VDS SL1600-OIL Sliding Gate Opener Kit (Economy)

Gear motor set for sliding garage doors with VDS SL1600-OIL motor, for doors up to 1600 kg and intensive use, built-in S5060T control panel, 3m metal rack and 1 PSD-36T remote control. Included: base and mounting materials, limit switch plates, disengagement keys, installation instructions in Greek, etc.

  • For a maximum leaf weight of 1600kg
  • Non-reversible, in oil bath
  • Up to 48 opening and closing cycles per hour. (at 20°C)
  • Up to 150 opening and closing cycles per day.
  • Single-phase motor (230 VAC)
  • Mechanism dimensions: 310x150x264 mm (LxWxH)
  • Leaf movement speed: 10 m/min
  • Motor absorbed power: 330 W
  • Motor thermal protection: 140 °C
  • Features a key-operated door for disengagement (manual operation)
  • Protection degree: IP44
  • Gear type is Z16/module 4
  • Metal rack module 4
  • Motor country of origin: Italy
  • Warranty: 2 years

To order this product, please call us at 210.555.0632 or buy it online from our eshop.

The VDS SL1600-OIL (kit-Economy) S set includes:

VDS SL1600-OIL sliding garage door mechanism set (kit-Economy) S
The VDS SL1600-OIL (kit-Economy) S sliding garage door kit includes:
  • VDS SL1600-OIL sliding garage door mechanism for 1600kg door with all its accessories:
    1. Mechanism mounting base with screws and anchors
    2. Manual override keys for mechanism (2 pcs)
    3. Limit switch activation plates
    4. Detailed instructions written in Greek
  • ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote control at 433.92 MHz, 1 pc
  • Metal rack, 3m

    The VDS SL1600-OIL (kit-Economy) S set is a basic kit for installation on a garage door. Other materials can be added to it depending on your needs.

    Criteria for installing the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism on your door

    The VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism is reliable and has been tested in the Greek market for years. It has capabilities that cover most cases of sliding doors. Specifically:
    • It can be installed on a door leaf with a maximum weight of 1600kg.
    • It can be used up to 48 times per hour.
    • It can be used up to 150 times per day.

    1600kg door weight is a quite high limit if we assume that the average weight of sliding gates is usually 60-70kg/m. However, if the door weight is not known, it is advisable to ask the manufacturer. From our experience, the above mechanism covers most cases of sliding gates.

    48 uses per hour cover most cases of apartment buildings since the door can operate almost every minute during peak hours. The motor has thermal protection. This means that in case of overuse and overheating, the movement is interrupted until the normal temperature returns. It is logical that short doors, in a cold environment, can perform more movements than long doors in a hot environment. If the motor stops due to overheating, the door must be operated manually.

    The daily uses can cover more than 35 cars that will use it 4 times a day. These uses (compared to the hourly uses) are the optimal operation for the mechanism to last for many years without problems.

    Features and advantages of the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism

    VDS 1000 oil garage door mechanism

    • The VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism is built for intensive use. It can be used in apartment buildings or commercial areas with heavy traffic.
    • Suitable for heavy sliding garage doors.
    • Silent operation.
    • Minimal maintenance requirements.
    • Low price for an oil bath mechanism.
    • Easy installation.
    • Convenient dimensions:

    dimensions of VDS 1000 oil sliding mechanism

    The windings and mechanical part of the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism are immersed in an oil bath. This provides two significant advantages: better lubrication and better cooling.
    Better lubrication is achieved as the entire mechanical part of the mechanism "swims" in the special oil.
    Better motor cooling is achieved as the oil ensures that there is no excessively hot spot compared to the others, as the oil "wets" the entire interior of the motor, reducing both the risk of overheating and the corresponding wear. It also absorbs the heat generated both by the mechanical operation of the motor and, mainly, by the electrical operation of the motor (the heat generated in the motor windings, which also "swim" in the oil) and transfers it evenly to the motor walls, which dissipate it into the environment, achieving extremely effective cooling.
    The motor has a special screw that is tightened upon delivery to prevent oil leakage. This screw is under the motor cover. After installing the motor, this screw must be loosened by 2 turns so that the oil reservoir (the sump) can "breathe". This is the oil vent screw.

    For checking the oil level, the motor has an external indicator for easy inspection. This is a great advantage of the VDS SL1600-OIL motor, as there is no need to remove the cover for inspection.




