Gate motors and control boards don't last forever, especially outdoors in our weather. When yours starts letting you down, upgrading can be a better investment than repairing it again and again.
When to upgrade the motors
- the gearbox is worn – the gate jerks, clunks or drifts
- the motor keeps overheating or tripping
- an underground motor has been flooded more than once
- it's an obsolete model and parts are no longer made
- the motor is undersized for the gate, and always has been
Replacing Old Gate Motors and Control Boards
Gate motors and control boards don't last forever, especially outdoors in Cumbrian weather. When yours starts letting you down, an upgrade can be a better investment than repeated repairs.


Signs it's time include frequent breakdowns, parts that are hard to find, and motors struggling with the gate's weight.
We'll assess the system and give you a clear price for the options.
Upgrading Gate Automation in Carlisle
We fit CAME motors and control boards on upgrades, sized to the gate, and add any safety devices that are missing.
Every upgrade is force tested to BS EN 12453, and we can often reuse sound parts such as photocells or remotes to keep costs down.
Upgrade work is priced after a free site survey.
When to upgrade the control board
- water, lightning or a power surge has damaged it
- it doesn't support modern safety devices
- it can't take the extras you want – app control, battery backup, an intercom
- it uses old fixed-code remotes
- the gate can't be set up to pass force testing with it
What's involved
- Check the gate first. New motors on a sagging gate will fail just like the old ones.
- Choose the right kit. I fit CAME motors and control boards for most gates, including heavy-duty motors for large, heavy or busy gates.
- Reuse what's good. Sound cabling, posts and sometimes accessories can stay; anything tired or unsafe gets replaced.
- Bring the safety up to standard. The right safety devices and force testing to BS EN 12453.
- Set up and hand over. New remotes coded, you're shown how it works, and you get the paperwork.
Swapping just the control board
Sometimes the motors are fine and just the board needs replacing. A new board can often run your existing motors – but it must be compatible with them, and the whole system then needs testing again. I'll tell you whether it's worth it.
Costs
Upgrading is normally much cheaper than new gates and automation. As a guide, a partial upgrade normally costs much less than full new automation, and every job is priced after a free site survey. I'll give you a fixed price once I've seen the system.
Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752 – a photo of the motors and any labels on the outside of the control box helps.
Questions people ask me
Can I replace one motor of a pair?
Sometimes, if the same model is still available. If not, it's normally best to replace both so they match.
Will new motors work with my old remotes?
Normally not. You'll get new remotes, which will be more secure.
Is it worth upgrading a 15-year-old system?
If the gates are sound, often yes – modern kit is more reliable and safer.