Perimeter Security NewsAugust 25, 2022

Hydraulics vs. Electromechanical: Which is better?

It all boils down to the application.

There seems to be an endless debate about whether hydraulic or electromechanical technology is better when it comes to automation. While this article may not end the debate, it can help you navigate which one may be best for your next project.

When you hop on a plane, you're putting your life in the hands of hydraulics. The pilot relies on hydraulics to change elevation, turn the airplane, raise/lower landing gear and many other tasks. Why choose hydraulics when conventional wisdom says electric motors are more efficient? The windings in electric motors are more sensitive to their environment, so things like saltwater spray, dust, and extremely cold temperatures can have an adverse effect on them. Hydraulics on the other hand remain reliable in these environments.

HySecurity manufactures a wide variety of hydraulic and electromechanical gate operators, including the StrongArm M30/M50 (top banner photo), SlideDriver (above left and center), and SlideSmart HD (above right).

Now let’s talk about gate operators. While Nice | HySecurity manufactures some electromechanical gate operators in our residential and commercial lines, we've spent the last 35 years perfecting the art of hydraulics in our industrial and ASTM F-2656 M30-M50 Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) lines. Why? Our heavy-duty hydraulic gate operators:

  1. Provide ultimate reliability
  2. Move heavier gates
  3. Use fewer moving parts
  4. Require little or no maintenance
  5. Consistently operate in cold climates at -40° F
  6. Use less than a gallon of hydraulic fluid (biodegradable fluid is available as an alternative)

The bottom line

It all boils down to the application. If you are looking for something with a lower upfront cost that doesn't require supreme reliability and don't mind some maintenance, electromechanical is probably a good bet. But if you are moving a larger gate, require a more hardened access point, or want something that will require little to no maintenance (and you’re willing to pay for it upfront, knowing your return on investment is right around the corner) then hydraulics is probably the best bet. And if you have any questions, we are here to assist with complimentary and personalized perimeter security specification support.

This article was originally published on this website in September 2020.

Perimeter Security News is produced by the Specification Support Team.

Products mentioned in this article.

  • Ultimate stopping power.
    Barrier Arm
    Crash Rated
    Hostile Vehicle Mitigation
  • Legendary security, power, and durability.
    Industrial
    Slide Gate
  • Chain drive slide gate operator that's all business.
    Commercial
    Slide Gate
  • Maximum muscle, supreme hydraulic linear actuator.
    Industrial
    Swing Gate