Property Gate

1bush2hog · Nov 2, 2005

Yea - when you think about it - it is pretty sad to even have to consider something like this.

The fire road has a hill with a curve just below the gate location, so someone would have a tough time getting enough momentum to push or pull the gate - unless they brought in the heavy artillary. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

EddieWalker · Nov 2, 2005

Considering that your property is 3.5 hours away and you leave your tractor there, I'd go the indestructable route like your planning. Makes more sense now. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Even if you put $500 into the gate, that's still cheaper than having to replace the tractor. Theirves are usually going to take the easy route. Make it dificult enough for them and they will go on to the next guy.

Eddie

RobJ · Nov 2, 2005

That is a monster, but it's only as strong as the connection to the ground, make sur that is good. People will hook up a chain and try and pull it out just for spite. I've seen people put up simple gates that are easy to fix. If someone wants in then somehow they'll do it. Maybe even hotwire your tractor and use it. NOT trying to discourage you ar all just saying there are some folks out there that would just see this as a challenge. At our weekend place I stay close to the locals and they watch the place while we're not there. They are not affraid to check out something that looks funny, and they have access to get in and out too.

beenthere · Nov 2, 2005

If I were to see a gate like this, I would think that there must be something pretty valuable to need it. Just a thought.

The only thing I see needing consideration in the design is accounting for movement of one or both posts over time. That may not happen, but if it does (likely you don't get frost heaving) for some reason, then the locking mechanism needs to adjust for any movement. Maybe sagging will not happen because it normally is resting on the post and locked together, not left to hang on one post.

Great project.

1bush2hog · Nov 2, 2005

I also have great neighbors who have keys and access, but one can only expect so much from them.

I also understand putting up this type of gate may just turn a thief into a vandal. I'm thinking most thiefs and vandals are lazy. Hopefully the fact that they would have to walk appx. 1.5 mi. from the gate to get to my tractor would deter them also.

I want to stop the curiosity seekers and joy riders, but realize a determined thief or vandal is virtually unstoppable.

How deep should I plant these posts? 4ft?

1bush2hog · Nov 2, 2005

"If I were to see a gate like this, I would think that there must be something pretty valuable to need it. Just a thought."

Excellent point! I thought about the same thing.

Regarding the sagging, hopefully the USFS did their job on the original design - I'm just copying from them, but don't have their budget either.

This may be a $$$ monster too? I have not arrived at the pricing stage of the design yet.

I may endup sticking with a chain across the road and just put up some hazardous waste signs /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

have_blue · Nov 2, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I may endup sticking with a chain across the road and just put up some hazardous waste signs /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>

LOL! Or better yet, nuclear waste. Or a sign saying "Beware of 1000 pound wild hogs" or something. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Maybe some of those pop-up tire shredders you see in city parking garages. I bet it would be cheaper and easier to build some simple fold-down shredders than a massive gate.

Such a shame you have to resort to such things, you know? I'm asking for it, because I don't even have a chain across my entrance yet. My neighbors are well armed, and all the locals know it. But, sooner or later...

JimMorrissey · Nov 3, 2005

Nice. Maybe you can back off an inch or so everywhere around and save some weight and money. If it's filled with concrete they won't be getting through even with 5" posts.

hudr · Nov 3, 2005

Ok, Having the background helps us understand your design. For a gate that heavy, you will want to plant those posts (especially the one holding the gate) pretty deep. 4' should do it. Also, I have found that if I "Bell" the bottom of the hole a bit to let the concrete spread out it really helps keep the post from leaning because of the gate weight. The hinge could be handled like one of the other postings suggested, sleeve a larger piece of pipe over it and drill/tap some fittings for grease.
Yes, it is sad we have to do stuff like this. Its not that I want to have a "Mine mine mine" attitude, but people won't just cross your land, they will cut doughnuts, scatter trash and in general vandalize the property as they do it.
I have a 1/4 driveway that some neighbors use to access some of their land, no actual "easement" just being a good neighbor. Well, I come home the other day and their kids are ripping up my freshly smoothed gravel ($300 a load + time/fuel to spread) with a 4 wheeler and a dirt bike!
GRRRRRR /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Sorry to ramble.... build the gate, make it stout. We'll help any way we can.