How Much Does an Automatic Gate Cost? 2026 FOB Price Guide
Updated Nov 2026 · 7 min read
Why nobody posts a fixed price
An automatic gate is priced per meter, and the meter price depends on material, motor, opening width and accessories. Any factory quoting a single number without asking your width is guessing. Below are realistic 2026 FOB South China ranges to help you budget — your formal quote will be based on your actual specification.
Indicative FOB ranges (USD)
| Product | Typical range | Cost drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Retractable (telescopic) gate | USD 120–260 / meter | Stainless vs aluminum, motor brand, section count |
| Cantilever sliding gate | USD 180–320 / meter | Trackless frame strength, finish, wind load |
| Sectional sliding gate | USD 200–360 / meter | Panel style, LCD module, drive system |
| Boom barrier | USD 380–1,200 / unit | Arm length, open speed, duty cycle, housing |
| Rising bollard (hydraulic) | USD 700–2,500 / unit | Diameter, height, K4 certification, quantity |
| LPR parking lane | USD 1,500–4,000 / lane | Camera grade, software licence, kiosk |
| Pedestrian turnstile | USD 450–1,800 / lane | Type (tripod / flap / swing), reader integration |
Ranges reflect standard configurations in normal order quantities. Certification, custom colors, special voltages and small trial orders move the price up.
What actually drives your price
- Opening width — the single biggest factor. A 12 m opening costs roughly 3× a 4 m one, not 3× per meter.
- Material — 304 stainless typically adds 25–40% over aluminum alloy.
- Motor and controller — branded motors with soft-start cost more and last far longer.
- Safety accessories — infrared anti-clip, obstacle detection, alarm: usually 5–12% of gate cost.
- Quantity — 10+ sets commonly unlock 8–15% better pricing and shared container freight.
Hidden costs buyers forget
| Item | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Export packing (steel frame + wooden case) | USD 80–250 per set |
| Sea freight 40HQ (South China → main ports) | USD 1,200–3,500 |
| Import duty | Commonly 5–15% of CIF value |
| Inland trucking + unloading at site | USD 150–600 |
| Foundation + local electrician | USD 300–1,500 per entrance |
How to compare two quotes fairly
Line them up on six rows: material grade, material thickness, motor brand, control system, packing, warranty. The cheaper quote almost always differs on at least two of them — usually thickness and motor. Ask both suppliers to confirm each row in writing.
Budget faster
Tell us the opening width, quantity and destination port. We return a line-by-line FOB quote within 24 hours, including packing and lead time, so you can build a landed-cost sheet in one pass.