Hi, I live on a ranch and I haven't needed a gate opener ever until now. My dad has always opened and closed the gates the old school way until now. His hip has slowly gave out on him and he struggles to move around freely. The way he currently deals with this is not going out to check on the cows. I feel that this limitation has severely impacted his quality of life, even though he's not going to complain to anyone. Perhaps if asked, his response would be " Well I just don't get around as good as I use to". I can see that its actually devastating for him. I failed to mention that Dad is 99 years old. I have watched your you tube spots and I believe that your a strait forward professional regarding gate openers. I'm as much in the dark, call it confused about openers as I was a few weeks ago when I knew I had to act on this matter for dad's sake, if he stays mobile he may get to see 103. Currently I need to open five 16 foot single swing gates made from light weight steel tube. Simple safe controls that fail safe with the gate closed securely so cows don't end up in the road. I Want to do the installation myself I'm a highly capable person that doesn't ignore the possibility of being blind sighted working with a steep learning curve. I need the advice of a professional, something that I'm willing to pay for. Sincerely,
The latch open feature is priceless on any gate opener. I've got the might mule and you have to fiddle with it to get the gate to stay open for deliveries, etc. It can be done but it's a trip. If I could find a mid range opener with latch open I'd replace mine.
As I’ve said in other videos fabulous job and explaining everything about Gates operators .!!! What Ranger model is your entry level? I have 15 foot gate that I’m gonna be having custom-made. but I notice the Ranger works for a single arm only goes up to 13 feet high, can one allow to go up to additional 2 feet if you have a gate under 200, so a customer doesn’t have to buy a duel gate operator ? Andrew 😊
Does the controller come with loop detector modules? Do you have 2 exit loops and 1 shadow loop? Are you familiar with the free exit detector by Cartell?
I’m a residential four board and small farm installer in KY. I eat, sleep and breath all things fencing. I’ve been subbing for 1 of the 2 fence companies around since I started 6 years ago. I’m forever grateful to them but I’m thinking about taking the leap and doing my own thing. Any advice for a fella who’s got dreams of fencing and a family to feed? Thank you and I’ve liked and subscribed.
In short: do quality work and charge enough to make a decent living. That will cut out a lot of problems and problem clients. I'd recommend looking through our other channel, Successful Contractor (th-cam.com/users/SuccessfulContractorvideos). Our sister company, SWI Florida, is starting up in St. Augustine and we're documenting all the ups and downs of starting a fence business in a new area. 👍🏻
Good video, i like my ranger hd. You ever install the us automatic gate lock? I used an estate swing lock and it had been nothing but trouble. I don't even leave the pin in anymore it's that unreliable. Curious to know your thoughts on the us automatic gate lock.
Yes in the past we have used Viking. The board is at a 45 degree angle in the operators which is nice for the user. However, the issue we ran into was mice nesting on top of the board housing and then the board shorting out from some of the mice awesomeness seeping down on it. I would imagine that this problem would be the same in warm climates with reptiles. They are a nice clean operator with built in heater for cold climates rated to -20 F. 👍🏻👍🏻
In your video talking about how insufficient ghost controls openers are, you talked about photo sensors not working with solar openers because of the constant high power draw. Sounded like you said these are battery operated. Can I retrofit these optical sensors to a ghost controls or a mighty mule? You also stated that you see a lot of issues with wireless keypads, but you've installed wireless keypads on this gate. Are the Patriot wireless openers better quality? Can you retrofit these on to a ghost controls or mighty mule opener? I would love to use a patriot system, but I am on a budget. Three times the cost is a little hard to swallow.
Wireless keypads can be problematic depending on the circumstances. However on solar, they are the better option due to their lack of power draw. Most wired keypads draw constant power and are therefore not well suited for solar. As for working or adapting items to Spooky Controls or Majestic Donkey, we don't offer any advice or support other than to say "don't use them". Simply adding photo eyes isn't going to solve the myriad of problems these operators have. Proceed at your own risk.
so the ranger is the best entry level? im wondering if i should order this and get it shipped to australia where i live. how close does the loop detector need to be from the cars passing? my driveway is cemented nowadays but the dirt is probably only about 40cm away from the cement or vehicle will that work thanks
Yep, the Ranger is the best entry-level, but we really aren't set up to ship to Australia. Don't really know if we even can with regulations and such. You'd need to cut your loop into the driveway--it can't be next to it. You could try using a puck next to the driveway, like you see here for a free-exit circuit: th-cam.com/video/JIfHxKhihMs/w-d-xo.html
The one in the video is a Patriot. The Patriot can handle slightly longer & heavier gates than the Ranger. The Ranger HD is identical to the Patriot in specs, but has a difference in how limits are set and some other small differences.
