Do you have a question about the Mighty Mule and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
James Blankenship
April 20, 2025
Can you install the opener onto a metal post?
1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
May 10, 2025
Yes, the Mighty Mule opener can be installed on a metal post. In fact, if the fence post is smaller than 6 inches in diameter or 6 inches square, it is recommended to use a metal post instead of wood to ensure stability while the opener is moving the gate.
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Please record the product serial number (located on the control box cover), and the date and place of purchase in the spaces provided below. Refer to this information when calling GTO for service or assistance with your automatic gate opener. Serial Number ____________________ Date of Purchase ____________________ Place of Purchase ____________________ Remember to keep all receipts for proof of purchase.
Table of Contents Gate Opener Class Categories -------------------------------------------------------------inside cover Units and Standards Conversion Chart ---------------------------------------------------inside cover PLEASE READ THIS FIRST! ------------------------------------------------- page iii Important Safety Instructions -------------------------------------------------- page 1 Disconnecting the Opener -------------------------------------------------------------page 1 Important Safety Instructions for the Consumer -----------------------------------page 2 Secondary Means of Protection Against Entrapment -----------------------------page 4 Required Safety Precautions for Gates --------------------------------------------- page 5 Warning Signs and Labels ------------------------------------------------------------page 6...
Please read the following information and watch the enclosed videotape to ensure you have the correct system for your particular needs. Furthermore, this manual and the videotape will enable you to properly install your Mighty Mule ®...
Because GTO automatic gate openers are only part of the total gate operating system, it is the responsibility of the consumer to ensure that the total system is safe for its intended use.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS For The Consumer WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury or death: READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS. When designing a system that will be entered from a highway or main thoroughfare, make sure the system is placed far enough from the road to prevent traffic congestion.
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If any of these signs or warning decals become damaged, illegible or missing, replace them immediately. Contact GTO for replacements. Do not allow children or pets near your gate. Never let children operate or play with gate controls. Keep the remote controls away from children and unauthorized users;...
Type A, an inherent (i.e., built-in) entrapment sensing system, as the primary type of ® entrapment protection. Also, the Mighty Mule Gate Opener has provisions for the connection of Type B1 or B2 protection to be used as the secondary type of entrapment protection, if desired.
Install Warning Signs ® Warning signs alert people of automatic gate operation and are required when installing the Mighty Mule Gate Opener Furthermore, a walk-through gate must be installed if pedestrian traffic is expected near the vehicular gate. We recommend using the GTO Bulldog Pedestrian Gate Lock (Call the GTO Sales Department) for controlled access.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS These warning labels should be found at the locations specified below. If any of them are missing, immediately contact GTO for replacements. WARNING WARNING MOVING GATE Can Cause Injury or Death KEEP CLEAR! Gate may move at any time.
Single Gate Opener Parts List Opener and Mounting Hardware Gate Opener (1) Gate Bracket (1) Installation Video (1) Closed Position Stop Plate (1) Post Pivot Bracket (1) Post Bracket (2) Customer Support Card (1) Hardware 3/8" x 8" Bolt (4) 3/8"...
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See Powering the System on page 19, and the Accessory Catalog. • If your gate is more than 1000' away from an ac power source you will need to use at least one Mighty Mule Solar Panel to trickle charge the battery. See the Accessory Catalog.
• The system is powered by a 12 Vdc, 7.0 Ah, sealed, rechargeable acid battery. • Battery charge is maintained by a 120 Vac, 18 Vac output transformer rectified to 14.5 Vdc (20 VA) through the GTO control board. Two (2) blade-style control board fuses are rated for 15 A.
Installation Overview Pull-to-Open Gates (Gate Opens into the Property) The diagram shown below is an example of a pull-to-open installation on a chain link fence and single gate. Mounting the opener on a masonry column requires special procedures; see Column Installation Information on page 34 if you intend to mount the opener on a column.
Installation of Mounting Hardware The position of the post bracket determines the leverage and efficiency of the opener. The post bracket position also sets the clearance between the opener and gate in the open and closed positions. The curved design of the post bracket works well for installations on round and square fence posts. Because the post bracket carries the entire thrust of the active opener, bolts that completely penetrate the fence post must be used.
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Determining the Mounting Position of the Post Bracket Assembly and the Gate Bracket Step 3 NOTE: The following steps are 3/8" x 2" Bolt Insert the " x 2" bolt through intended for pull-to-open gate the center hole of the post installations.
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Step 6 Study the 4 " x 4 " setback template (see insert) provided with this manual. Once you are familiar with its illustrations, cut and save the template from the insert. The template will determine the correct position of the post pivot bracket before mounting the opener on the fence post.
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Installing the Post Bracket Assembly and Gate Bracket Step 7 Mark reference points for bolt holes on the fence post through middle of bracket slots. Marking reference points in this manner allows room for adjustment when mounting the post bracket assembly and gate bracket. After marking your reference points, remove the opener and brackets from the fence and gate.
Moreover, a stable gate maintains the long life of your automatic gate opener system. To further enhance the stability and security of your gate, install the optional ® Mighty Mule Automatic Gate Lock (see Accessory Catalog). Step 12...
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At this stage of the installation, the opener should be installed on the gate and the open and closed position stops should be in place. Check List • The gate is plumb, level, and swings smoothly on its hinges. • After measuring with the 4 "...
ORG, black wire into BLK, and the red wire into the RED terminal. Tighten the set screws against the end of the wires. A dab of petroleum jelly on each terminal will help prevent corrosion. Power Cable for the Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Opener...
