Install the Gate Opener

Step 1

Determine the Position of the Gate Opener

The gate opener (for example: MIGHTY MULE 560 ) should be installed on the inside of the property/fence line. Do not install the opener on the outside of the gate where the public has access to it.

The gate opener should be positioned near the center line of the gate to minimize twisting and flexing of the gate when the opener is activated, and to avoid back splash from rain.

Step 2

Install the Post Bracket Assembly

The post bracket assembly sets the clearance between the gate opener and the gate in the open and closed positions. Assemble the post bracket assembly and attach it to the rear mount of the gate opener. Attach the gate bracket to the front mount of the opener. With the gate in the open position and the opener arm fully retracted, adjust the post bracket assembly and gate bracket until the opener is level. While holding the opener level, use C-clamps to temporarily keep the post bracket assembly and gate bracket in their respective positions on the gate post and gate.

Once you have verified the clearance/front mount distance in the open and closed position, install the post bracket assembly to the gate post and the gate bracket to the gate.

Step 3

Mount the Opener Arm

Attach the opener arm to the post bracket assembly and gate bracket. Verify that the opener arm is level and adjust the post bracket assembly if necessary.

Step 4

Install Closed Position Stop Plates

The Closed Position Stop Plate helps to stabilize the gate in the closed position. Detach the opener from the gate and move the gate to the closed position. Fasten the closed position stop plate (horizontally) to the end of the gate frame at the center line of the gate and slide the closed position stop plate toward the gate post until they touch. Once you have moved the closed position stop plate into the correct position, tighten its hardware completely.

Return the gate to its open position and reconnect the opener arm to the gate bracket.

Step 5

Mount the Control Box (if applicable)

Mount the control box at least 3 feet above the ground to protect it from rain splash, snow, etc. and at least 3 feet from an AC power source to prevent electrical interference. Note: Not every gate opener model has a control box.

Step 6

Connect Battery Wires to Control Board

With the control box cover removed, run the battery harness wires through the control box strain relief slot, leaving enough wire to reach the battery wire plugs from the control board. Attach the black and red wires to their appropriate terminals.

Step 7

Connect Gate Opener Power Cable

Insert the power cable through the strain relief slots of the control box. Attach the power cable wires to the appropriate terminal blocks marked by color.

Step 8

Connect the Transformer

You must connect a transformer (included with the gate opener) or a solar panel to the opener's control board in order to maintain a charge to the battery. Do NOT connect BOTH a transformer and solar panel to the control board at the same time; it will damage the control board.

Measure the distance from the AC outlet to the control box and cut the wire to the appropriate length. Lay the low voltage wire in a trench from the electrical outlet to the control box and bury the wire. Wire coming out of the ground (to control box) should be run through PVC conduit to protect it from weed eaters, animals, etc. Pull wire through the PVC conduit to control box and attach it to the power terminals located on the control board.

At the AC outlet, attach low voltage wire to the transformer terminals. Plug the transformer into the AC outlet (use of a surge protector is strongly recommended). Use a weatherproof cover/housing if the transformer is plugged into an outdoor outlet.

Step 9

Connect the Battery

Either wire up the battery that is included with the gate opener, or for select models, place a 12 Volt automotive/marine type battery in a weatherproof case within 6 feet of where the control box is mounted. Attach the battery harness wires to the terminals of the battery (black to negative, red to positive).

Step 10

Set the Closed Position Limit

Use the entry transmitter (included with the gate opener) to program the control board's closed position limit. Details for programming the closed position limit are included in your gate opener model's Instruction Manual.

Step 11

Adjust the Stall Force Setting

The stall force potentiometer on the control board controls the obstruction sensitivity (the amount of force the opener will apply to an obstruction before it automatically stops and reverses direction). Use a screwdriver to adjust the potentiometer from the minimum factory setting just to the point where the gate travels smoothly and without obstructing/stalling from its weight or normal wind conditions.

Step 12

Set Auto-Close Timing

The auto-close timer determines how long the gate will remain open before it automatically closes. You can adjust the auto close timer on the control board to automatically close the gate from 3 to 120 seconds, or to off.

Step 13

Adjust Transmitter Code/Settings

For security, "personalize" your transmitter's settings by changing them from the"factory code." It Remove the transmitter cover and adjust the transmitter's dip switches into a combination of switch positions. Once you have adjusted the dip switches, you will program these into the control board according to your opener model's Instruction Manual.

Step 14

Install Warning Signs

Install the Warning Signs (included with the gate opener kit) on both sides of each gate.