Installation Manual for the ® E-Z GATE OPENER 350 UL325 SERIES WARNING! This equipment is similar to other gate or door equipment and meets or exceeds Underwriters Laboratory Standard 325 (UL 325). However, gate equipment has hazards associated with its use and therefore by installing this product the installer and user accept full responsibility for following and noting the installation and safety instructions.
The Mighty Mule® Gate Opener is intended for use with vehicular swing gates. The opener can be used in Class I, Class II and Class III applications. VEHICULAR GATE OPENER CLASS CATEGORIES Residential Vehicular Gate Opener-Class I: A vehicular gate opener (or system) intended for use in a home of one-to-four single family dwelling, or a garage or parking area associated therewith.
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 KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Disconnecting the Opener ---------------------------------------------
® E-Z GATE OPENERS PLEASE READ THIS FIRST! Thank you for purchasing a Mighty Mule® 350 E-Z Gate Opener—GTO's "do-it-yourself" automatic gate opener! When correctly installed and properly used, your Mighty Mule® E-Z Gate Opener will give you many years of reliable service. Please read the following information and watch the enclosed videotape to ensure you have the correct system for your particular needs.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Because automatic gate openers produce high levels of force, consumers need to know the potential hazards associated with improperly designed, installed, and maintained automated gate opener systems. Keep in mind that the gate opener is just one component of the total gate operating system. Each component must work in unison to provide the consumer with convenience, security, and safety. This manual contains various safety precautions and warnings for the consumer.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS For The Consumer WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury or death: 1. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS. Failure to meet the requirements set forth in the instruction manual could cause severe injury and/or death, for which the manufacturer cannot be held responsible. 2. 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. 3.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Entrapment Zones for a proper Pull-To-Open installation: Zone 1 – leading edge of the gate and the fence post. Zone 2 – between the gate and the gate post. Zone 3 – the path of the gate. Zone 4 – the space between the gate in the open position and any object such as a wall, fence, tree, etc. Zone 5 – pinch points between the opener and gate or post. II. During Installation 1. Install the gate opener on the inside of the property and fence line.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS III. After Installation 1. Attach the warning signs (included) to each side of the gate to alert the public of automatic gate operation. It is your responsibility to post warning signs on both sides of your gate. If any of these signs or warning decals become damaged, illegible or missing, replace them immediately. Contact GTO for free replacements. 2. The gate is automatic and could move at any time, posing a serious risk of entrapment.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Secondary Means of Protection Against Entrapment As specified by Gate Opener Safety Standard, UL 325 (30A.1.1), automatic gate openers shall have an inherent entrapment sensing system, and shall have provisions for, or be supplied with, at least one independent secondary means to protect against entrapment. The Mighty Mule® utilizes Type A, an inherent (i.e., built-in) entrapment sensing system as the primary type of entrapment protection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Required Safety Precautions for Gates Install Warning Signs Warning signs alert people of automatic gate operation and are required when installing the Mighty Mule® E-Z 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. ! GTO DC SW350 Series Conforms to UL325 5th Edition Standards Serial No. 12/31/04 MM350-0000000 GTO, Inc. - Tallahassee, Florida USA Product identification label (1) installed under rear mount on arm.
Parts List - Opener and Mounting Hardware ! WARNING Installation Video (1) Moving Gate Can Cause Injury Or Death ® ENER E OP E-Z GAT Customer Support Card (1) 1. KEEP CLEAR! Gate may move at any time. 2. Do not allow children to operate gate or play in gate area. 3. This gate is for vehicles only. Pedestrians must use a separate entrance.
Tools Needed • Power Drill • Open End Wrenches — 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", and 9/16" • 3/8" Drill Bit • Hacksaw or Heavy Duty Bolt Cutters • Small (Flat Bladed) Screwdriver • Phillips Screwdriver/ Large • Tape Measure • Level • Wire Strippers • C-Clamps — small, medium, and large • Center Punch • Extra person will be helpful YOU MAY ALSO NEED THESE ITEMS BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE INSTALLATION (Some of these items can be found in the Accessory Catalog page 37): • Low voltage wire (RB509) will be needed to run from the
Technical Specifications MIGHTY MULE® 350 E-Z GATE OPENER DRIVE • Low friction screw drive (linear actuator) rated for -5 ºF to +160 ºF (-28 ºC to +71 ºC). • Powered by a 12 V motor with integral case hardened steel gear reducer. Motor speed reduced to 260 rpm. Generates 520 inch lb. of torque at 12 V. • Maximum opening arc of 110º. Approximate opening time (90º): 18 seconds, depending on weight of gate. POWER • The system is powered by a 12 Vdc automotive or marine battery.
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 39 if you intend to mount the opener on a column. Furthermore, if you have a push-to-open gate, you will need to purchase a push-to-open bracket (FM148) (see Accessory Catalog) to properly configure your system.
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 (minimum 2 inches for safety reasons). 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.
