Comprehensive guide to top best gate motor brands in South Africa in 2025. In this post we will look into gate motor performance, security features, user friendliness, durability and cost of each brand. When looking at installing a gate motor for your house or business, It is very important to consider many factors that will guide you to choose the right size and brand for your needs. Check prices here.
Available local top gate motor brands
Top rated gate motor brand list
1. Centurion smart gate motors
Number one on the list is Centurion smart gate motors popular for its great opening speeds, best security features and mobile app accessibility. Established in 1986 Centurion systems have been consistent in providing the best automation products to the market. Let us explore what makes centurion smart gate motor range outstanding.
Speed
Centurion gate motors can reach up to 43m/min gate opening speed on its D10 turbo smart sliding gate motor, With the domestic D5 evo smart reaching up to 24m/min. These high speeds provide ultimate security and convenience for high volume of traffic given high crime in South Africa.
Security
The Centurion smart motors features a built in tamper alarm which can alert the user of theft or forced entry. In addition to great opening speeds to prevent driveway hijacking it also has anti-tailgating function through safety beams. The anti-theft brackets makes it very difficult for people to steal the gate machine.
Warranty and after sales support
Centurion smart gate motors has 24 months manufacturer warranty. This warranty covers factory faults and gate malfunction besides physical damage or bad weather. Spare and replacement parts are always readily available in most security shops and big hardware outlets.
User friendliness
Smart Centurion motors can connect to mobile app which makes it easy to set up, do fault-finding and adding or removing remote controls. The user can also open the gate using the same app through a bluetooth interface.
Cost
Centurion smart motors cost ranges from R5500.00 for domestic motors up to R12000.00 for industrial motors. The prices vary with gate motor size and additional components like theft brackets or gate sensors. In general Centurion brand is higher compared to other brands.
2. Gemini smart gate motors
Second on the list with its latest smart gate motor control technology through the Gemlink app. Established in 1988 through DMI engineering Gemini gate motors have been known for durability and ease to use. Gemini DC sliding gate motors have speeds ranging from 18 to 23 m/min slightly less compared to Centurion. Lets explore Gemini gate motor features.
Speed
Gemini gate motors reach an estimated speed of 18 to 23 m/min depending on motor specifications. The opening or closing speed is preset and not adjustable unlike centurion motors.
Security
Unlike Centurion the Gemini gate motors does not have the tamper alarm. However the smart motors can provide live gate status updates via the Gemlink app from anywhere. Their smart motors can connect to wifi giving you control of your gate from wherever you are.
Warranty and customer support
Same as Centurion gate motors, Gemini also has 24 months manufacturer warranty on all its gate machines. Being a local manufacturer based in Pretoria South Africa, Gemini parts are available in both security shops and hardwares like Builders stores.
User friendliness
Simplicity and less functions make the gemini gate automation easy to both use and install. Unfortunately fault diagnosis is not so easy to a less technical end user compared to centurion smart motors.
Cost
Gemini gate motors are relatively cheaper compared to Centurion ranging from R4000.00 up to R9000.00 for bigger motors. Likewise additional units can affect the total cost.
3. E.T Nice gate automation
This brand is not very popular in gate automation compared to Gemini and Centurion. Established in 2015 by the Nice Group their gate motors boast about the “true DC technology”. This means they can run on AC power and only use battery as backup.
Speed
E.T gate motors can reach opening speeds of up to 30m/min depending on motor specifications. Same as the Gemini they come with a Preset speed which is not adjustable.
Security
Same as the Centurion gate motors they also have a tamper alarm to notify the user of possible break in through the safety beams. Supplied anti-theft brackets are not as secure compared to Gemini and Centurion. This is probably because it has less cases of gate motor theft.
User friendliness
Equipped with a back-lit LCD screen it is easy to set up and check fault errors. The control board has labelled keys that makes it easy to navigate the different settings in the menu. Although the setting up procedures are not as simple it is not very difficult to do.
Warranty and customer support
Like all other top gate motors E.T automatic gates have 24 months manufacturer warranty. Replacement parts are available in main security shop distributors like Regal security and Dafron security.
Cost
E.T nice gate motors range from R4500.00 up to R10000.00 for heavy duty industrial motors. Prices for E.T gate motors do not differ much from Centurion gate automation.
4. Dts gate motors
Relatively less popular electric gate motor in South Africa. Established in 1990 DTS gate motors are simple to use and gives less problems for end users. Estimated speed is up to 18m/min with 24 months manufacturer warranty. These motors are less user friendly when it comes to fault finding. They cost anything from R6000.00 going up with spare parts found in selected security distributors.
Key factors in choosing gate motor
1. Gate size and weight
Every gate motor has a specified capacity and work applications. It’s important to consult with the supplier or local installer to make sure you get the right size of gate machine.
2. Application
The amount of gate openings and closing on a daily basis will determine the gate motor you need. Stronger brands with high traffic volume capacity will be best for places with busy gates.
3. Warranty and customer support
While most gate motors carry almost the same warranty period, It is critical to consider availability of spare parts and durability. Popular brands like Gemini and Centurion are easy to get parts.
4. Budget
With all the different price ranges it’s also important to choose the motor that will suit your budget.
Gate motor ranking summary table
| Brand | Speed | Security | Warranty | Av. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centurion | 18-43m/min | High | 2yrs | R6500.00 |
| Gemini | 18-23m/min | Medium | 2yrs | R4500.00 |
| E.T Nice | 18-30m/min | Medium | 2yrs | R5500.00 |
| D.T.S | 18-25m/min | Low | 2yrs | R5200.00 |
Conclusion
Centurion smart gate motors offers the most advanced features and value for money. Gemini has the best offsite smart gate controlling and monitoring app. E.T nice gate motors are able to run on electricity and only use battery as backup. DTs motors are simple to use and generally more durable with less maintenance. For more detailed gate motor specs and cost visit the gate motor prices page.
Nice post