I'm sticking with my ghost controls but honestly, this isn't really an expensive setup for what you get and how robust it is. I might have done this if I had known about it.
Does your Ghost "closed" setting ever need to be readjusted? Mine goes out of adjustment every month or two about 2~5 inches. I contacted two other owners and theirs also needs to be readjusted from time to time.
I've got three ghost control gates and I'm so happy I stayed with ghost control sounds like the other company want to put anybody down to buy their product
@@sammymiller5967 Good call!! I checked everything and the outside bolt that holds the actuator arm bracket, the vertical bolt through the post bracket that goes through the ~2" plastic spacer, is tight. But, when the gate is closed and if you push on the far side of the gate as if trying to open or move the gate, the bolt "slides", slightly moves, just a little bit. Im afraid to tighten it more because the plastic spacer could break or crack.
I’m trying to source the ranger Hd kit…how do I confirm the separate locking delay module is installed? Sites like gate master are next to impossible to get questions and answers from….my budget is 1.5 k or less for a single ball screw 24 inch strike actuator drive.
@@SWiFence gate crashers had them listed at 1.3 K plus change I just cancelled my order….I don’t even think they have any in stock…weird outfit….after reading BBB I got nervous…with so many unhappy folks….
@@SWiFence Thank you sir, I'm an estimator here in Savannah Georgia and that time pretty much matches up with what I would quote to install a similar size job with installing the gate post, gates, and the operator system, however we no longer run all the conduit on our jobs due to a lack of man power so we sub the trenching in conduits and electrical to an electrician. When I was an installer I ran my own conduits like you did. A US Automatic Patriot was the first linear style swing gate operator I ever installed 21 years ago and that operator is still in use today on an entry gate leading into a tree farm and it's been solar operated all these years the only thing I have changed was the marine battery every 3-4 years or so. I was just telling Mr. Mike about it when I saw him at Fence Tech a little over a month ago. Thanks for the great video.
When trenching for conduit what is the recommended depth? I’ve found 4-5” for the sensor but I can’t find a depth for the conduit. Any help is much appreciated!
This would be great... question, the DSP7 controllers .... did you have to provide those as a company? Or do those loop controllers come with this gate system? I cannot seem to find any information on their website about it. Please be specific, and if possible, yes, a video would be awesome.
@@Pokemonkids618 Yes, I was actually thinking about adding the loop sensor to my existing gate system, and was wondering how, exactly, to do it; but after researching, it doesn't look too difficult. Still, would love to see a video / description on how SWI actually did the connections to the ranger, and dialed it in.
We don't spec out items and prices in the comments, but you can browse the gate openers here: bit.ly/USAutomaticGateOperators Also, feel free to call the shop and ask any questions you have. They should be able to get you hooked up with answers: 307-578-8040
Being in NW Ont. Canada with our 45 below winters an little to no winter sun I would never put a gate run by solar that's why when I developed my farm I have power and year round water. Don't even try an tell me how good solar is
😆 Well ok then. Not everybody lives in Sachigo Lake. Sounds like you know your own conditions and have established that you're not really a good fit for sunshine-related technology.
After your review on ranger HD single ball screw…openers I ordered one from gate crashers After 3 days…no tracking number….it suddenly got fishy So I pressed them and they returned my credit order today……( I hope ? ) Oh where…oh where can I buy an H D….?
I was told a long time ago that wing gates are what poor people use. I guess that's why everything is so rusty. I take it that this gate is not finished.
It is finished actually. 🙂 This gate is at the entryway of a successful fence contracting business. He could have put in whatever kind of gate he wanted. The rustic finish is intentional and he has no intentions of painting it. And wing gates seem like a perfect fit for rural Indiana.
There are always cheaper options in the world, but they come at a cost. This is what we would consider entry-level with quality we're comfortable with.