Determining the Mounting Position of the Post Bracket Assembly and the Gate Bracket Post Bracket Assembly Step 3 Insert the 3/8" x 2" bolt through the center hole of the post brackets and post pivot bracket as shown. Fasten a 3/8" lock washer, 3/8" washer and 3/8" nut on the end of the bolt. DO NOT overtighten the nut because the post pivot bracket will have to be adjusted later. 3/8" x 2" Bolt NOTE: The following steps are intended for pull-to-open gate installations.
IMPORTANT: While determining the mounting point for the post pivot bracket assembly, be sure that the position allows for minimum 2 inches of clearance between the gate and the opener in both the open and closed positions, as shown in the diagrams below. This clearance will give the opener the most efficient leverage point for opening and closing the gate and more importantly provides the least possible pinch area.
Installing the Post Bracket Assembly and Gate 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.
Mounting the Opener Step 11 Attach the opener to the securely bolted post bracket assembly and gate bracket using clevis pins, bushings, and hairpin clips, or optional Pin Locks (see Accessory Catalog). Verify that the opener is level and adjust the post bracket assembly if necessary.
At this stage of the installation, the opener should be installed on the gate and the closed position stop should be in place. Check List • The gate is plumb, level, and swings smoothly on its hinges. • A plate or support was added for the gate bracket (if necessary). • The opener is level and mounted on the centerline of the gate.
Powering the System IMPORTANT: • The Mighty Mule 350 is designed and intended for use with a 12 Volt automotive or marine type battery. The battery must be placed inside a weatherproof case and located within 6 feet of the opener arm. The 10 foot harness supplied connects the battery to the opener arm. • The battery charge is maintained by the 18 Volt transformer included or by using optional solar panel(s).
Connecting the Battery Control Board Access Cover Step 1 ON/OFF With the opener mounted in the upside down position remove the Control Board Access Panel on the bottom of the opener arm. Battery Harness Connector Battery Harness Connector Control Board ON/O FF 10 Foot Power Cable ON/OFF Switch 20 Receiver Wires Step 2 RED to POSITIVE Place the 12 Volt automotive or marine type battery and its weatherproof case within 6 feet of the fence post where the opener arm is mounted.
IMPORTANT: Deailed Wire Routing Diagrams ON/OFF The battery harness wire has an in-line 20 Amp fuse that must be placed inside the opener when connecting the battery to the opener. The illustration to the right shows the best placement for the battery harness wire, connector and in-line fuse.
Connecting the Transformer IMPORTANT: Never connect the transformer and a solar panel to the opener control board at the same time. It will damage the control board. If you are using SOLAR PANEL(S) to charge the opener battery, skip this section and go to "Connecting Solar Panel(s)" section on page 23. 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.
15 2 3 4 RF CHARGING POWER Low Voltage Wire from Transformer Step 8 At the AC outlet strip 1/2" of insulation from the ends of the low voltage wire. Attach these stripped ends to the transformer terminals. A dab of household petroleum jelly on each terminal will help prevent corrosion. Spade Tongue Terminal (not provided) We suggest crimping a spade tongue terminal (not provided) to the end of each wire before attaching it to the transformer.
MIN MAX STALL FORCE Connecting Solar Panel(s) OFF 120 CLOSE TIME SET LEARN 15 LIMIT REMOTE IMPORTANT: Never connect the transformer and a solar panel to the opener control board at the same time. It will damage the control board. 1 ON PULL-PUSH 2 MODE1 If you are using the transformer included with the Mighty Mule 350 to charge the opener battery, skip this section and go to MODE2 "CONTROL BOARD SETTINGS" below.
Setting the Closed Position Limit For PULL-TO-OPEN Installation FF ON/O Turn the power switch on the opener arm to the ON position Your Mighty Mule 350 has two Limit Settings Fully Open Position 1) OPEN Limit setting: (Gate in the OPEN POSITION / FACTORY SET & NOT ADJUSTABLE) The open limit setting is the fully open position.
Obstruction Sensitivity Potentiometer Setting IMPORTANT: For safety reasons the obstruction setting or Stall Force on the Mighty Mule® control board comes from the factory set at MIN (minimum). In many gate installations this setting will need to be adjusted to overcome the weight and size of the gates. STATUS MIN MAX STALL FORCE The Stall Force potentiometer on the control board operates like a volume control on a radio.
Setting Your Personal Transmitter Code 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. Follow the directions below: 1.
Installing the Receiver Use the transmitter to check the range of the receiver before permanently mounting it. Consider the following when mounting the receiver: • 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. • DO NOT run cable through metal conduit because the receiver signal range will be decreased.
Connecting Additional Safety Devices Although GTO strongly recommends the use of additional safety devices, we do not endorse any specific brand names. Only use products that are certified and listed to be in compliance with any applicable UL standards (Underwriters Laboratories) and national and regional safety codes. Call GTO Sales at 1-800-543-4283 for information on compatible products for your specific application. The Mighty Mule® 350 will ONLY accept accessory devices with normally open contact output.
