The Benefits of Installing Automatic Bollards for Driveways

What are automatic bollards?

Automatic bollards are one of the traffic safety devices that have an automatic lifting mechanism and super strong anti-collision ability used to control the passage of road vehicles. It is deployed alone or as part of the parking barrier gate access control system and is otherwise known as electric bollards, electric rising bollards, hydraulic bollards, automatic rising bollards, automatic retractable bollards and retractable security bollards. Automatic bollards are standard at road junctions, toll booths, government offices, luxury apartment buildings and other establishments where security is required. The Pilona automática eléctrica from KARSUN is a typical representative. Automated bollards provide a means to improve safety and convenience by permitting authorized vehicles to access restricted zones.

Purchase Guide

When considering a purchase of bollards, it is crucial to evaluate factors to ensure that the product meets your specific needs effectively. When purchasing automatic retractable security bollards, the following must be considered:

Calidad del material

First, select high-grade stainless steel (e.g., 304/316) or reinforced composite materials to enhance corrosion resistance and structural strength. Second, select ultraviolet-resistant, moisture- and temperature-resistant materials based on the installation site. Do not use low-grade plastics and raw metals, which deteriorate extremely fast under stress.

Sistema de control

The most important thing is to ensure compatibility with modern control systems for seamless operation and real-time adjustment. Choosing a system with anti-intrusion warnings (such as audible alarms, visual alarms such as shoulder lights) is necessary to enhance the security index of the site. Also choose between pneumatic, hydraulic or electric systems. Pneumatic systems are suitable for high pressure environments, while electric systems offer quieter operation.

Width of the passage

The width of the passage determines the number of equipment we require. If we only need to intercept vehicles under usual conditions, we only have to ensure that the space between each bollard is not more than 1.5 meters, but in most cases, this space will be maintained at 1.2 meters. Different places may have some slight differences in width demands. For example, in our park square, we may not only block illegal cars entering, but may also want to catch some electric or tricycles, so our distance can be 60cm to 80cm. In short, we should control the spacing width based on our practical demands according to different usage places.

Load Capacity

To determine the maximum weight or force that the bollards must bear (e.g., vehicle impact, static pressure), refer to industry standards and project-specific requirements. To select a bollard with a load rating that exceeds your maximum expected load. For example:

Lightweight can withstand 250-500 kg (e.g., pedestrian area). Heavy duty can withstand 1000-2000kg + (such as industrial sites and high security areas). The Pilona hidráulica automática con luz LED has a high anti-collision performance and can still be used normally even after being hit by a 12-ton vehicle.

Safety Features

Choose a product with an audible alarm feature. A beeping alarm can warn people of unauthorized entry or potential danger. In addition, shoulder lights with 360° visibility enhance safety in low-light conditions. It is best to choose products with safety locks that prevent unauthorized activation or tampering and ensure that the bollards remain locked during critical operations. Fall protection refers to a system that stabilizes bollards in case of impact, reducing the risk of structural failure.

You have the choice of selecting from a range of steel thicknesses starting at the 6 mm thickness and also have the option to pick from various colors to match your preferences and requirements, for your location by customizing it to suit your needs. If you have any questions about how to choose electric bollards for driveways or the number of products you need, please don’t hesitate to Contacto.

Control Method

Various kinds of bollards offer a variety of choices to meet operational needs.

Wireless Remote Control

The remote control without wires allows users to operate the bollard from afar which comes in handy in situations requiring access or closure.

Distribution Box Button Control

The switch located on the distribution panel provides a means to manage the movement up and down of the bollard which is ideal for locations needing manual operation.

External Button Box Control

External buttons control the lifting and lowering of the hydraulic bollards. Use this button to raise and lower the device. During the period when the action is not completed, the stop button can be used to stop the device’s action.

Manual Control

Make sure to lower the bollard using the valve in case of a power outage or system malfunction in the system, similarly raise the bollard by operating the pump to maintain operational functionality during power outages or system malfunctions.

Working Principle

The hydraulic bollards are usually composed of one or more metal cylinders, each of which has a piston inside. The hydraulic system generates a lifting effect by transmitting pressure to the piston inside the column. The movement of the steel frame structure of the bollards is controlled by a pump, with the assistance of a control system either remote or manual. The operation of the system is ensured by a PLC to provide stability and reliability during usage.

The working principle of the hydraulic bollard is as follows:

Hydraulic pump oil supply: When the hydraulic bollard needs to be raised, the hydraulic pump begins to supply oil. The function of a hydraulic pump is to generate hydraulic pressure by the pump plunger driven by an electric motor, forcing hydraulic oil from the oil tank into the hydraulic rising bollard.

