Steriline Racing’s starting gates are known for their longevity, reliability and resilience to all kinds of conditions in horse racing. However, all products with moving parts should still be examined to ensure proper functionality.
Steriline recommends that you allow one of our field technicians to examine your gate each year as we know them inside out. However, if you have your own technicians, the simple checklists below for every month and at the six-month stages will help you to regulate servicing and communication to ensure all standards are met within the racing industry.

MONTHLY CHECKS REQUIRED

1. Perform ALL checks as described in our document: ‘Steriline Racing’s Pre-Race Starting Gate Checklist’ 

Steriline’s gates are renowned for their long-lasting durability, this basic checklist is designed to consolidate this while familiarising track managers with potential issues, as the smaller things can lead to bigger problems if they are not managed effectively.

2. Check Steering Assembly

• Grease the tow link at each end of the starting gate if necessary.
• Ensure all bolts are tight.
• Check all hydraulic hoses (where fitted) for leaks, rubbing or other damage.
• Check tie rod ends for damage or excessive wear.
• Apply grease to both the upper and lower grease point of each wheel mount on the corners of the starting gate.
• Check for smooth movement of wheel mount shaft. If movement is not smooth, the wheel mount should be removed and checked.
• Check for contaminants, damage or excessive wear.
• Re-grease the Wheel Mount Shaft when re-assembling.
• Contact Steriline Racing for the supply of spare parts if required.
   

3. Check suction cups on front gates for perished rubber

• If fitting new suction cups, screw the cup until all surfaces contact and then hold the nut with a spanner and tighten the cup by hand. Take care not to over-tighten - the bolt may separate from the cup.
• Check front gate opening springs for adequate tension and range of movement.
• Check operating rod springs for adequate tension and range of movement.
• Check overhead operating shaft springs for adequate tension and range of movement.
• Check all electrical leads and connections.
• Check all nuts and bolts on all starting gate components are tight and in satisfactory condition. Some padding may need to be removed to check and tighten bolts.

SIX MONTHLY CHECKS REQUIRED

1. Perform ALL checks as previously described above

2. Replace the battery in the main control box

• Use a 12-volt sealed lead-acid battery with a rating of 20 amp/hr.
• Remember to charge the new battery for a minimum of 24 hours before use.
• Ensure batteries are kept in a charged state at all times as this will maximise battery life.
• The battery should be charged for a minimum of 12 hours per month regardless of whether the starting gate has been used or not.
  
  

3. Check the circuit breakers in the main control box

• The main control unit is protected by twin 15-amp circuit breakers. Check to ensure that they are in the operational state by pressing them into the latched condition.

Steriline Racing’s gates are made to last and having a regular schedule for upkeep on your starting gate can assist with a long and profitable relationship with your gate. 

Maintain your starting gate - click here to download the recommended maintenance checklist to get the most out of our gate on race day

If you have noticed something strange that requires an engineer’s eye, please contact us and we can arrange a meeting on-site to review your starting gate.