E-Z Gate® Opener Planning Guide

Introduction

This planning guide from Mighty Mule helps you select the ideal E-Z Gate® opener for your needs. Mighty Mule has been providing gate automation solutions since 1987, catering to residential, farm, and ranch applications.

Our openers are designed to work on all types of gates, including:

• Chain Link
• Ornamental
• Tube
• Vinyl
• Wood

Choosing Your Mighty Mule Gate Opener

Consider the following questions when purchasing an opener:

1. Do you have a single or dual gate?
2. Does your gate swing or slide?
   • If swing, continue with this guide.
   • If slide, consult your retailer or call 1-800-543-GATE (4283) for special ordering information.
3. Does your gate swing into or away from your property?
4. How long is each gate leaf?
5. How much does each gate leaf weigh?
6. Is your gate within 1000 ft. of a 110V AC power source? If not, solar charging is an option.

Which Mighty Mule Gate Opener Is Right For You?

What Else Will You Need?

Other Materials You May Need

• Low voltage wire (RB509): 16 gauge, multi-stranded, dual conductor, direct burial wire. Length depends on accessories and distance from transformer. [1000 ft. (304 m) max.]
• Mighty Mule Solar Panels: Required if your gate is more than 1000 ft. from an AC 110V power source. Models FM350, FM500/700, and FM502/702 are solar compatible.
• "Push-to-Open" bracket (FM148): Required if your gate opens out from your property. Dual gates require 2 brackets.
• Reinforcement materials: For thin-walled tube or panel gates.
• Horizontal cross member or mounting plate: May be needed depending on gate type.
• Gates must be in good working order, firmly hung, and swing freely. Operators WILL NOT work on gates with wheels or gates that drag on the ground.
• Ball bearing hinges: Required for gates weighing more than 250 pounds (not provided by Mighty Mule).
• Longer bolts: For gate posts greater than 8 inches thick (gate post thickness plus two inches).
• Reinforcement hardware: Large metal washers or steel plates for each side of the post if gate post is less than 4 inches thick.
• Masonry column installation may require special procedures. Call 1-800-543-1236 (GTO Technical Support) for details.

Suggestions for materials to reinforce your gate (not included or available from GTO)

• Steel Pipe Cut in Half: Used for reinforcing tube gates.
• Wood or Metal Reinforcement: For panel gates.
• 1" x 6" Wood Reinforcement: Alternative for panel gates.

[Diagrams illustrating gate reinforcement techniques for tube and panel gates are described above.]

Tools You'll Need:

• 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 Screwdriver
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Wire Strippers
• C-Clamps (small, medium, and large)

Checklist

• Do you have all the tools for the installation?
• Did you purchase the proper power supply option (low voltage wire or solar)?
• If your gate swings out from your property, did you purchase the push-to-open bracket(s) (FM148)?
• Did you note the 'standard' hardware package – will this suit your installation (some additional hardware may be needed)?
• If you purchased the digital keypad, did you get 3 AA batteries?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Opener?

A Mighty Mule E-Z Gate is a remote-controlled automatic gate opener system. It is designed for the "Do-It-Yourself" installer. It operates on battery power with low voltage, making it safe, affordable, and easy to install.

2. How is a Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Opener Powered?

All Mighty Mule gate openers are low voltage systems with a 12-Volt battery backup. This ensures operation during a power outage. The battery can be charged by the included transformer or by optional solar panel(s).

3. How do I Install the Solar Panels?

Mighty Mule solar panels (FM121) are designed for easy mounting within 8 ft. of the control box. For distances up to 250 ft., additional low voltage wiring is required. Panels should face South, receive full sunlight, and be kept clear of overhanging trees or other obstructions.

4. Will the Mighty Mule Open During A Power Outage?

Yes. A fully charged battery provides power during an outage. The FM500/502 battery offers an average of fifty (50) cycles, while the FM350 battery (12 Volt car or marine battery, not included) provides up to 1500 cycles. Actual cycles can vary based on gate type, accessories, and weather conditions for solar charging.

5. Can I Manually Open the Gate?

Yes. The opener arm is attached to brackets with clevis pins and clips. Removing the pin and clip allows the arm to be detached, enabling manual gate opening.

6. What Happens if the Gate Opener Hits Something?

All Mighty Mule E-Z Gate openers feature built-in safety obstruction sensing. If an object is encountered, the gate will "Stop" and "Reverse" for two seconds. If the gate hits an object twice before reaching its fully open or closed position, an alarm will sound for 5 minutes.

7. Is the Mighty Mule Gate Opener Difficult to Install?

No. Most installations can be completed in two to three hours. Dual gates may take slightly longer. Common household tools are sufficient. Installation videos are included with kits.

8. What Maintenance is required?

Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Openers are virtually maintenance-free. It is recommended to spray the push-pull tube once a month with a good grade of silicone spray. Do not use oil-based sprays, as they attract sand and dirt.

Accessories

Mighty Mule offers a range of accessories to enhance your gate opener system.

Entry / Exit Accessories

Entry Transmitter (FM135)

Features adjustable code settings. Includes a 9 Volt battery.

