Automatic gate openers?

[The Dougster]

I need one! Having shopped around, it seems they are proced from $250 to "the sky is the limit"... any of you folks have experience with them? Any recommendations?

 

[weldingisfun]

Been using Mighty Mule for about six years now. No complaints to speak of.
I have them on two different gates. One solar powered, the other AC.
Put the MM in the Chevy price range.

 

[daveshoot]

I have a Ramset 100 operating a large, square tube rolling gate with a chain. It was OK until the neighbor backed into it. I got it straightened back out and it's OK again. I actually laid the gate down in the drive and drove the truck over the bent spots.

The fence is overkill (it's surrounded by chain link, so it's not like a high security enclosure) but it works well. Unfortunately, the original homeowner did not "waste" any money on safety devices like a photo sensor for people, pets, vehicles, etc. This thing would cut you in half if you stood in its way and I have to retrofit all that.

The control board has a lot of inputs for sensors and settings for various performance options. I will say that they have an excellent telephone tech support guy, which counted for a lot with me. It isn't their fault that it was installed without the necessary safety gear.

 

[jim98338]

I have had a Mighty Mule for the last 8 years. There has been no problems with it. I have only replaced the battery.

 

[Hosskix]

I've got a Might Mule too (on solar), my only complaint is that it seams like you can get out and paint the gate while it's opening!

 

[ultrarunner]

One MM came with the house and I have replaced it twice in 5 years...

The opener works find untill some tries to force the gate open and in the process bends the screw shaft...

 

[sodamo]

I went what might be MM knockoff - Lockmaster - totally solar.
Swing Gate | Driveway Gate | Entrance Gate | Loop Detector | Sliding Gates

 

[mscheer772]

I use a 15 year old

 

[weldingisfun]

I've got a Might Mule too (on solar), my only complaint is that it seams like you can get out and paint the gate while it's opening!

That is a good one. It's true too. :laughing:

 

[Redbug]

I have an Apollo gate opener on solar panels for about 16 years. No problems and it still works like new. I just give the rollers and bearings a greasing and occasionally swap out the deep cycle battery with one of the boat batteries to keep them on an even keel.

 

[Jimbrown]

I have two mighty mules and one Apollo. The mighty mules will strip the gears in the motor actuator if pushed or the wind blows them back and forth. I rate them them 2nd rate at best. The Apollo is first class. I have a 3600 it is comercial grade, expensive but they work well. If I have to replace my mighty mules I will go with the Apollo 1500.

Apollo Gate Operator | Electric & Solar Automatic Gate Openers

 

[J_J]

I have tried two different manufactures of gate openers, but the lightning here in Florida, burns them out after a while. Might go to air or hydraulic activated gate, with basic electronic control.

 

[Redbug]

Hey Jim...Mine's an Apollo 7000 ETL, (which is what they are now called), and worth every cent. Not a bit of problems since I have had it. We also have a fair amount of lightning, also. But not as bad as Florida. I added extra ground rods around the house, gate, and workshop. So far nothing has been hit.

After having a gate and opener, and for so long...there's no way I could have a place without one.

I put some screen wire on the edges of the gate box...you-know-who kept letting themselves out...

 

[dmccarty]

I put some screen wire on the edges of the gate box...you-know-who kept letting themselves out...

Is the gate there to get you-know-who IN or people AWAY from you-know-who? :laughing:

I had to lock our gate to the back yard in our old city house. MY you-know-who watched me open the gate once. She then knew how to open the gate. Smart. B..tch. I had to lock the gate to keep her in the yard.

Her nickname was The Nose.... :thumbsup:

Best Dog Ever. Really miss her.

We are puppy sitting at the moment. The puppy is cute. And a puppy. :laughing: But she ain't got a paw on The Nose.

Later,
Dan

 

[Redbug]

Hi Dan,

Pal is mild mannered and sweet. But, most people don't know that. If a dog barks at people on the other side of the fence, most people automatically think the dog is bad. That's a good thing in my book. The gate is not so much for the dog but as for us. It really adds to our privacy and security. However, Pal is like "The Nose". He keeps us on our toes. Smartest dog I've ever had.

What kind of dog is "The Paw" and what breed was "The Nose"?

 

[roamerr]

I have an Apollo 1550. Great opener but I lost a control board initially due to lightning. Apollo replaced it under warranty as a courtesy. I have since added an additional ground rod for the gate, control box, and Ditek input surge protectors hooked to it. I also seperated the antenna per Apollo's recommendation.

Apollo openers are expensive but they have lots of features and adjustments. Just protect them from lightning.

 

[dmccarty]

What kind of dog is "The Paw" and what breed was "The Nose"?

Kelly aka The Nose was a GSD. Smartest animal I have ever had/known. Smarter and more loyal than many people I have known.

The Paw is a little mutt. She looks like she has some Border Collie in her. And she acts like it. Our Golden was excited to have a friend over to visit. Not so sure now. The Paw is a young pup and is wearing out the old girl.

Kelly had an awesome might bark. I can remember the first time she barked. :laughing: She was a very friendly dog. Unless she perceived you as a threat. Then it got interesting.

The subject of this thread pops up from time to time which is a good thing. We need a gate operator. Right now the operator is Dan or Dan's Wifey. But I have read so many bad comments about the Might Mule we have stayed away from that brand. Guess I need to look at the Apollo.

Later,
Dan

 

[JRobyn]

I was all set to buy an Apollo until I started shopping for new garage door openers and saw the Liftmasters. They seem to be built very solid, have a solar model in the same price vicinty of the Apollos and seem to move a lot faster than my B-I-L's Mighty Mule. I was hoping that someone with some experience with the Liftmasters might respond to this thread.

- Jay

 

[txdon]

For a sliding solar gate my patriot, recommended by wrought-n-harv, has preformed very well.

Made in the USA!!

USAutomatic automatic swing gate openers and slide gate openers

 

[crbr]

I was hoping that someone with some experience with the Liftmasters might respond to this thread.

- Jay

Someone will be along.