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.