Ta da right from your phone how amazing is that? Not amazing at all considering the price tag of that $900 gate opener that you sell for thousands. No thanks.
Really? A $500 gate opener that's UL325 compliant with a free-exit loop, safety loop, photo eyes, 12-second cycle time, rated for 800 lbs, 500 lbs of dynamic thrust, static load rating of 1,000 lbs, real battery backup (not just 1 cycle), and comes with a 5-year warranty on the control board? Man! You got a steeeeeeeaaaaal. 👍🏻
What does your gate opener do that mine doesn’t ? Mine opens when you drive up to it to leave and has a key pad and remote controls to open when k come in. If it hits something it stops. I guess if I needed to keep up with the Jones’s I’d buy yours. Honestly tho steel and wires is steel and wires.
So, seriously not trying to be a jerk here, but this is a matter of perspective and experience. When you install gate openers routinely, and when you warranty your work and have to go back and repair what failed on your own dime, you learn real quick what you are and aren't willing to install. We work in Wyoming, where the gate opener has to work whether the temperature is below zero or not, or if there's snow on the ground. The batteries have to remain charged even when the sun has been absent for several days in a row. Add on top of that UL325 certification requirements and the list gets even narrower. When we are the last people to work on a gate we become liable for it from that point forward. This is why we won't service gates that aren't already UL325 certified--we can't afford that liability. A house and a mobile home will serve the same purpose. They both have a kitchen and bedrooms, etc. But they're not the same. They're not going to age the same, they're not going to feel the same in cold weather, and they're not going to be the same in a tornado. Is there anything wrong with living in a mobile home? No. Is a mobile home the best choice? It might be--it depends entirely on a person's circumstances and needs. But they *aren't* the same. We just want people to know there's a difference. If they choose to go with a cheaper option--that's great! But we've worked on far too many gate openers to shrug our shoulders and say that they're all about the same.
The amount of play, slop th-cam.com/video/GdkhkT0nAi0/w-d-xo.html , in that opener is fantastic compared to my spookie. Those quality DD hinges may also keep things more tight. Spookie goes out of adjustment in closed position every several weeks or more., from 2~5 inches. Contacted a couple spookie owners and theirs also needs to have the closed setting readjusted from time to time. Do these US Auto openers ever need to be readjusted? Not referring to poorly installed systems with wooden warped posts, posts not set deep enough... When the spookie gives up the ghost, spending more is worth it if youre going to stay in your home for several years.
Hi,
I live on a ranch and I haven't needed a gate opener ever until now. My dad has always opened and closed the gates the old school way until now. His hip has slowly gave out on him and he struggles to move around freely. The way he currently deals with this is not going out to check on the cows. I feel that this limitation has severely impacted his quality of life, even though he's not going to complain to anyone. Perhaps if asked, his response would be " Well I just don't get around as good as I use to". I can see that its actually devastating for him. I failed to mention that Dad is 99 years old.
I have watched your you tube spots and I believe that your a strait forward professional regarding gate openers. I'm as much in the dark, call it confused about openers as I was a few weeks ago when I knew I had to act on this matter for dad's sake, if he stays mobile he may get to see 103.
Currently I need to open five 16 foot single swing gates made from light weight steel tube. Simple safe controls that fail safe with the gate closed securely so cows don't end up in the road. I Want to do the installation myself I'm a highly capable person that doesn't ignore the possibility of being blind sighted working with a steep learning curve. I need the advice of a professional, something that I'm willing to pay for.
Sincerely,
The latch open feature is priceless on any gate opener. I've got the might mule and you have to fiddle with it to get the gate to stay open for deliveries, etc. It can be done but it's a trip. If I could find a mid range opener with latch open I'd replace mine.
Just seeing the video, you've helped me make my decision to install a US Automatic system, Thank you!
By far the best install I have ever seen for patriot with loop detectors
You should try the wireless e-Loops saves heaps of time on installation and perfect for solar very low receiver overheads
Great info!
Can you explain what each loop is called and what they do and when they do it.
As I’ve said in other videos fabulous job and explaining everything about Gates operators .!!!
What Ranger model is your entry level?
