How does the GTO Automatic Gate Operator work?
Do GTO gate operators have soft start and soft start features?
Yes, the Mighty Mule automatic gate opener series FM500 and the GTO
PRO professional grade gate operators GTO PRO SW-2000XL, SW-2500,
SW-3000XL, SW-4000XL series and all have this advanced feature. This
will prolong the life of gate hardware and gate operators.
How does the gate close?
Mighty Mule and GTO PRO 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?
The 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 Mighty Mule series 500 and GTO/PRO SW-2000XL,
SW-2500, SW-3000XL and SW-4000XL series use the dip switch
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 series FM350, FM500 and the professional grade gate operators
series GTO PRO SW-2000XL, SW-2500, SW-3000XL and 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 us.
Trouble Shooting
For all troubleshooting and/or installation questions please contact
the Mighty Mule GTO PRO our Technical 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.
GTO Mighty Mule Technical Service hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am
- 7 pm (EST)
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 15 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.
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 temperatures, we recommend
use of optional battery heater part # FM316 (Not for use in solar
powered applications)
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.
Powering
Just how are GTO and Mighty Mule automatic gate operators powered?
All low voltage (DC) GTO and Mighty Mule automatic gate operators
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 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 series and the GTO PRO series SW-2000XL,
SW-2500, SW-3000XL and SW-4000XL have larger control boxes and are
pre wired for the optional second battery. This is 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 should be placed inside a weatherproof electrical
box and connected to the control box with GTO low voltage wire.
