Automatic Gate Opener 101: Electric Gate Buying Guide

If you have a farm or ranch and you want to keep livestock in or predators out, an automatic gate opener may be the best option. Tractor Supply Co. carries a wide assortment of Mighty Mule automatic gate openers and gate opener accessories to meet your specific needs, including single and dual-swing automatic gate openers, automatic entry code pads, remote controls and driveway sensors for home driveway alarms.

Mighty Mule
If you are a do-it-yourselfer (DIY) who wants to easily install an automatic gate opener, look no further. Mighty Mule automatic gate openers are easy to install and come with everything you need to get your gate working properly and secure your livestock within one day. All Mighty Mule gate openers are low voltage systems with a 12 Volt battery backup system to make sure your gate will still operate during a power outage. The gate opener battery can either be charged by the included transformer or by an optional solar panel.

Mighty Mule Gate Openers work on all types of gates, including:

Other Supplies You May Need for Installing a Mighty Mule Automatic Gate Opener

Here are some other materials you may need for installing your Mighty Mule Gate Opener:

• Low voltage wire (RB509) (16 gauge, multi- stranded, dual conductor, direct burial). Wire length depends on which accessories are used and the distance between the transformer power supply and the gate. [1000 ft. (304 m) max.]
• If your gate is more than 1000 ft. (304 m) away from an 110V AC power source, Mighty Mule Solar Panels must be used to trickle charge the battery. The FM350, FM500 and FM502 are solar compatible.
• If your gate opens out from your property, you need to purchase or special order a "push-to-open" bracket (FM148) through your retailer. Call 1-800-543-1236 for technical support. (dual gates require 2 brackets).
• If you have thin walled tube or panel gates, you will need to reinforce them. See diagrams below for tips on reinforcing these types of gates.
• Depending on the type of gates, a horizontal cross member or mounting plate may be needed to mount the opener arm and gate bracket to the gate.
• Your gate must be in good working order, firmly hung on well seated fence post, and swing freely and evenly. This operator will not work on gates with wheels or gates that drag on the ground.
• Gates weighing more than 250 lbs. (111.4 kg) require ball bearing hinges (not provided by Mighty Mule).
• Gate post greater than 8” (20.3 cm) thick will require longer bolts than those provided to mount gate brackets to post. (Rule of thumb, gate post thickness plus two more inches.)
• Gate post less than 4 inches will require reinforcement hardware; large metal washers or steel plates for each side of the post.
• Masonry column installation may require special procedures.
• Tools such as a power drill, open end wrenches: 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", and 9/16", 3/8" drill bit, hacksaw or heavy duty bolt cutters, slotted (flat bladed) screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, tape measure, level, wire strippers, and C-Clamps — (small, medium, and large)