MIN MAX STALL FORCE Non-Contact Sensors (photo beams) If not installing a non-contact sensor skip to next section. OFF 120 CLOSE TIME SET LIMIT PLEASE NOTE: Non-contact sensors are not included with the Mighty Mule® 350. LEARN REMOTE 15 The Mighty Mule® 350 can also accept "Safety" input from normally open "dry-contact" output devices such as photo beams connected to the SAFETY input terminal.
MIN Connecting Accessories MAX STALL FORCE If not connecting accessories skip to next section. OFF 120 CLOSE TIME SET LIMIT LEARN REMOTE 15 The Mighty Mule® 350 can accept NORMALLY OPEN CONTACT accessories, such as; Push Button Entry Devices and Key Pads. 1 2 3 4 PULL-PUSH MODE1 MODE2 LOCK/BEACON RF CHARGING POWER Make sure the power to the opener is turned off before connecting safety device wiring to the terminal blocks. Unplugging the transformer does not turn power to the opener OFF.
Mighty Mule Free Entry/Exit Loop A Free Entry/Exit Loop is a in ground wire loop that senses a vehicle as it drives over it and opens the gate. It can be placed in the driveway outside the gate to allow FREE Entry to the property and it can be placed in the driveway inside the gate to allow FREE Exit from the property. Depending on how you want your gate to function you can use just one or all types on the same gate.
MIN MAX STALL FORCE Mighty Mule Gate Opening Sensor (FM138) OFF 120 15 CLOSE TIME is compatible with Mighty Mule® The Gate Opening Sensor is designed for residential and agricultural applications and LEARN automatic gate openers (see Sensor Box for model compatibility). The Sensor LIMIT isSETan REMOTE electromagnetic sensor, which offers 'hands free' operation of the Mighty Mule® Gate Opener with a 12 ft. radius of detection of vehicles in motion.
Push to Open Installation Swinging gates shall not open into public access areas! A "Push-to-Open" gate opens out from the property. A Push-to-Open Bracket is required for this type of installation (see Accessory Catalog). If you have a pull-to-open gate (gate opens into the property), return to page 13; step 3. In a PUSH-TO-OPEN installation the opener is installed while the gate is in the closed position.
Step 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 3/8" holes into the gate cross member as marked. Fasten gate bracket to cross member using (2) 3/8" x 3" bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts.
Step 3 STATUS With the gate in the desired open position PRESS & HOLD the “SET LIMIT" button on the control board for 5 seconds. Step 4 MIN MAX STALL FORCE Press the transmitter button and allow the gate to return to the closed position. YOUR GATE’S OPEN POSITION LIMIT IS NOW PROGRAMMED. SET LIMIT Button OFF 120 CLOSE TIME TESTING YOUR OPEN LIMIT SETTING: SET LIMIT 15 Press your entry transmitter and allow your gate to open.
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 in a coastal area. • Clean the push-pull tube with a soft, dry cloth and apply silicone spray to it at least once a month.
2. STATUS LED (LED1): While the unit is IDLE: 1 blink with 2 seconds off: Free Exit terminal is shorted to common. 2 blink with 2 seconds off: Safety terminal is shorted to common. 3 blink with 2 seconds off: Edge terminal is shorted to common. 4 blink with 2 seconds off: Cycle terminal is shorted to common. LEARN LIMIT Mode: This LED will turn on when the ‘LEARN-LIMIT’ button is pressed.
Repair Service If your Mighty Mule® Gate Opener is not operating properly, please follow the steps below: 1. First use the procedures found in the Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide (see page 36). 2. If you are unable to solve the problem, call the GTO Service Department at (800) 543-1236, or (850) 575-4144. Refer to the serial number (located on the back of opener arm) and date of purchase when calling for assistance. 3.
Column Installation Information IF THIS OPENER WILL BE USED WITH GATES THAT ARE MOUNTED ON MASONRY, BRICK, OR ROCK (etc.) COLUMNS: READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING A. The simplest solution is to install the opener in a push-to-open configuration (requires Push-To-Open Bracket, see Accessory Catalog). The minimum clearance is easier to achieve and clearance is no longer a problem, since the opener will be pushing the gate away from the column instead of pulling it toward the column.
® E-Z GATE OPENERS ACCESSORIES Accessories are Available From Your Retail Store Solar Panel (FM121) Not Compatible with Mighty Mule® 250 The Solar Panel is a 5 watt solar powered battery charger for use with the FM500 & FM502 gate opener systems. Particularly suited for remote installations, each Solar Panel comes with tubular steel support, mounting clips, wire connectors, and 8 ft. of low voltage wire (see Low Voltage Wire for additional wire).
Accessories are Available From Your Retail Store (con't) Low Voltage Wire (RB509) The 16 gauge, multi-stranded, dual conductor Low Voltage Wire is for connecting the AC powered transformer, or the Solar Panel to the control board. Also used for the connection of accessories, such as locks, keypads, push buttons and other wired control devices. This specially designed wire is UV treated, PVC coated and ready for direct burial. Available in 1000' rolls or special lengths.
