Gates
The gate rolls on V-groove wheels along a steel rail set across the driveway. It’s the cheapest wide slide gate to build, and the one we replace most, because frost heaves the rail and ice stops the wheels. Why we rarely recommend them.
Overhead Track Gates
The gate panel rides sealed rollers on a beam above the opening. It handles heavy solid-steel panels and very wide openings without a counterbalance tail, and it suits sites that already have a canopy or dock overhang. See overhead track gates.
Panel Styles
Any of these can carry chain link, welded wire, ornamental steel or aluminum, or wood on a steel frame — and any of them can be automated with a gate operator, keypads and remotes.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Type | Touches the ground | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantilever | No | Most driveways, yards and compounds | Needs about 1.5× the opening in clear fence line |
| American slide | Wheels | Economical chain link openings | Snow and uneven ground |
| Bottom track | Wheels on a rail | Covered or indoor openings | Frost heave and ice on the rail |
| Overhead track | No | Heavy panels, very wide openings, canopies | Needs an overhead beam |
Not sure what fits your opening? Send us the width and a photo — request a site visit or see our slide gates.