If you don’t know how Metis improves traditional bollards, we can tell you!
EL-GO Metis Sliding Bollards are the future of modern bollard systems for commercial properties and parking facilities. We have previously discussed what these are and gone over their myriad features and functions. This time, we’re talking about how Metis improves upon traditional bollards that you may already be using. Traditional security bollards – whether fixed posts or older automatic models – come with several limitations that the EL-GO Metis system smartly overcomes.
Dynamic Access vs. Static Posts
Fixed bollards (permanent concrete-or steel-filled posts) are great for security but cannot be moved to allow vehicle passage. This often forces facility owners to leave gaps or use removable sections, which can be inconvenient. In contrast, the sliding bollards of the Metis system give you flexible access control – you can open or close an entrance on demand while maintaining security when needed. For properties like mixed-use plazas or emergency access routes, this dynamic control is invaluable.
Minimal Excavation vs. Deep Footings
Many automatic rising bollards (the kind that retract into the ground) require deep pits and extensive civil work to install. They often need excavation for each bollard cylinder and a subterranean housing, which can be a major disruption and cost. The Metis sliding bollards, by contrast, are surface-mounted with a shallow ramp (about 11 cm high) or installed with very little digging. This shallow-mount design not only simplifies installation and reduces costs, but also makes it feasible to deploy in locations where digging is restricted (for example, over shallow utilities or parking garage decks).
All-Electric Convenience vs. Hydraulic Complexity
Traditional automatic bollards frequently use hydraulic or pneumatic systems, which involve pumps, fluids, hoses, and lots of moving parts. These systems can be prone to oil leaks, pressure loss, and require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Cold weather can also affect hydraulic fluid performance without special heaters. Metis’s all-electric drive eliminates these issues – no oil, no compressors, no leak risk. The result is a cleaner, more reliable operation with lower maintenance requirements over the life of the product. Plus, the electric motor in Metis is engineered to run on a standard single-phase power supply, drawing only about 1.5 kW, thanks to an integrated drive unit. This means you can often plug it into existing electrical infrastructure without needing a three-phase upgrade.
Integrated System vs. Multiple Components
Older bollard setups might require separate control panels in a nearby cabinet, external sensor posts or loop detectors in the pavement, and wiring between all these pieces. This piecemeal approach can complicate installation and introduce points of failure. EL-GO Metis provides an all-in-one solution – the motor, control panel, sensors, and lights are all built into the bollard units themselves. There are no external control boxes to mount or photo-eye posts to install on the sides; everything is compactly self-contained. Fewer external components means a cleaner look and less chance of something getting damaged or misaligned over time.
Safety and User-Friendly Features
Traditional automated bollards, especially older models, may lack advanced safety features. It’s not uncommon to hear of bollards causing vehicle damage or even injuring people if proper sensors aren’t in place. The Metis system’s invisible IR sensors and immediate stop function if an obstacle is detected ensure a high level of safety. Additionally, the built-in LED indicators on Metis bollards give drivers a clear signal (red or green) about whether they can proceed, whereas older systems might rely on separate traffic light units or none at all. The convenience of a manual release in case of power loss is another improvement – with some older hydraulic bollards, manual operation requires hand pumps or special tools, whereas Metis can be simply switched to manual mode and slid open by one person.
Maintenance and Longevity
Fixed bollards are low maintenance by nature, but they don’t offer access control. Automatic bollards do, but they typically require periodic checks (e.g. hydraulic fluid top-ups, seal replacements, etc.). The Metis bollards are designed for minimal maintenance, with an electric motor rated for heavy daily cycles and a chain drive that is easy to inspect and maintain. No fluids to change, no pneumatic lines to leak. This translates to a lower total cost of ownership over years of operation, balancing out the higher upfront investment in this high-tech system.
Should You Choose EL-GO Metis Sliding Bollards?
Taking into consideration all of the incredible features and functionality of EL-GO Metis Sliding Bollards, it’s easy to see how Metis improves upon traditional bollards. Vehicle management is a critical part of parking infrastructure, and EL-GO Metis Sliding Bollards make it efficient and easy.
Choose Hercules High Security to Protect Your Property
Whether you need White House-level security fencing, or you need the perfect version of a white picket fence to guard your business or residential property, trust the experts at Hercules High Security. For more information and to learn how we can meet your custom fencing needs, contact Hercules High Security online or give us a call at 1-800-395-9597. Our professionals are ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area to Richmond, Virginia. We have branch offices in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland. We will ensure your investment serves your family and your business for years to come! For updates and to see projects we’re working on, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.