    VDS 1000 oil mechanism vent screw



    Sliding garage door with mechanism - Features

    features of sliding gate with mechanism

    A classic sliding gate arrangement with a mechanism naturally includes the leaf, which has wheels at its bottom. The wheels must be well maintained to avoid hindering the movement of the door and the mechanism.


    The rail on which the wheels move is correctly fixed to the ground. The rail must be straight without bumps and deformations.


    The leaf is held upright by the rollers. The rollers are positioned so that they are always in contact with the door from the fully open to the fully closed position. They must be stable and prevent the door from deviating from its path without hindering its movement. They are placed at the top of the door and in the middle of its travel.


    The last accessories (for a door without a mechanism) are the mechanical stops of the door. The stops define the travel of the door, i.e. the final position of the door both when opening and closing.

    To automate a door leaf, we install a metal (or plastic) rack. The rack is a toothed bar that cooperates with the motor's gear for transmitting movement.


    The motor is placed in the center of the door's travel so that it is always in contact with the door. It has a gear that transmits movement from the mechanism to the door via the rack.


    In addition to the mechanism, an essential accessory for the safety of the entire construction are the safety photocells. The safety photocells are placed on either side of the opening and check if there is an obstacle in the door's path. If an obstacle is detected during the closing of the door, the photocells instruct the mechanism's control panel to stop the door from closing.


    Also, for even greater safety, a safety beacon could be installed, which gives a visual signal when the door is in operation. It is usually installed when the door is adjacent to busy roads, roads with heavy traffic, and in areas where visibility is limited.

    Finally, in cases where the remote control range is not desired, an external antenna can be installed to amplify the signal.

    Base for VDS SL1600-OIL sliding automation

    The mechanism comes with a base specially designed for proper and sturdy support. The sub-base should preferably be made of concrete to ensure the mechanism is properly supported.

    VDS 1000 oil mechanism base

    For the installation of the sliding mechanism's base, we check the sub-base and the wiring. (The best solution is a reinforced concrete sub-base with spiral conduit for the wiring).

    Position of the VDS SL1600-OIL sliding automation base

    The base of the sliding garage door mechanism must be placed at a specific point for the motor to function correctly. Below, the placement point of the base is defined in detail depending on whether the door opens to the right or to the left. (left and right are defined as you look at the door from the side where the motor and rack are installed)

    sliding door opening direction

    VDS 1000 oil base placement chart

    VDS 1000 oil sliding mechanism base placement diagram

    To find the correct position of the base, follow this procedure:

    1. Push the door leaf, by hand, to the fully closed position. Place the mechanism base on the ground, at a distance of at least B from the edge of the door leaf.
    2. Push the door leaf, by hand, to the open position. The base must be at a distance C from the edge of the door. If this is true, the installation proceeds. If this condition is not met, there are the following 2 options:
      • We compromise with the fact that the door leaf will not open fully (but will open to the point where it reaches a distance C from the base). We choose this solution if the free opening is sufficient and what remains continues to meet our needs.
      • We extend the door in length, by extending the door leaf. It can be extended in length across its entire height or only at the point where it comes into contact with the rack.

    Installation of mechanism (height) - Detailed dimensions

    The installation height of the mechanism is extremely important for the progress of the entire installation. What matters is the height in relation to the rack for their good cooperation. Often the design of the door determines where the rack will be placed so that there are attachment points for the rack on the door. Below are detailed drawings for the installation height of the mechanism in the case where the rack has been placed with the teeth downwards. (this is the recommended and most common solution)

    sliding mechanism installation height

    sliding garage door motor height

    sliding automation installation

    metal rack and spacers

    H1= 30mm (motor mounting base height)
    H2=90mm (top of base to top of gear)
    H3=15mm (top of gear to rack spacer axis)
    H1+H2+H3=H1+H4+H5=135mm (bottom of base to rack spacer axis)
    H4=85mm (top of base to bottom of rack)
    H5=20mm (bottom of rack to rack spacer axis)
    H6=10mm (spacer axis to top of rack)
    H1+H4=115mm (bottom of base to bottom of rack)
    Ho= height of raised foundation (the base can be placed at a raised point for spatial reasons. In this case, the motor is protected, e.g., in case of flooding).

