Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Manual

Installation Manual

FM402

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. Failure to follow installation and safety
instructions can result in hazards developing due to improper assembly. You agree to properly
install this product and that if you fail to do so GTO Access Systems, LLC shall in no event be liable
for direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages or loss of profits whether based
in contract tort or any other legal theory during the course of the warranty or at any time thereafter.
The installer and/or user agree to assume responsibility for all liability and use of this product
releasing GTO Access Systems, LLC from any and all liability. If you are not in agreement with this
disclaimer or do not feel capable of properly following all installation and safety instructions you
may return this product for full replacement value.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY before attempting to install and
use this automatic gate opener. This gate opener produces a high level of force. Stay clear of the
unit while it is operating and exercise caution at all times.

All automatic gate openers are intended for use on vehicular gates only.

This product meets and exceeds the requirements of UL 325, the standard which

regulates gate operator safety, by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

For more information on Mighty Mule’s full line of Automatic Gate Openers and Access Controls visit our website at www.mightymule.com

GTO Sales: 800-543-4283 • Fax [phone]

For 24 hour/day, 7 day/week Technical Service visit http://support.gtoinc.com

For more information on Mighty Mule’s full line of Automatic Gate Openers and Access Controls visit www.mightymule.com

Printed in China for GTO Access Systems

GTO Technical Service 800-453-1236

Copyright© 2015 GTO Access Systems, LLC rev 12.14.15

U.L. Gate Operator Classifications

Residential Vehicular Gate Operator—Class I: A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended for use in a home of
one-to-four single family dwelling, or a garage or parking area associated therewith.

Commercial/General Access Vehicular Gate Operator—Class II: A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended
for use in a commercial location or building such as a multifamily housing unit (five or more single family units), hotel,
garages, retail store, or other building servicing the general public.

Industrial/Limited Access Vehicular Gate Operator–Class III: A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended for use
in an industrial location or building such as a factory or loading dock area or other locations not intended to service the
general public.

Restricted Access Vehicular Gate Operator–Class IV: A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended for use in a
guarded industrial location or building such as an airport security area or other restricted access locations not servicing
the general public, in which unauthorized access is prevented via supervision by security personnel.

Product Usage

The Mighty Mule Gate Opener meets all of the safety requirements of a Class I Residential Vehicular Gate Operator and
is intended for use solely with vehicular swing gates in single-family residential applications.

The Mighty Mule Gate Opener system certified to be in compliance with the following safety standards (current edition as
of publication date):

Product in compliance with the latest UL-325 and UL-991 safety standards by ETL.

Converting Metric Units to English Equivalents

When You Know Multiply By To Find Symbol

centimeters 0.3937 inches in. (or ")
meters 3.2808 feet ft. (or ')
kilograms 2.2046 pounds lb. (or #)

Converting English Units to Metric Equivalents

When You Know Multiply By To Find Symbol

inches 2.5400 centimeters cm
feet 0.3048 meters m
pounds 0.4535 kilograms kg

Converting Temperature

deg. Celsius (°C x 1.8) + 32 deg. Fahrenheit °F
deg. Fahrenheit (°F-32) ÷ 1.8 deg. Celsius °C

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Please record the following information product serial number (located on the rear of opener arm), be sure to
keep all receipts for proof of purchase. Refer to this information when calling GTO for service or assistance
with your automatic gate opener.

Serial Number: ___________________________________ Date of Purchase: ________________

Place of Purchase: ___________________________________________________________________

Table Of Contents

Please Read This First ...................................................................................................ii

Important Safety Instructions .................................................................................. iii–viii

How to Manually Open and Close the Gate: ..............................................................iii

For the Consumer .......................................................................................................iv

Required Safety Precautions for Gates ......................................................................vi

Secondary Means of Protection Against Entrapment ............................................... vii

Entrapment Alarm (UL 325; 30A.1.1A) ...................................................................... vii

Technical Specifications ................................................................................................ 1

Before You Begin ........................................................................................................... 2

Solar Panel and Gate Activity Chart ............................................................................ 2

Parts List – Opener and Mounting Hardware ............................................................. 4

Tools and Materials ..................................................................................................... 5

Installation Overview for Pull-To-Open Gates ............................................................. 6

Installation of the First Gate Opener ............................................................................. 7

Install Post Bracket Assembly and Gate Bracket ....................................................... 8

Attach Opener Arm ................................................................................................... 10

Install the Closed Position Stop Plates ..................................................................... 11

Mount the Battery Box and Control Box ................................................................... 12

Connecting the Battery ............................................................................................. 13

Remove the Control Box Cover ............................................................................... 13

Connect Opener Power Cables ................................................................................ 14

Connect the Transformer ......................................................................................... 14

Set the Closed Position Limit .................................................................................... 16

Adjust the Stall Force Setting ................................................................................ 17

Set Auto-Close Time ................................................................................................. 17

Personalize Your Transmitter Setting ........................................................................ 18

