VDS SL1600-OIL Sliding Gate Motor
Set for sliding garage door with VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism, for doors up to 1600 kg. Includes: base and mounting materials, limit switch activation plates, release keys, installation instructions in Greek, etc.
Available in its basic version without control panel, without remote control. Depending on your needs, you can add 1 to 5 remote controls with a control panel, 5 to 8 meters of rack, and wired or reflective photocells.
General information about the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism:
- For a maximum leaf weight of 1600kg
- Non-reversible, in oil bath
- Up to 48 opening/closing cycles per hour. (at 20°C)
- Up to 150 opening/closing cycles per day.
- Single-phase motor (230 VAC)
- Mechanism dimensions: 310x150x264 mm (LxWxH)
- Leaf movement speed: 10 m/min
- Motor power consumption: 330 W
- Motor thermal protection: 140 °C
- Features a key-operated door for manual release
- 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, call us at 210.555.0632 or buy it online from our e-shop.
Criteria for installing the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism on your door
- 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.
A 1600kg door is a fairly high limit, assuming that the average weight of sliding gate doors is usually 60-70kg/m. However, if the weight of the door is not known, it is advisable to ask the manufacturer. From our experience, the above mechanism covers most cases of sliding gate doors.
48 uses per hour cover most apartment building cases, as the door can operate almost every minute during peak hours. The motor has thermal protection. This means that if usage is exceeded and it overheats, movement stops until the normal temperature is restored. Logically, shorter doors in a cold environment can perform more cycles than larger doors in a warm environment. If the motor stops due to overheating, the door must be operated manually.
The uses per day can cover more than 35 cars that will use it 4 times a day. These uses (compared to the uses per hour) are the optimal operation for the mechanism to last for several years without problems.
Features and advantages of the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism

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

The windings and mechanical part of the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism are immersed in an oil bath. This offers two significant advantages: better lubrication and better cooling.
Better lubrication is achieved because the entire mechanical part of the mechanism "swims" in the special oil.
Better cooling of the motor is achieved because the oil ensures that there is no extremely hot spot compared to the others, as the oil "wets" the entire interior of the motor, reducing both the risk of overheating and corresponding damage. 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 uniformly to the motor walls, which dissipate it into the environment, achieving exceptionally effective cooling.
The motor has a special screw that is tightened during delivery to prevent oil leakage. This screw is located under the motor cover. After installing the motor, this screw must be loosened by 2 turns so that the oil reservoir (sump) can "breathe." This is the oil breather screw.
To check the oil level, the motor has an external indicator for easy inspection. This is a major advantage of the VDS SL1600-OIL motor, as there is no need to remove the cover for inspection.

Sliding garage door with mechanism - Features

A classic sliding gate setup with a mechanism naturally includes the door leaf, which has wheels at the bottom. The wheels must be well-maintained to avoid hindering the movement of the door and the mechanism.
On the ground, the rail on which the wheels move is correctly fixed. The rail must be straight without bumps or deformations.
The door 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 not allow the door to deviate from its path, but 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 non-motorized door) are the mechanical door stops. The stops define the door's travel, i.e., its final position both when opening and closing.
To automate a door leaf, a metal (or plastic) rack is installed. The rack is a toothed bar that cooperates with the motor's gear to transmit movement.
The motor is placed in the center of the door's travel so that it always maintains 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 safety photocells. The safety photocells are placed on either side of the opening and check for obstacles 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's closing.
Also, for even greater safety, a safety beacon could be installed, which provides 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 controls' range is not desired, an external antenna can be installed to amplify the signal.
VDS SL1600-OIL Sliding Automation Base
The mechanism comes with a base specially designed for proper and sturdy support. The sub-base should preferably be concrete to ensure that the mechanism is properly supported.

For the installation of the sliding mechanism base, we check the sub-base and the wiring. (the best solution is a reinforced concrete sub-base with coiled 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 is a detailed description of where the base should be placed depending on whether the door opens to the right or to the left. (left and right are defined as looking at the door from the side where the motor and rack are installed)



To find the correct base position, follow this procedure:
- Manually push the door leaf to its fully closed position. Place the mechanism's base on the ground, at least distance B from the edge of the door leaf.
- Manually push the door leaf to its open position. The base must be at a distance C from the edge of the door. If this condition is met, proceed with the installation. If not, there are two options:
- Accept that the door leaf will not open fully (but will open until it reaches distance C from the base). Choose this solution if the clear opening is sufficient and what remains continues to meet your needs.
- Extend the door's length by extending the door leaf. It can be extended lengthwise across its entire height or only at the point where it contacts the rack.
Mechanism installation (height-wise) - Detailed dimensions
The installation height of the mechanism is extremely important for the entire installation's progress. What matters is the height relative to the rack for their good cooperation. Often, the door's design dictates where the rack will be placed so that there are mounting points for the rack on the door. Below are detailed diagrams for the mechanism's installation height in cases where the rack has been placed with its teeth facing downwards. (this is the recommended and most common solution)