Key Chain Mini Transmitter (FM134)

A miniature version of the Entry Transmitter with the same adjustable code settings. Includes a 12 Volt battery.

Dual Button Transmitter (RB742) / Triple Button Transmitter (RB743)

Used for remote control of multiple gate openers and/or garage door openers. Includes a 9 Volt battery.

Digital Keypad (FM137) Wireless or Wired

Can be installed wirelessly or wired. Programmable for up to fifteen personal identification numbers (PIN codes).

Wireless Intercom/Keypad (FM136)

Ideal for residential use, alerting you to visitors and allowing gate activation from inside. Offers clear two-way communication up to 500 ft. wireless or 1,000 ft. wired.

Low Voltage Light Kit (FM124)

(Not Compatible with Mighty Mule 250) Solar compatible kit for gate illumination. Digital controller allows adjustment from 0-120 seconds. Hardware for post or column mount included.

Gate Opening Vehicle Sensor (FM138)

(Not Compatible with Mighty Mule 250) Electromagnetic sensor for 'hands-free' operation within a 12 ft. radius. Includes 50 ft. direct burial cable (also available in 100 ft. and 150 ft. lengths).

Garage Door Receiver (RB709)

Allows use of Mighty Mule transmitters to operate both gate and garage door openers. Compatible with most garage door openers.

Push Button Control (FM132)

Unlit push button for remote entry/exit control. Connects directly to the control board using 16 gauge low voltage wire.

[Diagrams show Mighty Mule Receiver and Mighty Mule Control Box, indicating their roles in the system.]

Powering Accessories

Replacement Battery (FM150, FM152)

FM150: Standard 12 Volt, 7.0 amp-hour, maintenance-free battery for FM500/502, FM700/702. FM152: Standard 12 Volt, 1.2 amp-hour for FM250 and Bulldog Pedestrian Gate Lock (FM145). For FM350, use a 12 Volt marine or automotive battery (not included).

Solar Panel 5 Watt (FM121) Or 10 Watt (FM123)

(Not Compatible with Mighty Mule 250) Provides solar charging power. FM121/FM123 kits include support, clips, connectors, and 8 ft. of wire. Dual gates require a minimum of 10 Watts.

Low Voltage Wire (RB509)

16 gauge, multi-stranded, dual conductor wire for connecting transformers or solar panels to the control board and accessories. UV treated, PVC coated, ready for direct burial. Available in 1000 ft. rolls or special lengths.

Replacement Transformer

RB570 for models FM500/FM502/FM350. RB566 for models FM250/FM700/FM702. Standard 18 Volt AC transformer for maintaining battery charge.

Locking Accessories

Automatic Gate Lock Pull-to-Open (FM143)

(Not Compatible with Mighty Mule 250, MM-SL1000B/MMSL2000B) Provides added security by automatically unlocking and locking gates. Features a keyed manual release. Recommended for gates over 8 ft. long or in high wind areas.

Bulldog Pedestrian Gate Lock (FM145)

Designed for horizontal use on walk-thru gates. Provides security for areas like swimming pools or playgrounds. Compatible with Digital Keypads and solar power.

Pin Lock (FM133)

Replaces the clevis pin at the front mounting point of swing gate openers and the chains of slide gate openers to deter theft.

Hardware Accessories

Column Mount Lock Receiver (433IH)

(Not Compatible with Mighty Mule 250) For mounting gate locks on brick columns, walls, or other applications with limited space.

Push to Open Bracket

FM148 for models FM500/FM502/FM350. FM149 for models FM700/FM702. Required when the opener must push a gate open (e.g., sloping driveway). Order two brackets for dual swing gates.

Solar Guide

Mighty Mule batteries can be charged in two ways:

1. Transformer (18V included with kit): All openers include a transformer to maintain battery charge. Low voltage wire (up to 1000 ft.) connects the opener control box to an AC 110V outlet.
2. Solar (5 or 10 Watt panels not included in kit): An optional solar power solution. The number of gate cycles per day depends on the solar panel wattage, geographic zone, and sunlight conditions.

Solar Panel Application Charts

These charts estimate the number of gate cycles per day based on solar panel wattage and geographic zone (Zone 1, 2, 3). Figures are for winter conditions and do not account for accessory power draw.

[Map shows Solar Zones 1, 2, and 3 covering Canada, USA, and Mexico.]

Special Considerations:

• For solar applications, a second battery is recommended for backup cycles during overcast days. FM500 and FM502 control boxes have a pre-wired second battery compartment.
• Ten (10) Watt solar panels are available by special order only.

Note: A maximum of 30 Watts of solar charging power can be connected to Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Openers.

[Diagrams show Mighty Mule gate opener models and accessories.]

UL Certification: All Mighty Mule E-Z Gate Openers are Certified ✔️ and Listed in COMPLIANCE with UL325 SAFETY STANDARDS.

GTO/PRO®, Mighty Mule®, E-Z Gate®, GTO® are registered trademarks of GTO, Inc. Professional Access Systems™, America's DIY Automatic Gate Openers™ are trademarks of GTO, Inc. Copyright ©2005.