Accessories for automatic gate opener

[KSc10]

I recently had a pipe fence installed across the front of my property along with a 14' gate at the driveway. I have looked at several different automatic openers. One thing I am trying to decide on is which of the accessories to get such as a keypad, vehicle sensor on the inside, electric latch, opener from the house.

How do I address emergency vehicle access (fire, ems, police). I can find a couple different options but wasn't sure how most people handled it.

What is typically installed and would be absolutely necessary?

Of course when I look up on the openers websites they want you to buy everything for it.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Kevin

 

[Youngfd]

EMERGENCY people can have a code on file to open your gate. I am trying to figure out how to handle FED EX , UPS, the gas man etc. j

 

[zepher11]

I gave UPS, FedEx, and the mail lady our gate code. This seems to work well. I have a sensor that opens up the gate automatically when a vehicle wants to exit. We've had the automatic gate for about three years now. No problems. A couple of our neighbors that we trust have the gate code just in case.

Ours is more for keeping the dogs in than for security. In an emergency, the hitch pin can be pulled. If we ever wished to upgrade for a totally secured gate, we would need to employ the latching system that Liftmaster makes.

 

[toplessHO]

a good keypad will have the ability to enter many codes.
use 9111 as the gate code for fire police etc.
most will have a 4 digit code so that will keep others out that will try just 911.
You can also enter a one time use for those that you dont want making a return visit.
an exit traffic loop detector is great as well as adding RF receiver that you can program with a garage door opener ,homelink etc.

 

[KSc10]

Thanks for the input. I was also wondering about delivery people, will need to address that it sounds like. The options I looked at was opener with remotes, detector for exit vehicles, keypad entry and a remote for the house. Sounds like I'm on the right path.

I suppose I will call emergency services and talk to them about options

 

[3pedal]

I have the keypad, locking clasp and then remotes. My gate is too far from the house for a remote in it. Have been thinking about the exit sensor. I never thought about emergency responders getting access. Something to think about.

I'd avoid the mighty mule line of openers. I have it and have not been happy. The remote range is terrible, it is very slow opening and closing and it is hard to service. Mine died last year and I could not get anyone to come out and look at it. After hours of troubleshooting I still could not solve the issue. Parts were almost as expensive as a replacement so I just got a new base unit when .tractor supply had them on sale. Next time it goes out ill get a higher quality unit.

 

[KSc10]

I have the keypad, locking clasp and then remotes. My gate is too far from the house for a remote in it. Have been thinking about the exit sensor. I never thought about emergency responders getting access. Something to think about.

I'd avoid the mighty mule line of openers. I have it and have not been happy. The remote range is terrible, it is very slow opening and closing and it is hard to service. Mine died last year and I could not get anyone to come out and look at it. After hours of troubleshooting I still could not solve the issue. Parts were almost as expensive as a replacement so I just got a new base unit when .tractor supply had them on sale. Next time it goes out ill get a higher quality unit.

I have read several bad reviews on the mighty mules, I have been looking at the Estate opener sold by gatecrafters.com.
Gate crafters have a remote for the house that will reach 1500', my house it about 400' away from the gate.

 

[soj]

^^ What 3pedal said about Mighty Mule, esp. the remote range. I have had one for several years. I added the latch because with a 16' gate it can be pulled open enough to walk through even when closed by the opener alone.

My opener was still working fine, but the battery charger died. Everything is on one circuit board, I hated to spend $235.00 for a new board, knowing the opener arm could fail anytime. So I bypassed just the battery charger portion of the board and used a HF battery maintainer instead. That has been working for about a year now.

I also added a universal remote receiver that also works with the 4 button remote that I use for my garage doors. That way I only have one remote that opens everything, and the range is much better.

Sorry I got a little off topic, but my recommendation is whatever brand you purchase, get a latch to go with it.
-jp