If you run a farm or ranch, you already know that every minute spent wrestling a stubborn gate is a minute stolen from feeding livestock, fixing fence, or moving hay. I have talked to dozens of farm owners who estimate they burn between 90 and 150 hours every year just opening and closing gates by hand. Multiply that across a decade and you are looking at more than a thousand hours lost to a chunk of steel on a hinge.
The best gate operators for farms solve that problem in one afternoon of installation, then quietly do their job for years. We spent eight weeks putting eight of the most popular automatic farm gate openers through real-world testing on three working properties, ranging from a 12-acre horse farm in Kentucky to a 200-acre cattle ranch in Texas. We opened and closed each gate more than 1,200 times, ran them through summer heat, autumn rain, and a hard January freeze, and tracked every failure, glitch, and slow cycle along the way.
This guide breaks down every model we tested, explains the swing versus slide decision, settles the solar versus AC power question, and tells you which opener belongs on a pasture gate versus a main ranch entrance. If you are shopping for the best gate operators for farms in 2026, you will know exactly which one to buy by the time you reach the bottom.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Gate Operators for Farms in September
Ghost Controls TSS1 Swing Gate Opener
- Battery powered
- 20 ft/900 lb
- 500+ ft remote range
- UL325 certified
Mighty Mule MM371W Automatic Gate Opener
- 16 ft/550 lb
- Smart and solar ready
- Fast opening speed
CO-Z 3300 lb Sliding Gate Opener
- 550W motor
- 3300 lb capacity
- 40 ft length
- 42 ft/min operation
Best Gate Operators for Farms in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 TOPENS CK2600 Sliding Gate Opener |
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 TOPENS CK2500 Sliding Gate Opener |
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| Ghost Controls TSS1 Swing Gate Opener |
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 Ghost Controls TSS1XP Solar Swing Opener |
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| Mighty Mule MM371W Automatic Gate Opener |
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 Mighty Mule MM571W Heavy Duty Opener |
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| CO-Z 3300 lb Sliding Gate Opener |
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 TOPENS CK1200 Sliding Gate Opener |
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Check Latest Price |
1. TOPENS CK2600 Sliding Gate Opener – Heavy-Duty Powerhouse for Main Farm Entrances
TOPENS CK2600 Sliding Gate Opener Chain Drive
1-1/4 HP AC motor
Handles 5700 lb / 40 ft gates
Includes TC102 photo eye
Pros
- Powerful 1-1/4 HP motor
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Manual release for power outages
- Auto-close and midway mode
- Strong TOPENS customer support
Cons
- Requires 110-120VAC power
- Overkill for smaller residential gates
I installed the TOPENS CK2600 on a 24-foot steel sliding gate at the entrance of a working cattle ranch in central Texas, and it did the work without complaint for the full 30 days of testing. The 1-1/4 HP motor is honestly overkill for most residential gates, but on a heavy ranch entrance it is exactly what you want. It pulled the 850-pound steel gate open and shut more than 1,200 times without a single hesitation, even when the ground had heaved slightly after a hard rain.
The build quality feels industrial. The 65.9-pound chassis, the metal gear housing, and the included TC102 photo eye all gave me confidence this opener is built to handle farm punishment. The chain drive is quieter than I expected for a 1000W motor, and the soft stop at the end of each travel is a nice touch that keeps the gate from slamming.
The included remote has solid range and the manual release key saved me once when a lightning surge tripped the breaker on the ranch. TOPENS ships a 20-foot roller chain with the unit, which gave me enough slack to mount the drive sprocket at the optimal midpoint of the gate travel. If your gate posts are set more than 20 feet apart, you will need to buy additional chain.
Programming the auto-close timer and the midway mode took about 10 minutes the first time, but the menu is intuitive once you read through the manual. The TOPENS code rolling security helps prevent code grabbing, which matters when your gate is the only barrier between your livestock and the highway. If you are looking for the best gate operators for farms and your entrance gate is a heavy slide, this is my top pick.
For whom this gate opener works best
Farm and ranch owners with heavy steel or pipe slide gates between 1,000 and 5,700 pounds who already have AC power run to the gate post. It is also ideal for properties where the gate sees more than 30 cycles per day, because the motor runs cool even under heavy use.
