Do solar electric gate openers need a gate lock?

[Rebeldad1]

Looking into a solar gate opener with key pad.

Do they need a gate lock? and why?
Thanks

 

[chesternator]

No but can you clarify? I use gate opener and as optional only I use locks only to hold the arm to prevent theft. Also as an option I use a lock on the opposite end of the closing gate so it cant easily be force pushed open. This lock however operates automatically along with the gate arm both actuated from keypad or remote

 

[TractorGuy]

Lock is optional.

I have double gates with MM openers. I put little padlocks on the operator pins so somebody would have to damage something to make an unauthorized entry. Other than that all they have to do with or without a lock is force the gates open with a truck.

I registered my keypad code with the fire department, sheriffs office, and utility company.

 

[Diggin It]

MM and I assume others offer an electric lock pad that helps hold the gate closed to wind and other casual forcing. It is automatically released when the code is entered and the gate begins to operate. NOTE: These require power to remain locked, so if you go solar with a battery, you'll need to adjust for that.

I also replaced the provided pivot pin with a padlock to prevent tampering however.

 

[chesternator]

Mine doesnt require power to remain locked. I think you may have that wrong. That would be a poor design for a solar power gate. Mine has a latch similar your front door with a pin on the post that forces the latch to collapse and allow the pin to pass through and it springs back capturing the pin preventing the gate from opening. When I activate the gate to open it l. It first applies power to this lock pulling the latch away and holds for a few seconds while activating the gate arm and then it releases the lock by removing power and the gate continues to open.

MM and I assume others offer an electric lock pad that helps hold the gate closed to wind and other casual forcing. It is automatically released when the code is entered and the gate begins to operate. NOTE: These require power to remain locked, so if you go solar with a battery, you'll need to adjust for that.

I also replaced the provided pivot pin with a padlock to prevent tampering however.

 

[Rebeldad1]

Was looking at a gate opener that doesnt provide a lock with a solar installation.
Never being around a electric gate opener.... on a single 14' gate how much play is at the opening end?
Can you walk through it?

 

[Diggin It]

Was looking at a gate opener that doesnt provide a lock with a solar installation.
Never being around a electric gate opener.... on a single 14' gate how much play is at the opening end?
Can you walk through it?

Possibly.

If you can find a latching mechanism that isn't powered full time, I'd suggest it. Unless you WANT to be able to move it enough to walk through?

Another option is a rolling gate and operator. Costs more but less footprint as gate rolls in/out along the fenceline. Those would not require the same type of locking mechanism, just a yoke to abate winds.

 

[chesternator]

Play at the opening end is somewhat dependent on how tightly you set the gate to close and how solid the arm is installed as well as the post it attatched to.

I use the following lock which only needs power when opening as stated in my previous post
Automatic Gate Lock (FM143) for Mighty Mule Automatic Gate Openers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009SS13Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3zaECbBGVFH35

The key is only as a backup to manually unlock if something went wrong or you lose power.