What is the Mighty Mule E-Z Gate opener?

The Mighty Mule is a automatic gate opener. It is to gates what a garage door opener is to garage doors. It is the ONLY gate opener available in the "Do-It-Yourself" marketplace. Because it is battery operated and uses low voltage power, it is safe (no electrician needed) and easy to install in about two to three hours. Associated accessories include automatic gate locks, solar panels, extra entry transmitters, digital keypads, and push buttons.

What size and type of gate will the Mighty Mule open?

How is the Mighty Mule E-Z gate opener powered?

The opener is operated by a 12 volt, 7.0 amp-hour battery which also provides battery backup during a power outage.

How many times will the Mighty Mule open during a power outage?

On the average, a fully charged battery can provide fifty (100) cycles after a power outage. The number of cycles may vary depending on factors such as the type and size of gate, number of added accessories, and weather conditions.

How is the battery charged?

The Mighty Mule E-Z gate opener comes with a transformer that plugs into any 110/115 electrical outlet which provides a trickle charge to the battery. The transformer is connected to the control box with up to 1000 ft. of 16 gauge, multi-stranded, direct burial, low voltage wire. If there is not a standard outlet within 1000 ft. of the control box, the battery charge can be maintained with optional solar panel(s). If an outlet is located outside, the transformer can be placed inside a weatherproof electrical box and connected to the control box with the low voltage wire.

If I charge my battery with solar power, how many panels do I need?

The practicality of using solar power varies due to a wide range of conditions. If you are within 1000 ft. of a power outlet, we recommend using the transformer for a steadier, more constant charge. If you choose to use solar power, see the Solar Chart which outlines the recommended number of panels (generally one or two) for your region of the country.

How do I install the solar panels and how strong are they?

The Mighty Mule Solar Panel comes complete for easy mounting within 8ft of the control box. If the panel(s) must be installed farther away than 8ft (i.e. to be placed in full sunlight), additional low voltage wiring will be required. It is important that the solar panels face south and are placed in full sunlight away from overhanging trees. Each solar panel is rated to withstand the force of a hail stone.

Can I manually open the gate in the event of an emergency?

Yes. The opener is mounted with clevis pins and clips at both the gate and post ends. By removing the pin and clip at either end, the opener can be removed and the gate opened manually.

Can anyone remove the opener this way?

Yes. However, to avoid theft, add the Master® pin lock accessory on one or both ends of the opener to insure that only the homeowner can unlock and release the opener.

Will the opener hold the gate tightly closed?

Depending on the length and type of gate, there is a possibility that the end of the gate can flex enough to allow a person or an animal to enter. For maximum stability and additional security, the Mighty Mule Automatic Gate Lock should be installed; this will act like a deadbolt does to the front door of a home.

If I add an automatic gate lock can I still manually open the gate?

Yes. The Automatic Gate Lock has a manual keyed release on the front of the steel cover.

Can I open the gate with my garage door opener?

Probably not. Garage door openers use a different radio frequency than the Mighty Mule E-Z gate opener. If you want your GTO entry transmitter to activate both, a garage door receiver can be purchased that has the same frequency as the Mighty Mule. If the gate and garage are within close range of each other, a two or three button entry transmitter can be purchased to operate the openers separately.

Can I open the gate from my house with my transmitter?

The normal operating range of the GTO entry transmitter is 50 to 100 ft. However, because it uses a radio frequency and is subject to interference by weather conditions, topography, outside interference, etc., the actual range may vary. If your house is within 1000 ft. of your gate, you can place a second set of low voltage wires in the ground at the same time you are running wire for the transformer and connect it to an unlit push button in the house. At the control box, simply connect the wires to the accessory terminal block.

Can anyone open my gate if they have a Mighty Mule transmitter?

Not if you personalize your code. Every transmitter comes with identical factory settings, but you can personalize your code by repositioning the dip switches inside the GTO transmitter.

How can people without an entry transmitter open the gate?

GTO offers a weatherproof Digital Keypad accessory (for wired or wireless applications) which can be mounted on a post near the gate. The keypad can be programmed with up to 15 different entry codes for use by family members, delivery personnel, employees, etc. An additional security feature is the ability to change only one code at a time. For example, you can give a delivery person an entry code and then that particular code can be changed or eliminated after the delivery, without affecting the other codes.

How does the gate close?

The Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Opener is programmed to automatically close the gate sixty seconds after reaching its fully opened position. If you want to close it sooner than that, push the button on the entry transmitter to activate the gate.

What if I don't want my Mighty Mule to close automatically?

If you want to leave your gate open for an extended period of time, turn the Mighty Mule control box "off" when the gate has reached the open position. When you are ready to close the gate, turn the control box "on," wait 15 seconds for the control board to energize, and then press your entry transmitter button to close the gate.

What happens if the gate hits something while either opening or closing?

The Mighty Mule E-Z gate opener has a built-in safety obstruction sensor which causes the gate to stop and reverse its direction if it comes in contact with an object during its opening or closing cycle.

How long will the battery last and what is the cost to replace it?

The normal life expectancy of the Mighty Mule battery is three to five years. Replacement batteries cost less than automotive batteries and are available from us.

Will the battery operate my gate opener in extreme cold?

GTO Automatic Gate Openers are currently in use from the Arctic to the Amazon. Because of the battery's gel cell design, extreme cold may cause it to operate a little slower than under normal conditions but will not cause it to malfunction.

What maintenance is required to keep my Mighty Mule operating properly?

The Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Opener is designed to be virtually maintenance free. However, it is recommended that the push-pull tube be sprayed two or three times annually with a good grade of silicon spray. DO NOT use an oil based spray such as WD40 as this will attract sand and dirt.

Does lightning affect the GTO automatic gate opener?

No electrical device can withstand a direct lightning hit. However, the GTO Automatic Gate Opener does have built-in ground paths on the control board designed to diffuse normal static charges created by lightning.

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