When it comes to residential gate motors, speed and battery backup are usually the top priorities. But when you are dealing with an industrial site—a shipping depot, a factory entrance, or a high-security complex—the priorities shift. You don’t just need a motor; you need a tank.

Enter the Nice Hansa Tub 4000.

If you have ever looked at a sliding gate that weighs as much as two SUVs and wondered, “How do we move this safely?” this motor is your answer.

The control board generally offers current sensing for obstruction detection and encoder or limit sensor inputs for precise travel endpoint detection. Voltage range should be suitable for regional mains (for example single phase 230 V AC) and the unit should accept an on-board charger when battery backup is required. Specification of battery capacity depends on the desired number of operations during a power outage and expected recharge time between cycles.

Proper foundation and track preparation are fundamental to reliable operation. A reinforced concrete plinth sized to the motor baseplate is recommended, set on firm ground and raised where flooding is possible. Anchor bolts should be cast into the plinth in accurate positions so the motor base can be secured without distortion.

Track straightness and levelness affect rolling resistance. Replace or reprofile damaged track and use rollers suitable for heavy duty use. Fix the rack to the gate in small, accurately aligned segments, checking line and mesh at several positions along the travel. Laser alignment tools are commonly used to ensure true line over long gates.

Cable routing must use quality conduits with glands at entry points to keep moisture and dust out of control enclosures. All electrical work should be earthed and include surge protection to prevent damage from spikes or lightning. Installers should plan the location of manual release mechanisms so authorised staff can access them when needed.

Contact us:
www.automaticgates.co.ke | www.home-automation.co.ke
+254 722 708034 | 0720 456 534

The Muscle: Why It’s Built Like a Tank

The name might sound unassuming, but the “Tub” is the flagship industrial sliding gate operator from the Nice (formerly Hansa in SA) stable. Here is why this motor is the go-to choice for heavy industrial applications:

• Massive 4-Tonne Capacity: The “4000” stands for 4000 kg. Most commercial motors top out at 1000kg or 2000kg. The Tub handles double that, making it perfect for solid steel gates, ballistic-proof entrances, or extra-wide hangars.

• 400V Three-Phase Power: This unit runs on industrial three-phase current. This provides higher torque and greater efficiency than single-phase motors, allowing it to run cooler during continuous use.

• The “Stop on a Dime” Brake: Physics dictates that a 4-tonne object in motion wants to stay in motion. The Tub 4000 features a powerful electromechanical brake that eliminates gate inertia. The gate stops exactly where it is supposed to, preventing dangerous drifting.

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The Brains: D-PRO 500 Control Unit

Brute force is useless without control. The Tub 4000 isn’t just a mechanical beast; it is paired with the advanced D-PRO 500 control unit.

This board is housed directly inside the motor casing and offers features that facility managers love:

• Easy Programming: It is compatible with the Nice O-View programmer, allowing installers to configure settings via a digital display rather than fiddling with tiny dipswitches.

• Modular Expansion: It has dedicated slots for plug-in receivers (like the OXI) and is designed to integrate seamlessly with access control systems (RFID readers, number plate recognition, etc.).

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Safety: Taming the Kinetic Energy

Moving 4000kg of metal is a serious responsibility. If a gate this heavy hits an obstruction, the damage can be catastrophic. The Nice Tub 4000 is designed to prioritize safety:

1. Photocell Integration: It supports the Nice F210B photocells, which can be oriented 210 degrees. These are essential for creating a “safety net” across the driveway.

2. Resistive Safety Edges: The control unit supports 8.2 kOhm sensitive edges. If the leading edge of the gate touches an object, the motor detects the resistance change and reverses instantly.

3. Secure Manual Release: In the event of a power failure, the motor has a key-protected manual release mechanism. It allows security personnel to disengage the gears and move the gate by hand—though, with a 4-tonne gate, you will still need some muscle to push it!

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Smart Connectivity: Industry 4.0 Ready

Industrial automation is moving toward the IoT (Internet of Things), and the Tub 4000 keeps up. By adding the Nice Core or BiDi-Wi-Fi interface, this industrial motor becomes a smart device.

• Remote Management: Facility managers can check if the gate is open or closed via a smartphone app.

• Maintenance Alerts: The system can be programmed to alert the maintenance team after a certain number of cycles, ensuring servicing happens before a breakdown occurs.

• User Management: Easily add or remove remote controls from the system without opening the motor box.

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Installation Tips for the Pros

If you are planning to install a Tub 4000, here are three critical tips to ensure longevity:

1. The Foundation is Key: Do not skimp on the concrete plinth. The startup torque of this motor is immense. If the plinth isn’t deep and reinforced, the motor will eventually vibrate loose.

2. Steel Rack Only: Never use nylon racking for this motor. You need a Module 6 (M6) steel rack (30x30mm) to withstand the force of the pinion.

3. Check the Phase Rotation: Since this is a 3-phase motor, ensure your wiring rotation is correct. If the motor hums but doesn’t move, or moves in the wrong direction despite the limits, check your phase sequence immediately.

Typical applications in Kenya include long residential gates with ornate panels, estate entrances, apartment complex driveways, logistics yards and industrial entrances where heavy gates and high duty cycles are common. The Tub 4000 is selected where reliability under repeated operation and capacity to withstand wind loads or long gate spans are required.

For high traffic commercial or industrial sites, battery backup is advisable to maintain operations during mains outages. For coastal or dusty inland environments, specify corrosion resistant fixings and increase inspection frequency. Integration with site security systems often adds value in institutional and commercial applications.

Before procurement, ask for a site assessment and a specification that details expected cycle count, gate mass, wind loading and any integration with access control so that the correct Tub 4000 variant and accessories are supplied.

Contact us:
www.automaticgates.co.ke | www.home-automation.co.ke
+254 722 708034 | 0720 456 534

Client feedback from installations across Kenya provides practical perspectives on performance and service needs.

Testimonial from an estate manager in Nairobi
“The drive handles our long steel gate and the system has run reliably through heavy traffic. The installers set prioritised maintenance and the unit performs consistently.”

Testimonial from a logistics yard operator near Mombasa
“Our entry sees many truck movements. The drive has been dependable and the backup solution kept us operating during outages.”

Testimonial from an apartment complex in Kisumu
“We integrated the drive with intercoms and access cards. Tenants appreciate faster openings and fewer delays.”

Testimonial from a factory in Nakuru
“Our daily cycles are high. The thermal protection has prevented overheating and reduced downtime.”

Testimonial from a private owner in Kiambu with a long gate
“The manual release is easy to use for service and the system feels robust. Track cleaning is simple and part of our routine checks.”

The Verdict

The Nice Hansa Tub 4000 bridges the gap between standard automation and heavy industrial machinery. It combines Italian design smarts with the rugged durability required for high-security sites. If you have a gate that breaks lesser motors, it’s time to upgrade to the Tub.