driveway gate actuators

Wile E

Well-known Member
For a year or so now I have been thinking about making a gate for my driveway. But, I have only seen one type of actuator for the gate which is the mighty mule which is sold at tractor supply. The mighty mule uses a 12volt car battery I think, seems like a PITA of a setup.
Do any of you fellas have one of these gates that is operated with an electric solenoid of some kind? I would like to have a 120VAC line run down the driveway and then use a keypad with a 4 digit code to open. But, I do not know how to design the circuit and make it work.
Please chime in if you have one and what type of electrical control do you have.

Just an FYI, I want to make a gate that is a drop down type like a railroad crossing.
 
I've had a mighty mule since 06 on the end of a shed where I keep my flat bed and truck it has its on battery and plugs in a outlet to keep the battery charged.works great.usualy cheaper on ebay than tractor supply
 
I have had one for years, but it is a single gate that swings open. It takes 110 volts, and has a garage door type opener receiver, and a wireless keypad. The only problem is that they are rather pricy. I feel sure that you can find the RR type arm with a similar set-up. I agree that the 12v battery set up would not be the best option if you can run the power out to your gate. Good luck.
 
No need to re-invent the wheel here. Everything on your wish list (except the solenoid thing) is available commercially. Let google be your friend. Keyword: gate operators. The commercial stuff will not be cheap!
 
We installed a mighty mule. Electric was 300 feet away. We ran a 6 conductor low voltage cable 3 strands for each side + and -. Then put the battery and charger inside. We are next to a busy road and were concerned that battery, charger and/or solar charger would disappear. It has work fine for over 2 years. We have remotes for the 4 regular users and a keypad for occasional users.
 
Mine wasn't a gate, but it was a similar type of operation as what you want. I bought a good used chain-drive garage-door opener at a garage sale, then fastened the "door" end of the chain near the counter-weight on the beam. Worked great & my total cost was less than $50. .
 
Yes, I want the type you have.
How much money was it?
What type is it? What brand, where did you buy it?

Please chime back in right here with info.
Thanks.
 
I had a GTO Pro for about 9 years, it was a higher end unit than the Mighty Mule, more expensive but worth the money. It died and checking the info on the internet the cost of a new control board on a 9 years old operator wasn"t good sense. Checking the then Mighty Mule and GTO Pro series for costs and so forth I found the reviews were medium to poor, support was also rated less than satisfactory. I went with a Sentry Unit. It is guarenteed, if memory serves me right, for 10 years. I mounted both units myself. I believe the Sentry is a better built unit. It does not open as quickly as the GTO Pro did but it is fast enough that I don"t break into a sweat. It has a battery but can also be run on 115v. The battery is supposed to be good for 50 openings absent AC current. I"m satisfied with it and would buy again if their ratings are still good.

Bob in Central Arizona
 

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