Mighty Mule Frequently Asked Questions

The following chart is a general guide to assist you in finding the right opener for your gate.
Please keep in mind that the material and structure of each gate, the location and climate where the gate is installed, create a unique situation particular to each gate opener application. Consult your Mighty Mule Sales Manager for more details.

Gate Type	Weight and length (per leaf)	Frequency of use	Gate Opener	Power Requirements
My Gate is a SWING Gate that does not exceed: 300 lbs or 12 ft. light FM200 DC / Solar Compatible 550 lbs or 16 ft light go moderate FM350 DC / Solar Compatible 550 lbs or 16 ft light to moderate FM352 DC / Solar Compatible 850 lbs or 18 ft moderate to heavy FM500 DC / Solar Compatible 850 lbs or 18 ft moderate to heavy FM502 DC / Solar Compatible           My Gate is a SLIDE Gate that does not exceed: 1000 lbs and 30 ft moderate to heavy MM-SL2000B DC / Solar Compatible 1000 lbs and 30 ft moderate to heavy MM-SL2200B DC / Solar Compatible

 Mighty Mule is the best buy in its class. Keep in mind, every gate application is unique to the 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 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 on of our authorized Mighty Mule dealers, if they do not normally stock an item you need to contact us for assistance and for help locating a Mighty Mule dealer near to you.

Do Mighty Mule gate openers have soft start and soft start features?
Yes, all of the Mighty Mule DC Gate Openers, have this advanced feature. This will prolong the life of gate hardware and gate operators.
 
How does the gate close?
Mighty Mule automatic gate openers 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 temporarily, push the button on the Mighty Mule entry transmitter to activate the gate.
 
What happens if the gate hits something while it is in motion?
The Mighty Mule automatic gate opener 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 Mighty Mule automatic gate opener to close automatically?
To disable this feature, open the control box, and with a small screw driver - turn the Auto Close dial until the auto close feature; is off.

Will GTO's automatic gate opener 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 Mighty Mule Automatic Gate Lock should be installed.

Can I lock my gate?
Yes, Mighty Mule'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 opener to lock a "walk-thru" gate. It utilizes additional accessories such as a digital keypad 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 Mighty Mule automatic gate opener?
Yes. All low voltage systems such as the FM200, FM350, FM352, FM500 and FM502 with an opener arm that is mounted to the gate with a clevis pin and hairpin clip, can be removed and the gate can be manually opened. You can remove the arm by removing the pin and clip at either end, the operator can be removed and the can gate manually be opened.
 
Can anyone remove my Mighty Mule automatic gate opener by removing the clevis pins?
Yes. However, to avoid theft, add the Mighty Mule 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 Mighty Mule customer service at 800-543-4283.

Mighty Mule'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 cause it to malfunction. Therefore, we recommend an optional battery heater in extreme cold weather.
 
Does lightning affect the Mighty Mule automatic gate opener?
Unfortunately, no electrical devices can withstand a direct lightning hit. However, Mighty Mule automatic gate openers have built-in ground paths on the control board designed to diffuse mild static charges created by lightning.

Can I open my garage door opener with my Mighty Mule entry transmitter?
Garage door openers use a different radio frequency than the Mighty Mule Automatic Gate Opener. If you want your Mighty Mule entry transmitter to activate both, you can purchase a special Mighty Mule garage door receiver (special order item RB709U-NB) The GTO garage door receiver has the same frequency as the Mighty Mule 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 Mighty Mule automatic gate operator from my house with my Mighty Mule transmitter?
The normal operating range of the Mighty Mule 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 Mighty Mule transmitter be able to open my gate?
No, not if you personalize your transmitter code. Every Mighty Mule entry transmitter comes with identical factory settings, but you can personalize your code by repositioning the dip switches inside the Mighty Mule entry transmitter. Please review your installation manual for additional programming information.

Can anyone open my Mighty Mule gate operator without my entry transmitter?
Mighty Mule 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 easily 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.

Just how are Mighty Mule's automatic gate operators powered?
AAll Mighty Mule automatic gate openers are low voltage (DC) automatic gate operators and are operated by a 12 volt, 7.0 amp-hour battery which also provides battery backup during a power outage.
 
How many times will the Mighty Mule automatic gate operator activate during a power outage?
OOn 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, age of the battery and weather conditions.
 
Can you install more than one battery into the control box?
YYes, the FM500 and FM502 have larger control boxes and are prewired for the optional second battery. This is especially important for solar applications for increased backup power supply.
 
Just how are Mighty Mule's batteries charged?
Each of Mighty Mule's (DC powered) Automatic Gate Openers comes with a transformer that plugs into any 110/120 electrical outlet and provides the power to 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.

For all troubleshooting and/or installation questions please visit our trouble shooting wizard at: http://support.gtoinc.com; You may also call technical support toll free at (800) 543-1236 (USA) or local (850) 575-4144. Our Technical Service hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 7:00 pm (EST); our hold times, on average, are less than five minutes; please try to be at your gate, if possible, with a small screw driver and a voltage meter.