I have 15 foot gate that I’m gonna be having custom-made. but I notice the Ranger works for a single arm only goes up to 13 feet high, can one allow to go up to additional 2 feet if you have a gate under 200, so a customer doesn’t have to buy a duel gate operator ?
Andrew 😊
Does the controller come with loop detector modules? Do you have 2 exit loops and 1 shadow loop? Are you familiar with the free exit detector by Cartell?
I’m a residential four board and small farm installer in KY. I eat, sleep and breath all things fencing. I’ve been subbing for 1 of the 2 fence companies around since I started 6 years ago. I’m forever grateful to them but I’m thinking about taking the leap and doing my own thing. Any advice for a fella who’s got dreams of fencing and a family to feed? Thank you and I’ve liked and subscribed.
In short: do quality work and charge enough to make a decent living. That will cut out a lot of problems and problem clients.
I'd recommend looking through our other channel, Successful Contractor (th-cam.com/users/SuccessfulContractorvideos). Our sister company, SWI Florida, is starting up in St. Augustine and we're documenting all the ups and downs of starting a fence business in a new area. 👍🏻
Get a de-pinning tool for that connector on the slave actuator. Eliminates the need for a splice.
Thanks for the tip!
Good video, i like my ranger hd. You ever install the us automatic gate lock? I used an estate swing lock and it had been nothing but trouble. I don't even leave the pin in anymore it's that unreliable. Curious to know your thoughts on the us automatic gate lock.
We haven't--but they're really good and work great. We've used something similar.
Have you used any Viking gate openers before? and if you have, what do you think about them.
Yes in the past we have used Viking. The board is at a 45 degree angle in the operators which is nice for the user. However, the issue we ran into was mice nesting on top of the board housing and then the board shorting out from some of the mice awesomeness seeping down on it. I would imagine that this problem would be the same in warm climates with reptiles. They are a nice clean operator with built in heater for cold climates rated to -20 F. 👍🏻👍🏻
In your video talking about how insufficient ghost controls openers are, you talked about photo sensors not working with solar openers because of the constant high power draw. Sounded like you said these are battery operated. Can I retrofit these optical sensors to a ghost controls or a mighty mule? You also stated that you see a lot of issues with wireless keypads, but you've installed wireless keypads on this gate. Are the Patriot wireless openers better quality? Can you retrofit these on to a ghost controls or mighty mule opener? I would love to use a patriot system, but I am on a budget. Three times the cost is a little hard to swallow.
Wireless keypads can be problematic depending on the circumstances. However on solar, they are the better option due to their lack of power draw. Most wired keypads draw constant power and are therefore not well suited for solar. As for working or adapting items to Spooky Controls or Majestic Donkey, we don't offer any advice or support other than to say "don't use them". Simply adding photo eyes isn't going to solve the myriad of problems these operators have. Proceed at your own risk.
6:53 drone
so the ranger is the best entry level? im wondering if i should order this and get it shipped to australia where i live. how close does the loop detector need to be from the cars passing? my driveway is cemented nowadays but the dirt is probably only about 40cm away from the cement or vehicle will that work thanks
Yep, the Ranger is the best entry-level, but we really aren't set up to ship to Australia. Don't really know if we even can with regulations and such.
You'd need to cut your loop into the driveway--it can't be next to it.
You could try using a puck next to the driveway, like you see here for a free-exit circuit: th-cam.com/video/JIfHxKhihMs/w-d-xo.html
Photo eye battery life (14505) 24 MONTHS TOPS! PAINT SLIPCOVER WHITE TO LOWER TEMP IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. LOWER TEMP LONGER BATTERY LIFE.
Is the opener in the video a patriot or ranger?
What is the difference
The one in the video is a Patriot. The Patriot can handle slightly longer & heavier gates than the Ranger.
The Ranger HD is identical to the Patriot in specs, but has a difference in how limits are set and some other small differences.
I'm sticking with my ghost controls but honestly, this isn't really an expensive setup for what you get and how robust it is. I might have done this if I had known about it.
Does your Ghost "closed" setting ever need to be readjusted? Mine goes out of adjustment every month or two about 2~5 inches. I contacted two other owners and theirs also needs to be readjusted from time to time.
