Help me identify this mystery gate opener - Printable Version +- Electric Gates, Garage Door, Access Control, Smart Home & Security Forums (https://www.gateguide.co.uk) +-- Forum: Gate Automation and Installation Help (https://www.gateguide.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?fid=1) +--- Forum: Automatic Gates - Help and Support (https://www.gateguide.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?fid=20) +--- Thread: Help me identify this mystery gate opener (/showthread.php?tid=7396)

Help me identify this mystery gate opener - alpha - 06-07-2025 Hello everyone, Not sure if this is where I should post this, but I'm trying to identify the exact model of some automatic swing gate operators at my school. I suspect they are BFT Lux hydraulic models, but I'm not 100% sure, especially given some visual differences from current models. Here's what I know and observe: Manufacturer: The flasher is BFT, and the beam sensor is Beninca. Type: They are definitely hydraulic linear operators. I can hear a distinctive "shh" sound when they slow down, confirming they're hydraulic and not electromechanical. Movement: When an open command is given, the motors briefly run in the closing direction for about a second, then they start opening. The left gate opens first, followed by the right gate after a 1.5-second delay. The opening movement is not entirely smooth; it can be a bit jerky/bumpy. Design: They are quite long in design, consistent with robust swing gate operators. As you can see in the photo, they have a distinctive three-section design. The main body, a central black cap/ring (which hides the manual release allen key port), and then the rear mounting section. This black cap acts as a clear visual separator between the two larger sections. While they resemble BFT Lux models, the specific appearance of the "grey parts" and the distinct sectional design doesn't perfectly match all current Lux images I've found online, leading me to believe they might be an older generation. I'm wondering if they could be an older BFT Lux FC model specifically. Manual Release Confirmation: I've personally seen maintenance staff access that central black cap to use an allen key. They did this when one of the gates was ajar (open a tad) to put it into manual release mode, allowing them to move it by hand and then "reset" the system. This confirms the presence of a manual release and likely a hydraulic lock. Photo: The exact same “mystery model” I found at a tram depot on google maps, so here’s a image:      More Info: - Flasher sequence: Slow flashing when opening, steady when open, fast flashing when closing. - The gates seem to only open to about 80 degrees. My Questions: Can anyone help me confirm the exact model or generation of these operators from the photo and description? Does the "three-section" design with the central black cap ring a bell for a particular Lux variant or older model? What’s the best way to get service for these gates? The one on the left is sometimes open slightly when I look at it (I don’t know the cause). Also, a magnetic lock is fitted, but the motor doesn’t push the gate far enough for it to automatically engage. Is the brief reverse movement at the start of the opening cycle a normal characteristic for BFT hydraulic operators like this? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help. Oh and here is a 3D render of what the gates look like. I made this for a school project:     RE: Help me identify this mystery gate opener - old guy - 08-07-2025 Really need a better picture of the ram. Reverse movement is classed as reverse stroke to release electric locks or sprung drop bolts before opening gates, totally normal but not always needed. General service agreement/contract should already be active if youe school is using the gates. BFT brackets tend to bend on the leaf reducing their final travel to the maglock, these will require replacing. Sounds like the stroke geometry has not been correctly adhered too. BFT Lux's are a standard model and haven't really changed, the 230v motor relies on a 6.3uf capacitor to offset the phase and drive the motor clockwise or anticlockwise depending on which winding is energised. They do not have a slowdown phase but a hydraulic restictor valve setup. You can use the slowdown parameter on different boards i.e. FAAC 455, SEA Gate2/swing etc... BFT Rigel 4/5 or 6 specifically state not to use the slowdown parameter for hydraulic motors due to the stall effect. Hope this helps Darren