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GTO GATE OPERATOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Which GTO Automatic Gate Operator is right for my gate?
How are GTO Automatic Gate Operators Powered?
How does the GTO Automatic Gate Operator work?
How does climate affect GTO Automatic Gate Operators?
Where can I purchase a GTO Automatic Gate Operator?
What about Security?
Troubleshooting
Transmitters & Receivers
Gate Safety
Commercial Products
Mighty Mule
GTO/PRO
MIghty Mule
Gate Opener Guide
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FAQ's
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 
Which gate opener is right for my gate?

 

The following guide is a general guide to assist you in finding the right opener for your gate. Please keep in mind that each gate location and climate creates a unique situation particular to each application.

 

Gate Type

Weight and length (per leaf)

Frequency of use Gate Operator Power Requirements
My Gate is a SWING Gate that does not exceed:
Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Openers
550 lbs or 16 ft.* light MightyMule 350 DC / Solar Compatible
850 lbs or 18 ft.** light to moderate MightyMule 500 DC / Solar Compatible
850 lbs or 18 ft.** light to moderate MightyMule 502 DC / Solar Compatible
My Gate is a SLIDE Gate that does not exceed: 500 lbs and 30 ft light to moderate MM SL-1000B DC / Solar Compatible
1000 lbs and 30 ft moderate to heavy MM SL-2000B DC / Solar Compatible
Gate Type

Weight and length (per leaf)

Frequency of use Gate Operator Power Requirements
My Gate is a SWING Gate that does not exceed: 1200 lbs. and 20 ft Continuous Duty AC GP-SW100 AC with battery Backup
1000 lbs and 20 ft Moderate to heavy use PRO SW-4000XL DC / Solar Compatible
650 lbs and 16 ft. Light to moderate duty PRO SW-3000XL DC / Solar Compatible
400 lbs and 12 ft. Light duty PRO SW-2000XL DC / Solar Compatible
400 lbs and 12 ft. Light duty dual kit PRO SW-2002XL DC / Solar Compatible
My Gate is a SLIDE Gate that does not exceed: 1200 lbs. and 37 ft Continuous Duty AC GP-SL100 AC with battery Backup
500 lbs and 30 ft light to moderate PRO SL-2000B DC / Solar Compatible
500 lbs and 30 ft light to moderate PRO SL-1000B DC / Solar Compatible

 

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Where can I purchase a GTO Automatic Gate Operator?

GTO is the best buy in its class. Keep in mind, every gate application is unique to that gate and usage. The price of the gate opener system will vary depending upon the number of accessories and the type/model of gate opener you need. Our dealers and retailers can give you pricing on the gate opener system that is best for you. We do not sell factory direct, therefore we do not quote pricing. However, we are happy to refer you to your nearest dealer or retailer for pricing information on our affordable gate opener systems.

 

You may purchase accessories from an authorized GTO dealer, if they do not normally stock an item, contact us for assistance.

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How does the GTO Automatic Gate Operator work?

Do GTO gate operators have soft start and soft stop features?

Yes, the Mighty Mule automatic gate openers models FM500 and FM502 and the professional grade gate operators GTO/PRO SW-3000 series and GTO/PRO SW-4000 series all have this advanced feature. This will prolong the life of gate hardware and gate operators.

 

How does the gate close?

GTO Automatic Gate Operators are fully capable of adjustable programming to allow for the gate to close automatically after reaching its fully opened position. If you wish to have the gate close sooner than that, push the button on the GTO entry transmitter to activate the gate. 

 

What happens if the gate hits something while it is in motion?

GTO Automatic Gate Operators have a built-in safety obstruction sensor that once activated, causes the gate to stop and reverse its direction (much like a garage door opener). The sensitivity for this safety feature is fully adjustable.

 

What if I DON'T want my GTO automatic gate operator to close automatically?

To disable this feature, open the control box and turn the dial until the 'auto close' is off. On the Mighty Mule 250 use the jumper pins, on Mighty Mule models 500 & 502 and GTO/PRO SW-3000XL and SW-4000XL series use the dip switch. Back


What about security for my gate operator?

