Gate motors are a single-point-of-failure for getting in and out of your house. When they go, the fix isn't always the motor itself — sometimes a R200 capacitor, sometimes a R12,000 motor + control board.
What gate-motor work covers
- New gate motor installation — sliding, swing, palisade
- Motor replacement (Centurion, ET, Gemini, Hansa, Came)
- Battery and back-up replacement
- Remote and receiver issues
- Limit switch and rack adjustments
- Control board and PCB swap-outs
- Garage motor servicing too (different category but often the same installer)
What gate motors cost in South Africa (2026)
New install of a sliding-gate motor like Centurion D5 Smart or ET Drive R7,500-R14,500 supplied and fitted. Motor replacement only R5,500-R11,000. Battery replacement R650-R1,400. Remote replacement R250-R600 with coding. Service callout R450-R750 (usually credited if work proceeds). Control board R1,800-R3,500 plus labour. Always ask if the warranty is manufacturer or installer-backed.
What to look for
- Motor brand specialism — Centurion installers vs ET installers know their gear deeply.
- Battery brand — generic motorcycle batteries fail in 1 year, AGM gel batteries last 4-5.
- Warranty period — minimum 12 months on parts, 24+ on motor body.
- Wireless intercom integration if you also need that.
Handi-za gate-motor installers list motor brands, service area, and after-hours callout availability.