Our Mighy Mule gate opener just died.

[Redneck in training]

It is about 4 years old, does about 2 cycles a day in average per my estimation. There was nothing obvious wrong (burned) on the PC board, the relay was clicking but the motor would just jerk little bit. While troubleshooting it I suspected the relay but determined the motor was shot. Since it looks like standard size motor (RS 550) I ordered new one from Trossen Robotics. I also researched the issue on internet and there were complaints about very tiny and flimsy brushes in some motors. I am hoping the new motor will be better made than the original. It cost $11.95 + $3.99 S&H that is much better than new arm for $180.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have a might mule also. Let me know if the motor works for you. So far I haven't had any trouble with mine but my brother in law has had several circuit boards go out in 6 year of use. I think the last time he just bought a new unit.

 

[Redneck in training]

I should get new motor in a week or so. I will report back after I replace it.

 

[Soundguy]

i use those gates on my farm. over the last 15 ys I have had 3 of them. the second one had a motor issue such as that. I was actually able to resurect that one by cleaning the motor. it died later of an unrelated trauma

 

[Redneck in training]

I removed the motor from gearbox today. It would run if I first helped it but wouldn't start from dead stop. I suspected the brushes were worn off and/or the commutator gaps were plugged by the brush material. I took the motor apart and the brushes were almost gone and the motor was full of black dust from the brush material. To get the gear from the shaft I cut the shaft off and then put the gear on a wise and used a punch to punch the shaft out. While looking for new motor I found there was a high number of them on the marked. From $5 to $180 for brushless supermotor. The motor I ordered should be better than the original. It has stall torque 70.55 oz-in versus original 52.08 oz-in. It should help at low temperatures when my opener quite struggled. New motor is Mabuchi RS-550 with 12V three pole rotor. Shaft diameter 0.125" , 0.3" long.

 

[TnAndy]

I had Genie brand (they are no longer in the gate opener business) linear actuator type operators (very similar to the Mighty Mule) for about 5-6 years as my first gate opener. Not a real good design, in my opinion....you have to mount the thing to the gate post in most cases, and puts a lot of strain on the operator. Mine had the problem of circuit boards as well.....went thru them on a regular basis.

SO.....I finally sprang for a good, 'arm' type opener. I bought OSCO brand. They have a 1/2hp AC motor, belt drive to a right angle gear box....and best of all.....ZERO circuit boards.....every thing in it is a mechanical switch with the exception of the radio receiver/relay. Been using it for 15 years or so, and had very little problems with it. (occasional switch needed replacing)

 

[Soundguy]

When you replace the motor, make sure you adjust the "strain " setting, or you might not realize as much extra torque as you could

 

[Redneck in training]

When you replace the motor, make sure you adjust the "strain " setting, or you might not realize as much extra torque as you could

Thanks, will do. It might be little tricky though. The farm gates are pretty flimsy. If I make the setting safe for the gate and/or people it will not operate at low temperatures. If I make the setting high enough to overcome resistance in the gearbox and worm when the grease is cold it will bend the gate if restricted.

 

[Soundguy]

Wow, that must be some flimsy gate!

I run tube gates, I adjust close for contact + 1/2 second for secure shut. I don't worry about 'people' safe, gate will fold or stall before you could hurt someone.

What you running? 4 tube tube gates?

I run 5-6 tube gates up to 16', for a 20' gate I have a different arm.

 

[Gator6x4]

Anyone with the gate openers have a ground on the gate? I have a friend with a gate opener and he advised he had a problem until he installed a grounding rod and grounded the gate. Seems his gate was acting as a static electric collector during storms. Just wondering out of curiosity if this was an actual problem.