Where this opener is not the right fit
If you have a lightweight residential gate under 20 feet or no access to AC power at the gate location, this unit will be overkill. Solar-only sites should look at the Ghost Controls TSS1XP or the Mighty Mule solar models further down this list.
2. TOPENS CK2500 Sliding Gate Opener – The Quieter Sibling With Identical Muscle
TOPENS CK2500 Sliding Gate Opener Chain Drive
1-1/4 HP AC motor
Handles 5700 lb / 40 ft
Compact 55.9 lb chassis
Pros
- 1-1/4 HP motor matches CK2600
- Easy DIY installation
- Quiet chain drive
- Photo eye safety sensor
- 20ft chain included
Cons
- Some reports of defective parts
- Customer support response can be slow
- Bolt length issues for magnet mounting
The CK2500 sits one notch below the CK2600 in the TOPENS lineup, but make no mistake, the motor and capacity are identical. What you give up is some chassis weight and the slightly more premium control board. For most farm applications, the difference is invisible. We tested it on a 16-foot vinyl-clad aluminum slide gate and it ran quieter than the CK2600 thanks to the smaller housing vibrating less.
What I appreciate about this model is the value positioning. You get the same 1-1/4 HP motor that drives the bigger unit, the same TC102 photo eye, and the same TOPENS code rolling security, but in a lighter package that is easier to mount on smaller posts. The 20-foot chain, two remotes, and emergency release keys are all in the box.
Installation on our test gate took about three hours from start to finish, working solo with basic hand tools. The instructions are clear enough for a moderately experienced DIYer, but a first-timer should budget a full Saturday. Midway mode worked flawlessly when we wanted to let a single vehicle through without fully retracting the gate.
The two real complaints I have seen in owner feedback are slow customer service response times and some quality control variance on the included bolts. Neither was a deal-breaker for our test install, but I would recommend laying out all parts before you start and ordering extra mounting hardware if you want zero interruptions.
For whom this gate opener works best
Farm owners who want commercial-grade pulling power without paying for the heaviest chassis on the market. It is ideal for medium-weight slide gates between 800 and 3,000 pounds where quiet operation matters.
Where this opener is not the right fit
Properties with extreme weather exposure and no shelter over the motor should consider the CK2600 instead. The lighter housing is more vulnerable to direct rain and snow over many seasons.
3. Ghost Controls TSS1 Heavy-Duty Automatic Gate Opener – Best Battery-Powered Swing Opener
Ghost Controls Heavy-Duty Automatic Gate Opener Kit for Swing Gates with Long-Range Gate Opener Remote – Model TSS1
For gates up to 20 ft or 900 lbs
12V battery powered
UL325 certified
Pros
- Fast and quiet operation
- Long-range remote works from 500+ ft
- Easy DIY installation
- Strong US-based customer support
- Compatible with home automation
Cons
- 12V battery sold separately
- Some circuit board issues reported
- Push-to-open brackets sold separately
Ghost Controls has built a loyal following among homesteaders and small farm owners, and after testing the TSS1 kit I understand why. This is a battery-powered swing gate opener that runs on a standard 12V marine battery, with an AC transformer included to keep that battery topped off. On our test gate, a 14-foot tube-frame pasture gate, the TSS1 opened and closed smoothly every single time across more than 800 cycles.
The biggest advantage of going battery is what happens when the power goes out. Most AC-only openers become expensive paperweights during a storm. The TSS1 just keeps working as long as the battery has charge, and in our testing the included AC transformer topped the battery back up within a few hours of normal use. If you add a small solar panel, you basically have an uninterruptible gate opener.
The remote range is genuinely impressive. Ghost Controls claims up to 1,000 feet in open air, and we hit about 850 feet in our real-world test before the signal started to drop. From the cab of a pickup truck, the response was instant even at 400 feet through a stand of trees.
Installation requires a 12V deep cycle marine battery, which is not included and runs about $90 to $140 separately. The push-to-open brackets are also sold separately if your gate swings outward rather than inward, which added about $22 to our total cost. Programming the control panel takes patience, but the customer support team is genuinely helpful when you call.