I've got three ghost control gates and I'm so happy I stayed with ghost control sounds like the other company want to put anybody down to buy their product
@@ridemfast7625 sounds like your brackets are loose
@@sammymiller5967 Good call!! I checked everything and the outside bolt that holds the actuator arm bracket, the vertical bolt through the post bracket that goes through the ~2" plastic spacer, is tight. But, when the gate is closed and if you push on the far side of the gate as if trying to open or move the gate, the bolt "slides", slightly moves, just a little bit. Im afraid to tighten it more because the plastic spacer could break or crack.
what's your opinion on all o matic toro swing gate openers?
For swing gates we really prefer US Automatic operators. bit.ly/swiusautomatic
I’m trying to source the ranger Hd kit…how do I confirm the separate locking delay module is installed?
Sites like gate master are next to impossible to get questions and answers from….my budget is 1.5 k or less for a single ball screw 24 inch strike actuator drive.
Hook up with the guys at the shop and they can get you the info you need: 307-578-8040 I don't think any of the Rangers are going to be $1,500 though.
@@SWiFence gate crashers had them listed at 1.3 K plus change
I just cancelled my order….I don’t even think they have any in stock…weird outfit….after reading BBB
I got nervous…with so many unhappy folks….
what do you think of the nice appllo openers
There are worse openers, but that's not really the range we like to play in.
Nice clean install. 50 hours ? Im at 25 hours.
I like your dodge lol
is there a lock to automatic to lock the gate.
If it's closed it's "locked". It won't push open. You have to disengage the arm to push it open.
Looking for authorized installers for your product in my area. I'm in California zip code 91744 any info will be appreciated 👍 it thank you
Did your 50 hours include building the gates and installing the fence? Or just installing the gate operator system?
Just installing the operator. This time can vary substantially by operator package. 50 is a ballpark on an average installation.
@@SWiFence Thank you sir, I'm an estimator here in Savannah Georgia and that time pretty much matches up with what I would quote to install a similar size job with installing the gate post, gates, and the operator system, however we no longer run all the conduit on our jobs due to a lack of man power so we sub the trenching in conduits and electrical to an electrician. When I was an installer I ran my own conduits like you did. A US Automatic Patriot was the first linear style swing gate operator I ever installed 21 years ago and that operator is still in use today on an entry gate leading into a tree farm and it's been solar operated all these years the only thing I have changed was the marine battery every 3-4 years or so. I was just telling Mr. Mike about it when I saw him at Fence Tech a little over a month ago. Thanks for the great video.
When trenching for conduit what is the recommended depth? I’ve found 4-5” for the sensor but I can’t find a depth for the conduit. Any help is much appreciated!
Disclaimer: no cats were harmed in the filming of this edutainment video.
Uh... yeah... yeah sure!
We should get a video dedicated to gate waggle.
Gate waggle! I can see the title already! 😂
Seriously though, what specifically about gate waggle would you want to know? 🧐
You might mention the brand of what you are selling
Sorry Royce - it's in the video description. ☝🏻 US Automatic. Links are in the description if you want to check the products out. 👍🏻👍🏻
SWI. How about a video on how you do your 3 loops.?!?!?! Design, build, install….
Great thought! 👍🏻👍🏻
This would be great... question, the DSP7 controllers .... did you have to provide those as a company? Or do those loop controllers come with this gate system? I cannot seem to find any information on their website about it. Please be specific, and if possible, yes, a video would be awesome.
@@SWiFence something you are considering?
@@howiegrapek no, Diablo loop detectors do not come with system. You will have to buy separately.
@@Pokemonkids618 Yes, I was actually thinking about adding the loop sensor to my existing gate system, and was wondering how, exactly, to do it; but after researching, it doesn't look too difficult. Still, would love to see a video / description on how SWI actually did the connections to the ranger, and dialed it in.
Can you spec out the ram, control board and phone app…..???
Prices…?
We don't spec out items and prices in the comments, but you can browse the gate openers here: bit.ly/USAutomaticGateOperators
Also, feel free to call the shop and ask any questions you have. They should be able to get you hooked up with answers: 307-578-8040
@@SWiFence what is LCR…on their web site?
Low Current Receiver. For solar.
@@SWiFence the 1/2 mile range receiver would be very useful
Being in NW Ont. Canada with our 45 below winters an little to no winter sun I would never put a gate run by solar that's why when I developed my farm I have power and year round water. Don't even try an tell me how good solar is
😆 Well ok then. Not everybody lives in Sachigo Lake. Sounds like you know your own conditions and have established that you're not really a good fit for sunshine-related technology.
