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Electric Gate Opener - Recs #8054838 11/18/20 02:20 PM
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Dalroo Offline OP
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I have been looking at electric gate openers for my place. The gate is too far from barndo for power, so will need a complete kit with solar and battery. Several different brands, all relatively expensive, and curious if anyone here can provide good and/or bad reviews. Looked at Mighty Mule system at Tractor Supply. Almost went ahead and purchased, but you have to buy all components separately, so thought I would source online for a complete package, then saw several other brands that might work. Bottom line - I am willing to spend the money, just don't want to buy junk that will have to be replaced quickly or requires constant repairs.

Anyone?


Dalroo
Deep in the Heart of Texas
How about that Brandon!
Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8054862 11/18/20 02:38 PM
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Folks gripe about Mighty Mule, but I’ve had one on the front gate for almost 15 years. In that time, I’ve had one control panel die. Not hard to replace. I’m on my 3rd Actuator Rod - the thing that actually opens and closes the gate. The original solar panel is still in place.

Here’s what I have learned:

- For the battery, get a deep cycle marine battery. Not those small dry cells they sell you.
- If you have a problem it is almost always the battery or the battery wiring.
- if you already have the actuator, use it till it dies and then replace it with their heavy duty actuator.


Not my monkeys, not my circus...
Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8054866 11/18/20 02:40 PM
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I have a ghost controls system that's been problem free for 6, almost 7 years now. Still on the same battery (get a deep cycle marine battery). It's on a 16' gate - the light-midweight gray gate TSC sells.


Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8054873 11/18/20 02:43 PM
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Buy once.....cry once.

Skip the cheepos like those at TSC and buy a good one.

Apollo is a good one.


Make America Great Again

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8054877 11/18/20 02:45 PM
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Had a US Automatic on our double swing gates at the old place and never had issues.

We have an Apollo single at the current place and I'm impressed with it due to the weight of gate.

I wouldn't hesitate to go with either of the above for a new install.

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8054912 11/18/20 03:08 PM
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If you don't have a super heavy gate there is ZERO need to buy Apollo, US Automatic, Liftmaster, etc. at 2-3x the cost.

If you have a heavy gate - absolutely buy the higher end openers.

If the cheaper ones are installed correctly on gates that weigh less than 150-200 lbs - they will last just fine.

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8055014 11/18/20 04:23 PM
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Had a Liftmaster model CSL24U sliding gate opener put in a few months ago to move our appx 1000lb 32' gate. Opted for solar because of potential power outages. Working flawlessly so far.

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8055024 11/18/20 04:26 PM
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don k Offline
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I have a Apollo on one of mine. works good.

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8055037 11/18/20 04:31 PM
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IMO buy a quality opener and go above/beyond on the installation. Weld up/install something extremely solid to attach it to and make sure it's all level and can't bind in any way. Do likewise for the gate, make sure it's level and free-swinging. If you cut any corners you'll hate it later on. I've seen several of these fail for these very reasons.


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Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8055236 11/18/20 06:21 PM
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One of these and a rolling gate. You'll never have to work on one of these.
[Linked Image]


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Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8057843 11/20/20 08:17 PM
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Good info. Still researching and appreciate the input.


Dalroo
Deep in the Heart of Texas
How about that Brandon!
Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8057868 11/20/20 08:34 PM
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Taking notes.


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Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8057929 11/20/20 09:21 PM
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Yes Sir, have had 2..go with Apollo. Just had an Apollo had installed at my home 6 months ago.
The one before was on another house.

Never an issue.


'It's Only Treason if You Lose."
Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8058330 11/21/20 02:57 AM
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Neighbor has a US Automatic and has had no issues

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8058540 11/21/20 12:26 PM
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Mighty Mule. You'll get to know their service dept. when the end keeps breaking off the actuator. Look at gate openers as you drive and notice the MMs where the end of the actuator is hanging loose.


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Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8058621 11/21/20 02:24 PM
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That hasn’t happened to my unit. I had an actuator quit working due to internal gears failing. The replacement, going with MM’s advice, is a Heavy Duty actuator. No problems nowadays due to anything other than battery issues, but the deep cycle battery has that issue fixed. Now it’s the batteries in the car and truck remotes when the weather is real cold, but that has nothing to do with MM.


Not my monkeys, not my circus...
Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #8058629 11/21/20 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
IMO buy a quality opener and go above/beyond on the installation. Weld up/install something extremely solid to attach it to and make sure it's all level and can't bind in any way. Do likewise for the gate, make sure it's level and free-swinging. If you cut any corners you'll hate it later on. I've seen several of these fail for these very reasons.


X 2. Getting the angles correct is critical.


Make America Great Again

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8058639 11/21/20 02:39 PM
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I’ve got an Apollo and would highly recommend. Has been great and only had to replace the deep cycle marine battery.

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8061154 11/23/20 02:48 PM
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Apollo has been trouble free for 8 or 9 years. I have a large heavy 16" iron gate and has worked flawlessly.

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: TX_LT230FH] #8061161 11/23/20 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by TX_LT230FH
One of these and a rolling gate. You'll never have to work on one of these.
[Linked Image]


Rolling gates are pain to build, and a pain to maintain. All around more expensive.

Swing gates, US Automatic Lewisville, TX.

Apollo is also high quality.


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Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: J.G.] #8061385 11/23/20 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by FiremanJG
Originally Posted by TX_LT230FH
One of these and a rolling gate. You'll never have to work on one of these.
[Linked Image]


Rolling gates are pain to build, and a pain to maintain. All around more expensive.

Swing gates, US Automatic Lewisville, TX.

Apollo is also high quality.


The 20' gate in my backyard was built 14 years ago by 2 guys in 1 day.
In 14 years I've replaced 3 batteries and sprayed lube on the chain.


[Linked Image]
Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8061406 11/23/20 05:19 PM
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We’ve had an Apollo for over 12 years. Replaced mother board once due to lightening strike otherwise it’s worked without any problems. Would definitely buy again.

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8061525 11/23/20 06:44 PM
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The old style Mighty Mules leaked and allowed the water to get inside destroying them, at least all of mine did. The newer style supposedly corrects this issue but I’m not convinced enough to gamble on them again. We’ve gone through 4 in the last 4 years and I’m currently looking for a better unit myself, the old saying you get what you pay for definitely applies here.

On the solar set up don’t buy the kit, go to amazon or The Solar Store and buy much better/bigger panels/charge controllers for less money. Shoot me a pm if you need any guidance, I’ve turned into a solar junkie over the years,

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8084212 12/10/20 09:36 PM
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Could those of y'all with Apollo provide the model number and the type of gate your using it on? I'll need to get one installed once I'm done building in March.

Re: Electric Gate Opener - Recs [Re: Dalroo] #8084290 12/10/20 10:34 PM
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got one by NICE? maybee apollo? no problems in 4 yrs. sep battery. all 12v with solar panel that came with kit. 16 ft gate

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