What Makes a Good Gate Opener

[rvscootin]

Thanks! This is actually the best video I have seen. You explain the WHY of gate openers.

[jgren]

Funny thing about that long arm opener that you prefer, the site which is apparently the factory, does not have a contact area, and the only other site which mentions them is a real scam site. I’d love to give them some sales but without web access it looks like I’ll be going with someone else. I can’t just drive down to their shop and pick one up. As you seem to know them, you might mention this. Thanks. Great video 👍

[mikiemojo]

I've been selling and installing gate operators for 21 years. I, too, began with US Automatic and migrated to Apollo. Then ditched them when you could burn up their boards by just mentioning lightning. BFT, (not BTF) has never been worth the effort required to toss them off of a bridge. They're the same garbage, essentially, as Nice (who, unfortunately, also purchased HySecurity). Same country, same junk. Some of you guys mentioning Ghost Controls should know they are simply reheated GTO (Mighty Mule). The Liftmaster is the only linear actuator system I've used for about 12 years or more. They are 24 volt instead of 12 (with the exception of their solar version), the batteries are included (the others aren't), they come with radio receiver and UL325 required safeties included (the others don't), they have lockable manual disconnects built into arms (the others don't) and the mounting geometry for the rear bracket is 7.5 x 7.5 inches (not 4 to 5). All my brackets are welded once bolted so they never move and I've seen them swinging 20 foot gates (way outside parameter). I have very little call outs for the LA400 systems I've installed.

[timshreve]

Jack knows what he is talking about!!!! I bought a Ghost Controls single to open my 18 foot tube gate which weighed 178 pounds, but it would not do it!!!! After replacing it with another Ghost Controls system it still did not work - cheap stuff and will only work with very light and short gates. (don't waste your money - take Jack's advice!!!! ) American Armor long arm openers are the ONLY way to I wish I had seen Jack's video first as it would have saved me time and money!!! Thank you Jack - you are a genius!!!!

[countryboy]

I bought an American Armor gate operator and love it! Money well spent! Built right and like a tank. Looks good, , works good and I am expecting years of good service out of it. You won’t be sorry about your purchase of an American Armory gate operator.

[rentaissanceman]

I've been servicing and installing automatic gate systems for 21 years. In my experience, 99% of all gate problems are the result of bad installation. Most installers never open the installation manual. Good information in there. Each automation system is designed with a specific set of design criteria in mind. Of course there is the price point, but there is the weight and length too. None of the operators shown in this video should be used with a privacy gate, or solid surface gate. Wind load can be considerable, and a strong wind can destroy any one of those. The Liftmaster LA400 he mentions is a great system, if installed on a gate with the limitations in the installation manual in mind. It seems that whomever installed that LA400 laying there did not read the installation manual. According to the manual, that rear pivot point is supposed to be set 7" back from the gate hinge pivot point, and 7" into the property from the hinge pivot point. I rarely see this done. And it looks like the weld failed, which is not the problem of the LA400 system. It's just bad welding by the installer. Most of these systems are not DIY systems. Even the ones that claim to be DIY. Get yourself an experienced installer who understands the differences of many systems, and can install a system for you that meets your needs. Even a poorly installed gate system can work well for a few years. Then problems begin to become apparent. and your cheap installer is nowhere to be found.

[Jaylaco]

Do you have a recommendation for a five foot wide wrought iron pedestrian gate?120v available and will need to integrate with a badge reader.

[Nutintoitbutdoit]

American Armor looks good and sounds good, but try getting a hold of them! I have had no luck so we went back to Apollo

[hendrickxannamarie]

All these swing gate openers have the same flaw: no protection against snow and ice that sticks on the tubes that then blocks it from sliding.
This expert should look around more and find the type that has protection against this common problem in colder climates.

[erkme]

I have a Ghost Control TSS1 that's been running flawlessly for nearly 4 years. I use their "zombie lock" which latches the end of the gate to the opposing post. It's electrically operated so when the gate opens and closes, the lock releases. It bullet proof.

[antonioboutte]

This guy is awesome a rip off guy wanted $1200 for repair. Jack is a Christian man spoke to me over phone. Guided me and suggested to replace battery. I did his suggestion and it works excellent.. God bless Hack and his family had to find a real business man these days.... please use this guy for all your gate opener needs...

[michaelpetrucelli]

That BFT arm would outlast all of those operators

[Lard]

Do you recommend a solar powered swing gate opener kit brush less pls

[jzevahc]

So who do I contact to get something like this installed? Just moved into a new property and the gate is going bad and need to replace it soon.

[edstricker]

Do you have an installer in San Antonio or recommend a dealer?

[zlemieux]

Are you still providing any gate services? Thanks

[CBDServices]

When Apollo was bought by nice Rob Melenyzer the owner of American armor products stole apollos designs on the 1500 series with 636 board. Rob was at Apollo a long time and was a purchase manger/engineer as a purchase manger he started a company under a different owners nameto make the parts. when a contract was up for renewal Rob signed off on his “new vendors” invoice for parts at a higher rate. Rob was also sued by Nice for theft of intellectual property among other things. They settled in court. Rob changed the 1500 series just enough to gain a patent on it as an American armor, funny he uses Apollo control boxes when his vendor can’t keep up. Needless to say I bought into the American armor is the best. No it isn’t honestly all or our basic installs we use Apollo 1500 with 636, so many less service calls. Bad for our bottom line I guess but I’d rather have happy return customers.

[martyb]

I am unable to find American Armor Products on the web. I wanted to research their products. Can you post a link?

[nmhvactech]

GTO does make a bracket that pushes the openers out 12”. I installed a GTO Pro with the extended bracket and have used the opener for over 10 yrs now.
But it’s time to replace it, and American Armor is not really available, soooo???

[fstarockaburns]

hi - what are the pros and cons of a chain vs rack system for a sliding gate?