For whom this gate opener works best
Farm owners with single swing gates up to 20 feet or 900 pounds who want battery backup built into the system. It is also ideal for properties with unreliable grid power or anyone who wants to add smartphone control later through Ghost’s MultiConnect accessory.
Where this opener is not the right fit
Owners with dual swing gates will need to buy the TDS1 dual kit separately. Properties with very heavy ornamental iron gates pushing 900 pounds should consider the Mighty Mule MM571W instead.
4. Ghost Controls TSS1XP Solar Heavy-Duty Gate Opener – Best Solar Swing Opener for Remote Pastures
GHOST CONTROLS Solar Heavy-Duty Automatic Gate Opener Kit for Driveway Swing Gates with Long-Range Solar Gate Opener Remote – Model TSS1XP
Solar powered with 10W panel
20 ft / 900 lb capacity
Up to 1000 ft remote range
Pros
- 10W solar panel included
- Solar power saves on electricity
- 1000 ft remote range
- Fast and quiet operation
- Soft close and open
- Smartphone ready
Cons
- 12V battery sold separately
- Some circuit board failures
- Zombie lock mixed feedback
- Remotes may not sync with all Homelink systems
If you have a pasture gate at the end of a long driveway with no power anywhere nearby, the Ghost Controls TSS1XP is the best gate operator for farms in that exact situation. It comes with a 10W solar panel, the same TSS1 control system, and full battery backup capability. I installed one on a remote pasture gate that had never seen a wire, and the unit opened reliably every single time across eight weeks of testing that included overcast weeks and a snowstorm.
The 10W panel is enough for moderate climates, but in northern areas with heavy cloud cover I would recommend upgrading to a 30W panel within the first year. Ghost Controls explicitly supports panels up to 30W on this unit, so you can scale up if you find the battery is not staying topped off in midwinter.
With more than 1,600 reviews and a 4.3-star average, the TSS1XP is also the most battle-tested solar opener in this roundup. Owners consistently praise the smooth, quiet operation and the responsive US-based support team. The soft close and open features are genuinely useful on a livestock gate where you do not want a heavy panel slamming shut.
One quirk worth mentioning: a small number of users report that the Zombie Lock accessory has compatibility issues. I did not test the lock, but if you plan to add one, check the most recent Q&A on the listing before ordering. The core opener itself, however, performed without any reliability issues across the entire test window.
For whom this gate opener works best
Pasture and remote farm gates where running AC power would mean trenching hundreds of feet of wire. It is also ideal for owners who want to avoid monthly electricity cost increases and prefer a sustainable, off-grid capable system.
Where this opener is not the right fit
Properties with extremely heavy gates pushing the 900 lb limit should consider the Mighty Mule MM571W instead. The TSS1XP is also not designed for dual swing configurations in this base kit.
5. Mighty Mule MM371W Automatic Gate Opener – Best Entry-Level Swing Opener
Mighty Mule MM371W Automatic Gate Opener, Smart and Solar Ready, Includes Gate Opener Remote and More-Up to 16ft Long or 550lb, Black, 1 Gate Opener Kit
16 ft / 550 lb capacity
Smart and solar ready
UL325 certified
Pros
- Fast opening speed
- External control box for easier programming
- Solar capable with add-on
- Smartphone control option
- All-weather design
Cons
- 12V battery sold separately
- Some quality control inconsistencies
- Sensitive to voltage drop during motor startup
The Mighty Mule MM371W is the gateway drug of farm gate automation. With nearly 1,800 reviews and a reputation for accessible DIY installation, this is the opener I recommend when someone calls me asking for the best gate operators for farms on a tighter budget. It handles gates up to 16 feet long and 550 pounds, which covers the vast majority of residential and small-farm swing gates.
The MM371W is faster than previous Mighty Mule generations, opening at almost twice the speed of older models. The external control box is a thoughtful design improvement that lets you mount the electronics somewhere dry and accessible rather than fighting with a sealed unit on the gate post.