 

Will GTO's automatic gate operator 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 GTO Automatic Gate Lock should be installed.Can I lock my gate? Yes. GTO's Automatic Gate Lock will lock the gate and has a manual key as well.

 

Do you carry an automatic lock that is for pedestrians only?

Yes. GTO has a product that will do just that. It is called the Bulldog Pedestrian Gate Lock. It does not require a gate operator to lock a "walk-thru" gate. It can utilize additional accessories such as digital keypads for added security. It is wonderful for areas around pools or daycare centers that need to restrict pedestrian traffic.

 

Can I manually open the gate after I have installed my GTO automatic gate operator?

Yes. All low voltage systems such as the Mighty Mule automatic gate openers models FM350, FM500 and FM502 and the professional grade gate operators GTO/PRO SW-3000XL series and GTO/PRO SW-4000XL series , in which the opener arm is mounted with clevis pins. By removing the pin and clip at either end, the opener can be removed and the gate opened manually.

 

Can anyone remove my GTO automatic gate operator by removing the clevis pins?

Yes. However, to avoid theft, add the Pin Lock accessory on the front end of the swing gate operator to ensure that only the homeowner can unlock and release the opener. For adding pin locks to slide gates and for more details contact GTO.

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Trouble Shooting

 

For all troubleshooting and/or installation questions please contact our Techincal Service Department.

 

Please be prepared to give your name, location, make and model of product, when and where purchased, and the nature of your concern.

 

You may contact technical service or call toll free (800) 543-1236 (USA) or local (850) 575-4144.

 

Our Technical Service hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 7 pm (EST)

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Transmitters and Receivers

 

Can I open my garage door opener with my GTO entry transmitter?

Garage door openers use a different radio frequency than the GTO Automatic Gate Openers do. If you want your GTO entry transmitter to activate both, you can purchase a special GTO garage door receiver. The GTO garage door receiver has the same frequency as the GTO Automatic Gate Operator. If your gate and garage are within close range of each other and you wish to have one transmitter to do it all, then you can purchase a two or three button GTO entry transmitter that will operate the openers separately.

 

Can I open my GTO automatic gate operator from my house with my GTO transmitter?

The normal operating range of the GTO entry transmitter is 50 ft. 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 inside the house. At the control box simply connect the wires to the accessory terminal block.

 

Can anyone with a GTO transmitter be able to open my gate?

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

 

Can anyone open my GTO gate operator without my GTO entry transmitter?

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 25 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.

 

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How does climate affect the operation of an GTO gate operator?

GTO's Automatic Gate Openers are currently in use from the Arctic to the Amazon. Because of the battery's design, extreme cold may cause it to operate a little slower than under normal conditions and may malfuction. Therefore, in extreme cold tempertures we recommend use of an optional heater.

 

Does lightning affect the GTO automatic gate opener?

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

 


Powering

 

Just how are GTO's automatic gate operators powered?

All low voltage (DC) GTO automatic gate operators are operated by a 12 volt, 7.0 amp-hour battery which also provides battery backup during a power outage. (Except the Mighty Mule 250 which uses a 12 volt, 1.2 amp-hour battery).

 

How many times will the GTO automatic gate operator activate during a power outage?

On the average, a fully charged 12 volt, 7.0 amp-hour battery will provide fifty (50) cycles during 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.

 

Can you install more than one battery into the control box?

Yes, the Mighty Mule FM500, FM502, PRO SW-2000XL and PRO SW-3000XL have larger control boxes and are prewired for the optional second battery. The PRO-SW4000XL includes two batteries. Having ample power storage especially important for solar applications for increased backup power supply.

 

Just how are GTO's batteries charged?

Each of GTO's (DC powered) Automatic Gate Openers comes with a transformer that plugs into any 110/120 electrical outlet and provides a trickle charge to the battery. The transformer is connected to the control box with up to 1000 ft. of GTO's 16 gauge, multi-stranded, dual conductor, direct burial, low voltage wire (not provided). 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 GTO low voltage wire.

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