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BFT gate motor: manual release and faults

For BFT swing and sliding gate motors. Release methods differ between models, so follow the release tag left near your motor, or call us and we'll talk you through yours.

Covers: BFT swing and sliding operators (release: follow the tag or call us). Only follow steps for your own system. If anything on your screen or panel looks different, stop and call us on 01635 938998.

Video guide coming soon

A short video showing these BFT steps will go here. Until then, follow the steps on this page.

Opening the gate by hand

Use this in a power cut or if the motor fails.

  1. Turn off the power to the gate.
  2. Follow the release tag or instructions left near your motor at handover.
  3. If there's no tag, or you're not sure, call us on 01635 938998. Don't force anything.

Putting it back to automatic

  1. Call us on 01635 938998 and we'll talk you through it for your motor.

Keeping photocells working

  1. Keep photocells clean and make sure branches or shrubs don't block them.
  2. Turn off the power before cleaning anything on the gate.

If the gate stops or reverses

  1. Check nothing is between the photocells or in the gate's path. If it still won't work, call us.

BFT recommend that the system is checked by qualified people at least once a year.

Photocell beam: keep it clearShaded: keep clear while the gate movesYellow: safety edges
Generic drawing, not a real product. Layout and labels vary between makes and models.

Download this guide as a printable help sheet (PDF)

These are user steps only. For anything else, or if you're unsure, call us on 01635 938998. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Out of hours, call 01635 938998.

More help

Book a service or repair

Tell us what you need and when suits you. It goes straight to our office and we'll confirm the details with you.

Book a serviceCall 01635 938998

Common questions

How do I open a BFT gate by hand?

Turn off the power, then follow the release tag left near your motor. If there isn't one, call Fortline on 01635 938998.

How do I lock my BFT gate back to automatic?

Call Fortline on 01635 938998 and we'll talk you through it for your motor.

How do I stop my gate stopping halfway?

Keep photocells clean and clear of branches and shrubs. If it still stops, call us.

Do you fit gates?

No. We automate gates. We don't make or hang the gates themselves.

Alarm sounding or a gate stuck?

Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Out of hours, call 01635 938998.

Call 01635 938998Send an enquiry