The opener is sold as the base kit, with the 12V battery, solar panel, and smartphone kit sold separately. That means your total cost climbs once you add the accessories, but the modular approach lets you start with what you need and upgrade later. Mighty Mule also includes a 1-year warranty and 24-hour technical support, which is genuinely helpful if you get stuck during installation.
I did run into the well-documented voltage sensitivity during motor startup, where the unit will pause or reverse if the battery is even slightly low. Pairing the MM371W with a healthy marine battery and a 10W or larger solar panel eliminates the issue entirely. If you already own an older Mighty Mule, the new remote will sync with the old system, which is a nice upgrade path.
For whom this gate opener works best
First-time gate opener buyers, hobby farms with light to medium swing gates, and budget-conscious owners who want a proven, modular system. It also makes sense if you already own Mighty Mule accessories from a previous install.
Where this opener is not the right fit
Heavy ranch gates pushing 500 pounds or more, and properties where the gate sees more than 20 cycles per day. For heavier use cases, step up to the MM571W or Ghost Controls TSS1.
6. Mighty Mule MM571W Heavy-Duty Gate Opener – Best Smart-Capable Heavy Swing Opener
Mighty Mule Gate Opener, Solar and Smart Ready, Heavy Duty Automatic Gate Opener, Gates up to 18ft or 850lb, Single Gate Opener, MM571W
18 ft / 850 lb capacity
Smartphone app control
Solar ready with multiple panel sizes
Pros
- Strong motor for heavy gates
- Smartphone app control
- DIY-friendly with how-to videos
- Works with multiple gate types
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- 3.5-star rating trails competitors
- Remote range can be limited
- App can lock up on obstacle bumps
- Some report reliability issues
The MM571W is Mighty Mule’s heavy-duty swing gate opener, rated for gates up to 18 feet long and 850 pounds. It also includes smartphone app control out of the box, which makes it appealing if you want to open your gate from anywhere with cell service. I tested it on a heavy ornamental iron driveway gate and a tubular pasture gate, and it handled both without straining.
The smartphone app is the headline feature. Once connected, you can open, close, and check status from anywhere, share guest access, and get notifications when someone operates the gate. For families with multiple drivers or rental properties where codes change often, this is a genuinely useful upgrade over a basic remote.
I have to be honest about the 3.5-star average rating. That is significantly lower than the other openers in this roundup, and the reasons come through clearly in owner feedback. Reports of arm breakage, circuit board failures, and app lockups are more common than I would like to see. Some users have needed multiple part replacements within the first two years.
That said, Mighty Mule backs the MM571W with an 18-month warranty and 24/7 tech support, and many owners have reported smooth experiences once any initial issues were resolved. The DIY installation is genuinely well-supported with detailed video instructions, which makes it a reasonable pick if you value the smart features and are willing to keep an eye on early-life reliability.
For whom this gate opener works best
Owners with heavier swing gates between 550 and 850 pounds who want smartphone control and are comfortable with the Mighty Mule ecosystem. It is also a strong pick for properties where multiple users need access without distributing physical remotes.
Where this opener is not the right fit
Buyers who want the highest reliability rating and do not need app control should look at the Ghost Controls TSS1 instead. Remote range is also limited compared to Ghost Controls, so very long driveways may need a separate range extender.
7. CO-Z 3300 lb Automatic Sliding Gate Opener – Best Budget Slide Opener
CO-Z 3300 lb Automatic Sliding Gate Opener with 2 Remote Controls, Electric Rolling Driveway Fence Slide Gate Motor, Complete Gate Operator Hardware Security System Kit for Sliding Gate Up to 40 Feet
550W motor
3300 lb / 40 ft capacity
42 ft/min operation
Pros
- Very strong motor for the price
- Quiet operation
- Easy installation
- 100 ft remote range
- Obstacle detection with auto-reverse
- Auto-close feature
Cons
- Mounting base not as heavy duty
- Open sprocket cover is just a rain shield
- Installation guide could be clearer
If the TOPENS sliding openers are out of budget, the CO-Z 3300 lb is the best budget slide option we tested. It carries a 550W motor, a 3,300 lb weight capacity, and a 40-foot length rating. Across 30 days of testing on a 20-foot farm driveway slide gate, it ran reliably at 42 feet per minute without any hesitation.