Step 17 Carefully insert the power cable plug into the coupling at the rear of the opener. Turn the plug until it aligns with the pins Push-Pull Tube in the coupling. Push the plug into the coupling until it stops. Attach Power Cable Plug Finger tighten the sleeve nut to lock the plug in position.
® • All low voltage wire used with the Mighty Mule Gate Opener must be 16 gauge dual conductor, multi-stranded, direct burial wire (see page 20 and the Accessory Catalog). Do not run more than 1000 feet of wire.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LOW VOLTAGE WIRE The only wire acceptable for use with GTO products is 16 gauge multi-stranded, low voltage, PVC sheathed wire. This particular gauge enables the transformer to provide an adequate charge through the control board to the battery at distances up to 1000 ft.
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Step 26 Strip " of insulation from the ends of the low voltage wire. Attach these stripped ends to the transformer terminals; red wire to RED, black wire to BLK. A dab of household petroleum jelly on each terminal will help prevent corrosion. We suggest crimping a spade tongue terminal (not provided) to the end of each wire before attaching it to the transformer.
CONTROL BOARD SETTINGS DIP switches The four DIP switches on the control board match the opener with the type of gate on which it is installed. For example, gates may pull-to-open or push-to-open. Prior to packaging, the Mighty Mule ® Gate Opener control board was configured for single swing gates that pull-to-open (open into the property).
SERVICING YOUR AUTOMATIC GATE OPENER! WARNING! All three potentiometers were set to minimum at the factory. The OBSTRUCT SENS. potentiometer MUST be adjusted above the factory setting for your Mighty Mule Gate ® Opener to function properly. If the potentiometer is left at MIN, your gate opener may "obstruct"...
® All GTO transmitters are set to a standard code at the factory and are ready to operate your Mighty Mule Gate Opener For your safety and security, however, we strongly recommend that you replace the factory setting with your own personal code.
• Standard receiver cable length is 10 feet (receivers with a longer cable are available as special order items; call the GTO Sales Department). NEVER splice receiver cable! • Run the cable through PVC conduit to protect it from damage.
Ground Wire Ground Wire Wire from Open Safety Edge or Photoelectric Sensor Wire from Close Safety Edge or Photoelectric Sensor PLEASE NOTE: Safety edge sensors and photoelectric sensors are neither included with nor required for the Mighty Mule ® Gate Opener...
Compatible Safety Devices Although GTO strongly recommends the use of safety devices, we do not endorse any specific brand names. Below is a list of some products compatable with GTO operators systems, some of which require their own power supply. Check with the individual manufacturer for specific power needs.
Connecting Accessories Make sure the control box power switch is OFF before connecting accessories. The ACCESSORY terminal block is the connection point for accessories such as keypads, push buttons, safety loops, intercoms, etc. The ACCESSORY terminal marked GRN (green) is the common ground for all accessories. GRN is paired with the terminals shown below when connecting accessories to the control board.
Push to Open Installation Determining The Mounting Position of The Post Bracket Assembly Swinging gates shall not open into public access areas! 3/8" x 2" Bolt A "Push-to-Open" gate opens out from the property. A Push-to-Open Kit is required for this type of installation (see Accessory Catalog).
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Step PTO-3: With the gate in the fully closed position and the opener retracted, swing the opener to the gate. Mark reference points for bolt holes on gate cross member through middle of gate bracket slots. The opener must be level. (Some vertical adjustment is possible by sliding the post bracket assembly up and down.) Drill "...
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide If your gate opener does not function properly after it is installed, use this guide before calling the GTO Service Department. • On all gates weighing 250 lb. or more, routinely grease the ball bearing hinges at least 4 times a year; more frequently if the gates are near a coastal area.
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12 V Battery ________________________________ 12.0 to 13.5 Vdc 7.0 Ah Charging circuit _____________________________ 12.0 to 14.8 Vdc measure voltage with battery connected The GTO, Inc. Technical Service Department is open Monday – Thursday 7:30 – 5:30 A.M.
1. First use the procedures found in the Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide (see page 31). 2. If you are unable to solve the problem, call the GTO Service Department at (800) 543-GATE, or (850) 575-0176. Refer to the serial number (located on the control box cover) and date of purchase when calling for assistance.
The most difficult solution is to cut a notch in the column to accommodate the opener and power cable. This job is NOT for the inexperienced! Because of the difficulty associated with column installations, we STRONGLY advise you to call the GTO Service Department at (800) 543-GATE or (850) 575-0176 for assistance prior to your installation.
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Solar Panel (FM121) (has a 2 year warranty) The Solar Panel is a solar powered battery ® charger for use with the Mighty Mule gate opener system. Particularly suited for remote Automatic Gate Lock installations, the Solar Panel comes with...
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(respectively) power cables allow you to mount the control box in a remote location. Replacement Transformer (RB566) ® Standard 18 volt AC transformer for maintaining the battery included with the Mighty Mule gate ® opener. This is the only transformer approved for use with the Mighty Mule...
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After the one (1) year warranty period, GTO, Inc. or one of its authorized service centers will make any necessary repairs for a nominal fee. Call GTO at (800) 543-4283 for more information. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.
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Do you have a question about the Mighty Mule and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Can you install the opener onto a metal post?
Yes, the Mighty Mule opener can be installed on a metal post. In fact, if the fence post is smaller than 6 inches in diameter or 6 inches square, it is recommended to use a metal post instead of wood to ensure stability while the opener is moving the gate.
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