Automatic gate openers

[Mr.Glock]

I have a Mule that is on a lightweight tube gate now for 11 years. Have heard all the stories, but the one I got seems to plug away. The home I am remodeling now for our last home is having a hand built installed and a better opener from Liftmaster. I was told by several gate installers to stay away from 110 and go solar only. Power surges, lightning strikes and such kills the electronics. Solar not!

But that old Mule from Tractor Supply keeps on chugging along. I think the key to a good gate is get ball bearing grease able hinges. And keep the weight down on the gate.

 

[AKmoose]

Had an old Mighty Mule and was always having to adjust the limit switches, it finally gave up the ghost and found an E 8 with good reviews on Amazon so I gave it a try. Amazon.com

This thing has been more than awesome, no swiches to adjust, it detects the stops electronically, been at least 5-6 years since I put it in and just last year was the 1st time I had to change the gate battery. Found a pic, put it in April 1st 2017. Gate is 14 Ft and about 150-200 lbs.

 

[Mr.Glock]

Had an old Mighty Mule and was always having to adjust the limit switches, it finally gave up the ghost and found an E 8 with good reviews on Amazon so I gave it a try. Amazon.com

This thing has been more than awesome, no swiches to adjust, it detects the stops electronically, been at least 5-6 years since I put it in and just last year was the 1st time I had to change the gate battery. Found a pic, put it in April 1st 2017. Gate is 14 Ft and about 150-200 lbs.
View attachment 410079

Is that a screw operated one? As it screws itself in and out?

 

[tynyphil]

Interesting. I never thought of doing something like that. Mind posting a picture of your setup?

2 heavy L pieces of angle iron set in concrete to support the opener set just wide enough to nest it. Box on top to just protect from the rain. Ripped piece of plastic pipe to protect the chain from the

elements.

 

[AKmoose]

Is that a screw operated one? As it screws itself in and out?

I do believe it is a jack screw, nothing external moves though, just slides in and out of the housing. My really old Mighty Mule was a jackscrew also,

 

[Judi]

Yes, Cowcatchers gate opener even worked in the cold weather....think it even has a lifetime warrenty ....

.....

 

[OkieJoe72]

I thought that he spoke of his gate opener being his wife or one of his daughters.

Your comment makes me curious.

I believe it was his wife. I’ve got the same type of opener, and it’s very tricky to get it to work reliably.

 

[bigred1]

I believe it was his wife. I’ve got the same type of opener, and it’s very tricky to get it to work reliably.

My uncles and grandpas use to tell me the rule was.....shotgun rider opens and closes all the gates.

 

[tynyphil]

I believe it was his wife. I’ve got the same type of opener, and it’s very tricky to get it to work reliably.

yep. I didn't do the electronic thing until my gate openers graduated HS and moved off

 

[BobbyV]

2 heavy L pieces of angle iron set in concrete to support the opener set just wide enough to nest it. Box on top to just protect from the rain. Ripped piece of plastic pipe to protect the chain from the View attachment 410129View attachment 410130View attachment 410131elements.

Very nice. Thanks.