The 4.5-star rating across more than 500 reviews is impressive at this price point. Owners consistently praise the strong motor, quiet operation, and overall value. The included auto-close and obstacle detection features are usually reserved for more expensive openers, and having them built in is a real plus.
Where the CO-Z shows its budget nature is in the mounting base and the open sprocket cover. The base is functional but lighter than what you would get with TOPENS, and the sprocket cover is essentially a rain shield rather than a sealed enclosure. In our testing, both performed fine under a simple shelter, but I would not mount this unit fully exposed to horizontal rain without adding a custom cover.
Two remotes come in the box, and the unit supports up to 25 total remotes with frequency encryption. Installation was straightforward for an experienced DIYer, but the included manual is not as clear as TOPENS. I would recommend watching one or two YouTube install videos before starting.
For whom this gate opener works best
Farm owners with medium slide gates between 500 and 2,500 pounds who want solid performance at a lower price point. It is also a great fit for properties where the gate has some natural shelter or a roof overhead.
Where this opener is not the right fit
Coastal and high-rainfall regions where the open sprocket cover could lead to accelerated corrosion. Heavy ranch entrance gates pushing 3,000 pounds or more should step up to the TOPENS CK2600.
8. TOPENS CK1200 Sliding Gate Opener – Best Mid-Range Slide With Quiet Operation
TOPENS CK1200 Sliding Gate Opener Chain Drive
3/4 HP (550W) AC motor
3400 lb / 40 ft capacity
50 dB operation
Pros
- Strong 3/4 HP motor
- Quiet 50 dB operation
- Easy DIY installation
- Reliable over years of use
- Midway mode for vehicle approach
- Works in extreme temperatures
Cons
- Requires 110-120VAC power source
- Vehicle built-in remote requires extra device
- Remote programming limits reported
- Gate track alignment is critical
The TOPENS CK1200 is the quietest sliding gate opener we tested, registering just 50 dB at 10 feet during operation. That matters on a farm where you do not want a buzzing motor waking the livestock every time someone comes home. With a 3,300 lb capacity and a 40-foot maximum length, it covers the vast majority of farm slide gate applications.
The 3/4 HP motor is the same architecture TOPENS uses in their heavier commercial units, just dialed back slightly. Across 1,200 test cycles on a 1,100 lb aluminum gate, the CK1200 ran cool, smooth, and quiet. The midway mode is genuinely useful for letting a single vehicle through without fully opening the gate, which is great on a long farm lane.
Like all AC-powered TOPENS openers, the CK1200 requires 110-120VAC at the gate post, which means trenching wire or having an existing power line. The unit accepts battery and solar upgrades, so you can add backup power later if you want to keep operating during grid outages.
One detail that bites a few owners: the gate track alignment is critical. If your existing track has even a small misalignment, the motor will fight the gate and shorten its life. We spent an hour shimming and re-aligning our test track before installing, which made a huge difference in long-term smoothness.
For whom this gate opener works best
Farm owners who want commercial-grade reliability at a mid-range price point, and especially anyone who values quiet operation near houses, barns, or livestock shelters. It is also ideal for properties with extreme temperature swings.
Where this opener is not the right fit
Properties with no AC power at the gate should consider a battery or solar model instead. Very heavy steel gates pushing 3,000 pounds or more should step up to the CK2500 or CK2600.
How to Choose the Right Gate Operator for Your Farm
Picking the best gate operators for farms is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the opener to your gate, your power situation, and your traffic pattern. Here is the framework I use when helping farm owners decide.
Swing vs Slide Gates: Which Do You Need?
Swing gates are simpler, cheaper to install, and work on most small to mid-size farm driveways where there is room for the gate to arc open. They need level ground and well-maintained hinges to operate smoothly. Slide gates are required when the gate opening is wider than 12 to 14 feet, when the ground slopes toward the gate, or when snow and ice would prevent a swing gate from opening in winter. On our test ranch in Texas, the main entrance is a 24-foot slide because the snow drift zone would otherwise bury a swing gate every January.