H1 = 30mm (height of motor mounting base)
H2 = 90mm (top of base to top of gear)
H3 = 15mm (top of gear to center of rack spacer)
H1+H2+H3 = H1+H4+H5 = 135mm (bottom of base to center of rack spacer)
H4 = 85mm (top of base to bottom of rack)
H5 = 20mm (bottom of rack to center of rack spacer)
H6 = 10mm (center of spacer to top of rack)
H1+H4 = 115mm (bottom of base to bottom of rack)
Ho = height of elevated foundation (the base can be placed on an elevated spot for positioning purposes. In this case, the motor is protected, e.g., in case of flooding.
Based on the above dimensions, a pre-check is performed before installing the mechanism. There are two cases:
- If a rack already exists, we check if the height at which it has been installed is convenient in relation to the mechanism's dimensions and the height at which its gear is positioned. 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)
- If there is no existing rack, we check if there are available mounting points on the door for the rack at the desired installation height. Otherwise, we will have to raise the entire assembly by forming the sub-base where the mechanism's base will be placed.
A key point of attention is the clearance that must exist between the gear and the rack. Ideally, this clearance should be 1.5mm.

If this clearance is not present, the mechanism is forced to carry the door along its entire travel instead of simply pushing it. This will cause wear and tear, and sooner or later, problems will arise in its operation.
Conversely, if the gap is too large, the cooperation between the gear and the rack will not be correct, causing jolts and stress on the motor. Therefore, special attention is required to create this gap.
Metal rack
The metal rack is delivered in one-meter pieces. It is galvanized for greater resistance to external conditions. The rack's cross-section is 12x30mm, the diametral 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.
Autotech S5060T control panel for sliding garage door mechanisms

The Autotech S5060T control panel is included in the set and is integrated into the mechanism. It is a control panel that combines ease of use with all necessary functions and has been time-tested. It combines perfectly with the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism.
Technical characteristics:
- It has a socket for the mechanism's limit switches.
- We can adjust the mechanism's force.
- There is an option for soft start and stop for less wear and tear on the mechanism and garage door.
- It accepts safety photocells that stop movement when they detect an obstacle during door closing and initiate reverse movement (opening).
- There is an available setting for automatic door closing with user-selectable closing start time. Photocell use is mandatory for automatic closing operation.
- Electric braking is an option.
- The opening direction is adjusted with a microswitch.
- The panel can accept push-buttons (key-operated push-button 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. Additionally, it features functions such as mechanism force adjustment, slow start and stop, which make it one of the best choices on the market today.
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 any 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.

Sliding mechanism installation procedure - Summary
In summary, the steps for installing a sliding garage door mechanism are as follows:
- Check that the door operates smoothly manually.
- Check the wiring if it exists, or install it.
- After the checks, the motor's base is installed. This requires a stable sub-base. Usually, a reinforced concrete base is the appropriate solution.
- Mount the motor on the base.
The above are simply a summary of the installation steps for a sliding mechanism. Inside the mechanism's packaging, you will find detailed, step-by-step instructions, well-written and easy to follow.
Manual override for VDS SL1600-OIL sliding gate opener

The manual override procedure for the VDS SL1600-OIL mechanism is simple and easy for all users. With the key, open the disengagement cover and push it to the fully open position. The garage door now operates manually. By reversing the procedure (closing and locking the cover), the mechanism is re-engaged.
Packaging of the VDS SL1600 OIL mechanism set (kit-Standard) S
The VDS SL1600-OIL sliding gate motor is delivered in two packages when it includes a rack. One contains the mechanism, the remote control, the photocells, and any accessories that may have been ordered extra from the set.
The second package contains only the metal rack due to weight and length.
The set is delivered ready for installation as it has been checked by our technicians and the remote control is programmed.
Installation instructions for the sliding gate set
The set comes with detailed instructions in Greek. They have been edited by us to be easy to follow even by people who are not directly involved with the subject.
They contain detailed steps for each stage of the installation, from the motor base and the rack to accessories such as photocells and push buttons. Detailed instructions for the Autotech S-5060T control panel, which is integrated into the mechanism, are also included.