Electric and Automated Boom Gates: What Are Your Hire Options?
It goes without saying that temporary worksites, events and road projects require safe, efficient vehicle access control. If you’ve been relying on manual gates or a traffic controller on stop/start duty, it might be time to look at other alternatives. Modern automated boom gates offer a flexible solution that can be configured to your exact operation needs.
Electric and automated boom gates, such as PORTABOOM® boom gate systems, come in several hire configurations with a range of smart access and power options including remote-controlled, keypad, GSM mobile access and solar-power.
In this guide, we explain how each option works, where it suits best and what to consider before hiring.
Your Boom Gate Hire Options at a Glance
Boom gates can be tailored to your site with the following configurations:
- Wireless remote control: Ideal for live traffic environments, allowing operators to control the gate from a safe distance.
- Keypad/PIN access: Perfect for staff-only entry without needing someone stationed at the gate.
- GSM mobile phone access: Great for remote sites, after-hours deliveries and authorised contractor access.
- Solar and battery power: Ideal for temporary locations as access to mains electricity isn’t necessary.
All four options can be combined on a single portable hire unit with no permanent installation required.
To find out the best configuration for your needs, request a quote for a PORTABOOM® today.
Electric, Automated or Manual: What’s the Difference?
Boom gates can be operated in three different ways, with electric and fully automated boom gates deemed the safest for workers as they are not exposed to live traffic.
- Manual boom gates: Operated by hand, with a staff member raising and lowering the arm.
- Electric boom gates: Operated remotely by a staff member to raise and lower the arm.
- Fully automated boom gates: Operated entirely without human intervention through the use of a keypad, mobile phone access, sensors or other programmed controls.
To delve deeper into how portable boom gates operate mechanically, check out our Portable Boom Gates: How They Work guide.
The 4 Automated Boom Gate Hire Options
When hiring a portable boom gate, you can choose from several control and power configurations, and many of these options can be combined on a single unit.
1. Wireless Remote Control
Wireless remote control is the most common option for temporary traffic management. Instead of standing beside live traffic, the operator can raise and lower the boom gate from a safe location using a handheld remote. This not only improves safety but also reduces fatigue for traffic controllers and provides better mobility throughout the worksite. The PORTABOOM® is designed around this core operating method and can be set up in under three minutes.
2. Keypad and PIN Access
A keypad-controlled boom gate is ideal for sites that need staff-only access. Construction sites, depot entrances and temporary staff car parks all benefit from PIN-controlled entry. Individual PINs can be issued, updated or removed as needed which helps to maintain security as contractors and workers change. On PORTABOOM® hire units, keypad access is available as an optional extra and supports up to 8,000 unique PINs.
3. GSM Mobile Phone Access
GSM control (Global System for Mobile Communications) allows authorised users to open the boom gate using their mobile phone. As it removes the need for somebody to be on site, it’s particularly useful in remote locations, for after-hour deliveries, for long-term projects and on sites with changing contractor access. GSM mobile phone access is available as an optional PORTABOOM® hire feature, providing secure entry even outside normal working hours.
4. Solar and Battery Power
A huge benefit of hiring portable automated boom gates is that they operate using rechargeable batteries rather than mains power. Optional solar panel kits can provide continuous charging without any electricity needed. This eliminates the need for expensive electrical installation which is necessary for permanent boom gates. As well as solar panel kits, PORTABOOM® also offers LED boom lights as optional extras, making the system suitable for extended projects and night-time operation.
Hire vs Buy: What an Automated Boom Gate Really Costs
If you’ve been crunching the numbers, you’ve probably seen purchase prices ranging from around $1,500 to well over $10,000 before installation. On top of that, permanent systems often require electrical work, concrete footings, ongoing servicing and eventual removal when the project finishes.
For temporary worksites, hiring is usually the more practical option. There’s no large upfront capital investment, no maintenance responsibilities and no need to store equipment between projects. Delivery, setup and pack-down are typically included, and you can scale equipment up or down as project requirements change. Rather than relying on generic purchase prices, it’s best to request a tailored quote based on your project duration, location and configuration.
RPM Hire also provides Gold Equipment Protection with vandalism and theft coverage. This allows for greater peace of mindthroughout the hire period.
Compliance: Is Your Boom Gate Approved for Australian Roads?
If your boom gate is being used for traffic management on public roads, certification is essential. To ensure the equipment is legally suitable, always ask the hire company for proof of these two critical Australian certifications:
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- TIPES Certification (Transport Infrastructure Product Evaluation Scheme)
This is an independent, expert assessment endorsed by Australian road authorities to prove that innovative traffic technologies are thoroughly tested, safe and fit for real-world use.
This provides the ultimate regulatory green light, guaranteeing the equipment meets the strict technical and structural standards required for use across federal, state and local roads nationwide.
PORTABOOM® was TIPES certified in 2016 and holds national ARRB approval, making it fully authorised for use on federal, state and local roads throughout Australia.
Which Hire Option Suits Your Site?
Choosing the right automated boom gate depends on how your site operates:
| Site Type | Recommended Configuration |
| Roadworks and lane closures | Wireless remote control |
| Construction site entrances | Keypad access or GSM mobile access |
| Events and temporary car parks | Remote control with LED boom lights |
| Remote or unstaffed sites | GSM mobile access with solar power |
Luckily, you don’t have to choose just one feature. Remote control, keypad access, GSM access and solar power can all be combined on a single portable boom gate. An experienced hire provider should recommend the most suitable configuration during setup.
RPM Hire delivers and sets up PORTABOOM® units from branches across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, providing Australian-wide support for temporary traffic management.
Hire Portable Boom Gates from RPM Hire Today!
Hiring a portable boom gate is quick and easy:
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- Consider your site type, traffic volume and whether mains power is available.
- Choose the control options that best suit your project using the guide above.
- Contact RPM Hire for a free quote on 1300 479 570 or via the contact form.
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As the HRIA Hire Company of the Year 2025 with an exceptional NPS of 90, RPM Hire delivers end-to-end service, including delivery, setup and 24/7 support.
To get started visit thePORTABOOM® hire page or contact the RPM Hire team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a manual and an automated boom gate?
A manual boom gate requires someone to physically raise and lower the barrier or operate it while standing nearby. An automated boom gate uses electric controls such as wireless remotes, keypads, mobile phone access or sensors, keeping workers safely away from moving traffic.
How much does it cost to hire an automated boom gate?
The cost of hiring an automated boom gate depends on the hire duration, project location and any optional features (such as solar power, GSM access, keypad entry or LED lighting). Every project is different, so it’s best to request a free quote based on your specific requirements.
Do automated boom gates need mains power?
No. Most portable automated boom gates operate using rechargeable batteries, with optional solar charging kits available for continuous operation. This takes out the need for electrical installation, making them ideal for temporary worksites and remote locations.
Can automated boom gates be used on public roads in Australia?
Yes, as long as the equipment has the appropriate approvals. Always check that your hire company can provide TIPES certification and ARRB national approval where required. The PORTABOOM® is TIPES certified and nationally approved by ARRB for use on Australian federal, state and local roads.
How long does it take to set up an electric boom gate?
Portable electric boom gates are designed for super quick installation without the need for specialised tools. PORTABOOM® systems can be fully set up in under three minutes, with delivery and installation included as part of the hire service.