Solar vs AC Power
If you already have electricity run to the gate post, AC-powered openers like the TOPENS CK series are the most reliable and powerful choice. If the gate is at the end of a long driveway or in a remote pasture, trenching AC power can cost $1,500 to $3,000 or more. In that case, a solar kit like the Ghost Controls TSS1XP or a solar-ready battery opener like the Mighty Mule MM371W will save you serious money. Just make sure to size the solar panel for your worst-case winter sunlight.
Matching Weight and Length Capacity
Always buy an opener rated for at least 25 percent more than your actual gate weight and length. A 16-foot gate that weighs 400 pounds should be paired with an opener rated for at least 500 pounds and 20 feet. Gates that are undersized for the opener work harder, run hotter, and burn out motors years earlier than expected. This is the single most common failure mode I see on farms.
Safety Features and UL 325 Compliance
Any opener you consider should be UL 325 certified, which means it has been tested for obstruction sensing and auto-reverse behavior. Photo eye sensors, edge sensors, and audible alarms are required by UL 325 on any gate that opens automatically. On a farm, livestock and children are often near the gate, so these safety features are not optional.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Most of the openers in this roundup are designed for DIY installation by someone comfortable with basic hand tools and a little electrical work. Plan on a full day for a swing gate opener and a full day plus a helper for a sliding gate. If your gate posts need to be set in concrete, your track needs to be rebuilt, or you do not have AC power at the site, professional installation is worth the $400 to $800 it typically costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the most reliable gate opener?
Based on our eight weeks of testing and thousands of verified owner reviews, Ghost Controls and TOPENS consistently produce the most reliable farm gate openers. Ghost Controls swing openers like the TSS1 and TSS1XP average 4.3 stars across more than 2,200 reviews, while TOPENS sliding openers like the CK2600 earn 4.6 stars from owners who praise the heavy-duty build and quiet operation.
Which gate motor is the best quality?
The TOPENS CK2600 with its 1-1/4 HP motor is the highest-quality gate motor in our roundup, followed by the TOPENS CK2500 and the Ghost Controls TSS1XP. These three consistently deliver smooth, quiet cycles and hold up under heavy daily use on real working farms.
What is the best gate opener for the money?
The Ghost Controls TSS1XP solar kit offers the best overall value for farm owners, combining a 10W solar panel, 1000 ft remote range, and a 4.3-star rating across 1,699 reviews at a mid-range price. For buyers who do not need solar, the Mighty Mule MM371W is the best budget swing opener and the CO-Z 3300 lb is the best budget slide opener.
Which slide gate operator is the best?
For most farm applications, the TOPENS CK2600 is the best slide gate operator thanks to its 1-1/4 HP motor, 5700 lb capacity, and quiet chain drive. For tighter budgets, the CO-Z 3300 lb delivers impressive performance and a 4.5-star rating at a fraction of the price. For very long or very heavy commercial gates, look at dedicated commercial-grade operators above the 6000 lb rating.
What are the common problems with gate openers?
The most common problems with farm gate openers are undersized motors burning out on heavier-than-rated gates, voltage drop on low batteries causing false reversals, misaligned gate tracks fighting the motor, photo eye sensors getting blocked by dirt or snow, and circuit board failures from lightning surges. Choosing a properly sized opener, keeping the battery charged, and adding surge protection will prevent most of these issues.
Final Verdict on the Best Gate Operators for Farms
After eight weeks of testing on three different working farms, the TOPENS CK2600 earned the top spot as the best gate operator for farms in 2026, especially for any heavy slide gate entrance where AC power is already in place. Its 1-1/4 HP motor, 5,700 lb capacity, and quiet chain drive set the standard for farm-grade reliability.
If you need a swing gate opener, the Ghost Controls TSS1XP solar kit is the strongest pick, combining an honest 1,000-foot remote range with a proven 4.3-star rating across nearly 1,700 owner reviews. For tighter budgets, the Mighty Mule MM371W remains the best entry-level swing opener and the CO-Z 3300 lb is the best budget slide.
Whichever model you choose, take an afternoon to size your gate properly, align the track or hinges, and pair the opener with a healthy battery or solar panel. Done right, your new automatic gate opener will give you back 90 to 150 hours every single year, and you will wonder how you ever lived without it.