    Based on the above dimensions, a preliminary check is performed before installing the mechanism. There are two cases:

    • If there is already a rack, we check if the height at which it has been installed is suitable in relation to the dimensions of the mechanism and the height at which its gear is located. If the dimensions do not match, we will either have to raise the mechanism's base (if the rack is high) or change the rack's position (uninstall and reinstall).
    • In the case where there is no rack already, we check if there are available mounting points for it on the door at the desired installation height. Otherwise, we will have to place the entire structure higher by shaping the sub-base where the mechanism's base will be installed.

    A key point of attention is the clearance that must exist between the gear and the rack. Ideally, this clearance should be 1.5mm.

    clearance between gear and rack

    If this clearance does not exist, the mechanism is forced to carry the door along its entire travel instead of simply pushing the door. This will cause wear and tear and sooner or later problems will arise in its operation.

    In the opposite case where the clearance is large, the cooperation between the gear and the rack will not be correct and jerks and stresses will be created on the motor. Therefore, special attention is required to create this clearance.

    Metal Rack

    The metal rack is delivered in one-meter pieces. It is galvanized for greater resistance to external conditions. Its cross-section is 12x30mm, the diametrical pitch is 4 (module 4), and it has 3 spacers per piece. It can be installed on door leaves with a maximum weight of 2 tons.

    metal rack for sliding garage door

    Autotech S5060T Control Panel for Sliding Garage Door Mechanisms

    sliding mechanism control panel

    The Autotech S5060T control panel is included in the set and is integrated into the mechanism. It is a control panel that combines simplicity of use with all the necessary functions and has been time-tested. It combines perfectly with the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism.

    Technical specifications:

    • It has a socket for the mechanism's limit switches
    • We can adjust the mechanism's force.
    • There is the possibility of soft start and stop for less wear and tear on the mechanism and the garage door.
    • It accepts safety photocells which stop the movement when they find an obstacle during the closing of the door and start the reverse movement (opening).
    • There is an available setting for automatic closing of the door with the user selecting the closing start time. The use of photocells is essential for the automatic closing function.
    • There is an option for electric braking.
    • The opening direction is adjusted with a microswitch.
    • The panel can accept a button (keypad or simple push-button).
    • The panel can accept a 230VAC warning light without a flasher or a 230VAC lighting lamp.
    • It has a built-in receiver with simple operation.
    • User information regarding the mechanism's functions is provided by LED lights.

    The above control panel has been tested by thousands of users and has proven to be extremely reliable. In addition, it has features such as adjusting the mechanism's force, slow start, and stop, which make it one of the best choices currently on the market.

    ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote controls at 433.92 MHz.

    ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote controls have an excellent design and are easy to use and program. They have been tested by thousands of users and do not present problems. They can accept up to four commands from different mechanisms, which makes them convenient for users who have more than one automation in their daily use.

    ProfelmNet PSD-36T remote control at 433.92 MHz

    Sliding Mechanism Installation Process - Summary

    In summary, the steps for installing a sliding garage door mechanism are as follows:

    • Checking that the door operates smoothly manually.
    • Checking the wiring if it exists or routing it.
    • After the checks, the motor base is installed. It requires a stable sub-base. Usually, a reinforced concrete base is the appropriate solution.
    • Mounting the motor on the base.
    • Installing the rack.
    • Installation of accessories (if any)
  • Checking the proper functioning of the construction and explaining all details to users for safe use.
  • The above are simply a brief outline of the steps for installing a sliding mechanism. Inside the mechanism's packaging, you will find detailed, step-by-step instructions, well-written and easy to follow.

    Manual override of VDS SL1600-OIL sliding mechanism

    manual override of VDS 1000 oil mechanism

    The manual override procedure for the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism is a simple and easy process for all users. Using the key, open the release door and push it to the fully open position. The garage door now operates manually. By reversing the process (closing and locking the door), the mechanism is re-engaged.

    Packaging of the VDS SL1600 OIL (kit-Economy) S mechanism set

    The VDS Simply SL1600 (kit-Economy) S set is delivered in two packages. One contains the mechanism, the remote control, and any accessories that may have been ordered extra from the set.

    The second package contains only the metal rack due to its weight and length.

    The set is delivered ready for installation as it has been checked by our technicians and the remote control is pre-configured.

    Installation instructions for the sliding garage door set

    The set is delivered with detailed instructions in Greek. They have been processed by us to be easy to follow even by people who are not directly involved in the field.

    They include detailed steps for each stage of installation, from the motor base and the rack to accessories such as photocells and push buttons. Detailed instructions are also included for the Autotech S-5060T control panel, which is integrated into the mechanism.