After your review on ranger HD single ball screw…openers
I ordered one from gate crashers
After 3 days…no tracking number….it suddenly got fishy
So I pressed them and they returned my credit order today……( I hope ? )
Oh where…oh where can I buy an H D….?
Um... seriously? From us. 👍🏻 bit.ly/USAutomaticGateOperators (Call the shop if you have questions: 307-578-8040)
Price is higher than other on the market
Yes it is.
I was told a long time ago that wing gates are what poor people use. I guess that's why everything is so rusty. I take it that this gate is not finished.
It is finished actually. 🙂 This gate is at the entryway of a successful fence contracting business. He could have put in whatever kind of gate he wanted. The rustic finish is intentional and he has no intentions of painting it. And wing gates seem like a perfect fit for rural Indiana.
That's me. I'd have been forty hours short.
Understandable.
I'm thinking total cost to be about $5,000? 🤔
Considering the cost of this system is $3500, I think it would be around $8-10k total depending on area and labor rates.
The supplies alone for a dual operator will cost 3500-4500.
So $3500 is entry level? I guess everyone who cant start at that price point is just supposed to leave their driveway open 😑
There are always cheaper options in the world, but they come at a cost. This is what we would consider entry-level with quality we're comfortable with.
You say you don't like a rat nest of wire so why did you leave it that way oh I'm sorry you do what you wanna do only huh
I think we have different definitions of rat's nest.
Ta da right from your phone how amazing is that? Not amazing at all considering the price tag of that $900 gate opener that you sell for thousands. No thanks.
Oh here we go again. 🙄 Honestly, if you've got access to a $900 opener that you're convinced is the same--go for it. I wish you the best.
My gate opener cost me about $500 7 years ago and TA DA it does exactly the same thing.
Really? A $500 gate opener that's UL325 compliant with a free-exit loop, safety loop, photo eyes, 12-second cycle time, rated for 800 lbs, 500 lbs of dynamic thrust, static load rating of 1,000 lbs, real battery backup (not just 1 cycle), and comes with a 5-year warranty on the control board? Man! You got a steeeeeeeaaaaal. 👍🏻
What does your gate opener do that mine doesn’t ? Mine opens when you drive up to it to leave and has a key pad and remote controls to open when k come in. If it hits something it stops. I guess if I needed to keep up with the Jones’s I’d buy yours. Honestly tho steel and wires is steel and wires.
So, seriously not trying to be a jerk here, but this is a matter of perspective and experience. When you install gate openers routinely, and when you warranty your work and have to go back and repair what failed on your own dime, you learn real quick what you are and aren't willing to install. We work in Wyoming, where the gate opener has to work whether the temperature is below zero or not, or if there's snow on the ground. The batteries have to remain charged even when the sun has been absent for several days in a row. Add on top of that UL325 certification requirements and the list gets even narrower. When we are the last people to work on a gate we become liable for it from that point forward. This is why we won't service gates that aren't already UL325 certified--we can't afford that liability.
A house and a mobile home will serve the same purpose. They both have a kitchen and bedrooms, etc. But they're not the same. They're not going to age the same, they're not going to feel the same in cold weather, and they're not going to be the same in a tornado. Is there anything wrong with living in a mobile home? No. Is a mobile home the best choice? It might be--it depends entirely on a person's circumstances and needs. But they *aren't* the same. We just want people to know there's a difference. If they choose to go with a cheaper option--that's great! But we've worked on far too many gate openers to shrug our shoulders and say that they're all about the same.
The amount of play, slop th-cam.com/video/GdkhkT0nAi0/w-d-xo.html , in that opener is fantastic compared to my spookie. Those quality DD hinges may also keep things more tight. Spookie goes out of adjustment in closed position every several weeks or more., from 2~5 inches. Contacted a couple spookie owners and theirs also needs to have the closed setting readjusted from time to time. Do these US Auto openers ever need to be readjusted? Not referring to poorly installed systems with wooden warped posts, posts not set deep enough... When the spookie gives up the ghost, spending more is worth it if youre going to stay in your home for several years.