BFT PHOBOS BT B40 Swing Gate Motor

Unlike the PHOBOS BT A40 which accepts four control units (including the standard non-Bluetooth THALIA and ZARA), the BFT PHOBOS BT B40 is compatible only with the THALIA BT A80 and ZARA BT A80 Bluetooth control units. This is likely because the B40’s advanced specifications — 700 kg capacity, 470mm stroke, 130° arc, and 30 cycles/hour rating — require the more sophisticated motor management, D-Track calibration, and diagnostic capability that the BT (Bluetooth) board variants provide. The Bluetooth capability also allows a technician to calibrate the magnetic limit switches, D-Track force curve, and slowdown settings for a 700 kg gate via smartphone without physical access to the board terminals — a meaningful safety and convenience advantage when commissioning a very heavy gate installation.

Both the PHOBOS BT B40 and KUSTOS BT B40 handle 700 kg gate leaves at 4.0m using 24V/40W with magnetic limits, D-Track, and personal key release — but the PHOBOS BT B40 offers superior reach and wider opening. The PHOBOS uses a 470mm stroke reaching 130°; the KUSTOS uses a 355mm stroke reaching 126°. The PHOBOS B40 weighs just 5.2 kg per motor (compact design) and specifies 30 cycles per hour and 2000N thrust; the KUSTOS B40 does not publish these figures. The PHOBOS B40 requires Bluetooth control only (THALIA BT A80 or ZARA BT A80), while the KUSTOS B40 works with the standard THALIA. At AED 2,970 versus AED 2,475, the PHOBOS BT B40 commands a premium for its wider stroke, wider opening, and compact form.

For gate panels longer than 3 metres, BFT requires an electric lock to be installed on the PHOBOS BT B40 system. Gate leaves longer than 3m experience significant lever force at the leading edge when the motor is in the closed position, making the gate susceptible to being pushed open by wind pressure or physical force if only the motor’s mechanical lock is holding it shut. An electric lock anchors the leaf firmly at the gate post. For gate leaves between 3.0m and 4.0m in Abu Dhabi — common in large villa compounds with wider entrances — the electric lock is a mandatory component, not an optional one. The PHOBOS BT B40’s 3m threshold is more generous than some motors in the range (BFT ELI AC A40 and ELI BT A40 require a lock beyond 2.5m).

At 5.2 kg per operator, the PHOBOS BT B40 is one of the lightest motors in the range relative to its 700 kg gate capacity — significantly lighter than the BENINCA BOB50M (11.6 kg) which handles a similar gate weight. The compact weight comes from the 24V DC motor’s inherently smaller physical footprint compared to 230V AC motors of equivalent output, combined with BFT’s optimised housing design. The 470mm rod stroke provides the mechanical leverage needed to move 700 kg, meaning the motor housing only needs to contain the drive mechanism and worm gear — not a large 230V transformer or higher-current AC windings. For Abu Dhabi installations where pillar width or bracket clearance is limited, the 5.2 kg compact form factor is a genuine installation advantage.

The BFT PHOBOS BT B40 carries a 24-month manufacturer warranty from purchase covering material and workmanship defects. For a 700 kg gate on a 470mm stroke with Bluetooth-only control, three installation factors are critical for warranty protection. First, the THALIA BT A80 or ZARA BT A80 must be used — connecting the B40 to a non-compatible control unit voids warranty. Second, gate panel leaves exceeding 3.0m must have an electric lock installed; operating without one puts repeated stress on the motor’s mechanical lock during wind-loading events. Third, the magnetic limit switches must be precisely calibrated via the Bluetooth interface to avoid the motor travelling beyond its 130° stop. The IP44 rating requires sheltered installation away from direct dust accumulation on the 470mm exposed rod. Contact POWERgate Abu Dhabi on WhatsApp (+971 50 884 4933) or at sales@powergatead.com for warranty claims.