Hydraulic oil enters the hydraulic cylinder: Hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pump enters the interior of the hydraulic cylinder via hydraulic pipelines when the hydraulic pump supplies oil. A hydraulic cylinder is a sealed container with a piston and piston rod inside.

Hydraulic rising bollard Lifting: Hydraulic pressure pushes the piston in the upward direction on the entry of hydraulic oil in the hydraulic cylinder. Through this process, the lifting movement of the hydraulic rising bollard is obtained.

Hydraulic rising bollard descent: When the hydraulic lifting column needs to descend, the hydraulic pump stops supplying oil. Due to gravity and the pressure of the accumulator below the piston, the hydraulic rising bollard will automatically descend.

Precautions for Use

So as to ensure performance and longevity in using automated bollards.

1. Regular Maintenance: Hydraulic systems and structural integrity should be regularly checked.

2. Power Supply Stability: Ensure a stable power supply to prevent disruption of operations.

3. Emergency Procedures: Familiarize users with manual operation procedures in case of power failure.

4. Environmental Considerations: Protect against water immersion and corrosion by selecting models featuring waterproof design and high anti-corrosion performance.

KARSUN automatic bollards are very resilient and possess high-tech features that can be tailored to suit the requirements of various customers. They are meant to be very compatible with traffic barrier gates and smart card systems to provide solutions to contemporary access control problems.

Types of Automatic Bollards

Automatic Rising Bollards

Automatic rising bollards can be retracted to the ground as a means of controlling vehicle access, blocking unauthorized vehicles when necessary and allowing passage when not in operation because their fast hydraulic system can move up and down quickly. These are frequently deployed in high-security settings such as embassies military installations and government structures. The Pivotes hidráulicos elevables de seguridad con iluminación por leds totalmente automáticos are widely used in highway toll stations, checkpoints, prisons, airports, government agencies and so on. The placeman sends instructions through the control system and the hydraulic transmission enables the roadblock device to quickly ascend and descend. After the vehicle passes, the roadblock is automatically lifted and lowered by the inductive detection automatic command of the roadblock device or the manual button operation.

Electric Rising Bollards

Electrically powered rising bollards operate using an electric control system to guarantee functionality. These bollards are equipped with elements like LED lights for nighttime visibility and reflective bands for enhanced safety. The steel thickness can be tailored to meet requirements. The wide array of customization options offered makes these bollards versatile for use in different environments.

Hydraulic Rising Bollards

Retractable hydraulic bollards are highly popular for their construction and reliable performance. They consist mainly of an oil pump unit and a strong steel structure. It uses soil pressure as a dynamic to realize the rise/fall of bollard. As a moving device, it is usually installed at the vehicle entrance/exit.  It rises to block the vehicle and falls to the ground level to authorize free passing. These bollards are engineered to withstand impacts ensuring long-term reliability in challenging situations, such as the JS-RB02 Model of Rising Bollards.

Compared with electric bollards

Electric poles and automated bollards share some similarities. Differ significantly in their functionality and applications. While both are used for traffic management and security enhancement purposes automated bollards stand out for the features that make them the preferred choice, in high-security areas or busy traffic zones. These innovative retractable posts are controlled using a combination of hydraulic mechanisms to manage road barriers effectively. Unlike electric poles automated bollards utilize an electricity-driven hydraulic system that enhances their durability and operational efficiency.

Electric bollards primarily rely on systems to operate. May have restricted functions in the event of power interruptions. This implies that manually lowering the bollard using a valve in scenarios such as power failure or system glitches guarantees that the automated bollards remain usable during emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are automatic bollards?

A: The use of automatic bollards as a dynamic means of controlling vehicle access to restricted areas has increased in popularity as the technology that drives them becomes more sophisticated and reliable. These bollards can be raised or lowered automatically to control traffic flow as needed.

Q: How do electric bollards work?

A: A Retractable Hydraulic Bollard System uses fluid, a generator and a pump system. The fluid expands in and out of the system and pushes air to compress the motor cylinder. This type of operation is generally the fastest and the system can raise in just seconds.

Q: What are the key applications and advantages of telescopic rising bollards like the “high-security telescopic bollard”?  

A: Telescopic rising bollards are appropriate for high-security locations (e.g., government buildings, pedestrian areas) since they are retractable, allowing unobtrusive traffic control. They offer durability in terms of materials like stainless steel, resistance to corrosion and anti-intrusion features like automatic locking and impact resistance for enhanced safety.  

Q: How do galvanized fixed hoop barriers ensure long-term reliability in outdoor environments?  

A: Galvanized fixed hoop barriers, produced through hot-dipped galvanized steel, are resistant to rust, UV and harsh weather exposure. Rigid and bolt-down fitting provide high stability for public area traffic management, while low-maintenance systems reduce life-cycle spending, meeting industrial standards for infrastructure development.