Gate Opener

[midTN_Brangusman]

Having a solar automatic gate opener installed. What's the best bang for your dollar out there. Thanks

 

[Ouachita]

I have three of the Mighty-Mule. One is 13 years old and still works fine, although is louder than it used to be. The other two are seven and four years old. That 4yo opener replaced a 10yo opener on the main drive, so probably cycled a dozen or more times a day (six kids and a wife). It was replaced (along with the gate) when my sister-in-law tried to drive through it because she thought it was a bump gate.
They are all swinging light/medium weight 16 ft pipe gates.
I know callmefence didn't care for them, but I've had good luck with them, and being able to walk in to our local Atwoods to buy helped me decide.

 

[wbvs58]

I have three of the Mighty-Mule. One is 13 years old and still works fine, although is louder than it used to be. The other two are seven and four years old. That 4yo opener replaced a 10yo opener on the main drive, so probably cycled a dozen or more times a day (six kids and a wife). It was replaced (along with the gate) when my sister-in-law tried to drive through it because she thought it was a bump gate.
They are all swinging light/medium weight 16 ft pipe gates.
I know callmefence didn't care for them, but I've had good luck with them, and being able to walk in to our local Atwoods to buy helped me decide.

It sounds like you got the "pick of the litter" with a sister in law like that.

Ken

 

[Dave]

My gate opener stands about 5' 3" and has blond hair. Works real good. I don't even have to move a finger.

 

[Ouachita]

It sounds like you got the "pick of the litter" with a sister in law like that.

Ken

Funny thing was, she said she bumped it and it opened a couple feet and then slapped her back. So she bumped a lot harder the second time and went on through. It destroyed the gate and took the side view mirror off her Tahoe. Surprisingly, the gate opener still worked but very jerky with gear noise. She paid us, but her husband was very upset with her.

 

[4hfarms]

My gate opener stands about 5' 3" and has blond hair. Works real good. I don't even have to move a finger.

Was going to say, whoever is in the passenger seat.

 

[Brute 23]

I don't know about "bang for your buck" in this game. With gate openers I'm in the... you pay for what you get... team. We use to all use Apallo I believe. If I remember right they got sold and are using cheaper Chinese products,now. I can't think of the company that did our last one. I want to say it was a Texas, veteran owned, company building them. Hopefully some one else can chime in with the name. I know it's been a good one but we also have a great installer that has them scheduled maintenance.

 

[Stonewall Joe]

My gate opener stands about 5' 3" and has blond hair. Works real good. I don't even have to move a finger.

sometimes those don't operate during a storm

 

[worldsgreatestlover]

I don't know about "bang for your buck" in this game. With gate openers I'm in the... you pay for what you get... team. We use to all use Apallo I believe. If I remember right they got sold and are using cheaper Chinese products,now. I can't think of the company that did our last one. I want to say it was a Texas, veteran owned, company building them. Hopefully some one else can chime in with the name. I know it's been a good one but we also have a great installer that has them scheduled maintenance.

Yes you are exactly right. American Armour is the new name and the best bang for the buck. (Made in San Antone It's also easy to install. A trained monkey might not be able to handle but anyone with basic handyman skills can. Mighty mule is in the trotline wieght category ( my opinion) stay away from cheap exit loops with any of them. Use a exit keypad....my unprofessional advice....

 

[midTN_Brangusman]

Yes you are exactly right. American Armour is the new name and the best bang for the buck. (Made in San Antone It's also easy to install. A trained monkey might not be able to handle but anyone with basic handyman skills can. Mighty mule is in the trotline wieght category ( my opinion) stay away from cheap exit loops with any of them. Use a exit keypad....my unprofessional advice....

Thanks, I think I have decided to go with the american armour. Looks like a good opener from what I've seen. Agreed on keypad for exit.

 

[midTN_Brangusman]

I don't know about "bang for your buck" in this game. With gate openers I'm in the... you pay for what you get... team. We use to all use Apallo I believe. If I remember right they got sold and are using cheaper Chinese products,now. I can't think of the company that did our last one. I want to say it was a Texas, veteran owned, company building them. Hopefully some one else can chime in with the name. I know it's been a good one but we also have a great installer that has them scheduled maintenance.

Brute, just out of curiosity. What all does the maintenance include? Im thinking about installing myself. Doesn't seem like much to it from the videos I've watched on youtube, but they also make tearing down an engine look easy too lol.

 

[Brute 23]

Brute, just out of curiosity. What all does the maintenance include? Im thinking about installing myself. Doesn't seem like much to it from the videos I've watched on youtube, but they also make tearing down an engine look easy too lol.

There is nothing to it but time flies and we will look up 3yrs later with 30 people stuck behind an electric gate.

All he does is grease them, check the lights/ sensors, clean panels, and check/change batteries. We change batteries every couple years no matter what.

It's reasonable for us and kind of keeps him on the payroll. Twice when we had little issues and I text him him. He was out before the end of the day.