Push-To-Open Installation Instructions ....................................................................... 19

Solar Panel Instructions ............................................................................................... 21

Connecting Accessories and Safety Devices ............................................................. 22

Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................................ 24

Gate and Opener Maintenance .................................................................................. 25

Warranty Repair ........................................................................................................... 25

Accessories ................................................................................................................. 26

rev 12-14-15 Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions i

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST

Thank you for purchasing a Mighty Mule FM402 Gate Opener—GTO’s “do-it-yourself” automatic gate opener!
When correctly installed and properly used, your Mighty Mule Gate Opener will give you many years of reliable
service. Please read the following information and watch the enclosed video to ensure you have the correct
system for your particular needs. Furthermore, this manual and the video will enable you to properly install
your Mighty Mule Gate Opener.

The Mighty Mule Gate Opener is designed for installation on Pull-To-Open dual gate leaves (gates that
open into the property). By purchasing accessory brackets [FM148], the Mighty Mule Gate Opener can
accommodate Push-To-Open dual gate leaves (gates that open out from the property). Please see Pull-To-
Open/Push-To-Open diagram on page 3. The gates must not exceed 12 ft. or 300 lbs. per leaf (see Technical
Specifications on page 1). The Mighty Mule Gate Opener can be used on vinyl, aluminum, chain link, farm
tube, and wrought iron gates.

Use on solid (surface) gates is not recommended. Solid surface gates have a high resistance
to the wind. If the wind is strong enough, the opener will obstruct and stop, blow fuses, or
may damage the equipment.

The Mighty Mule Gate Opener features an adjustable stall force setting. This safety feature makes the gate
stop and reverse direction within 2 seconds when it comes in contact with an obstruction. The MIN setting
means the gate will exert the minimum force on an obstruction before it stops and reverses direction. You will
need to adjust the stall force for your particular application.

The Mighty Mule Gate Opener also has an adjustable auto-close feature. After the gate reaches the fully
open position, it can be set for OFF, or to remain open up from 3 to 120 seconds before automatically closing.
Pressing the transmitter button at any time after the gate opens fully will cause it to close immediately. The
auto-close factory setting is OFF, meaning the gate will stay open until you press the transmitter (or keypad,
etc.) again.

The Mighty Mule Gate Opener accommodates extra transmitters, digital keypads, solar panels, push buttons,
automatic gate locks, and other access control products. These optional accessories (page 26) are available
Special Order (if the accessory is not in stock). If your store cannot special order accessories, please call the
GTO Sales Department (850/575-0176) or visit www.mightymule.com.

PLEASE NOTE—If your application requires any of the following:

Column Mounting
Slide gates
Swing gates longer than 12 feet or weighing more than 300 pounds
Professional installation

please call GTO at 800-543-4283 for information about our GTO/ACCESS SYSTEMS professional line
of gate openers and accessories. Our Sales Department will be glad to give you the name and phone
number of a GTO/ACCESS SYSTEMS dealer near you.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO INSTALL YOUR AUTOMATIC GATE OPENER:

Read these instructions carefully and completely to become familiar with all parts and installation steps.
The video is only designed as an overview of the installation procedure. You must read the installation
manual for detailed instructions on gate opener safety and proper use of the gate opener.

ii Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions rev 12-14-15

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Clevis
Pin

Hairpin Clip

Gate Bracket

Front Mount

Bushing

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. Because there are
many possible applications of the gate opener, the safety precautions and warnings contained in this
manual cannot be completely exhaustive in nature. They do, however, provide an overview of the
safe design, installation, and use of this product. CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY

PRECAUTIONS, WARNINGS, AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFE
SYSTEM DESIGN, INSTALLATION, AND USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

Precautions and warnings in this manual are identified with this
identifies conditions that can result in damage to the opener or its components, serious injury, or
death.

Because GTO automatic gate openers are only part of the total gate operating system, it is the
responsibility of the consumer to ensure that the total system is safe for its intended use.

warning symbol. The symbol

How To Manually Open and Close the Gate:

CAUTION: The gate can be opened and closed manually when the opener is disconnected.

ONLY disconnect the opener when the opener power switch is OFF and the gate is NOT moving.

Disconnecting the Opener

1. Turn opener power switch (Control Box) OFF.

2. Remove hairpin clip, clevis pin, and bushing from both
the front and rear mounting points.

3. Remove the opener from the mount.

IMPORTANT: NEVER allow opener arm to hang
by the front or rear mount — it will break from
the arm weight.

CAUTION: Because the Mighty Mule gate opener is battery powered, disconnect the opener ONLY

when the power switch on the contol box is turned OFF. Unplugging the transformer does not turn power to
the opener OFF.

NOTE: Substitute a Pin Lock [FM133] for the clevis pin on the front
mount of the gate opener to prevent unauthorized removal of the opener
from the gate (page 26).

rev 12-14-15 Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions iii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Open Position

Open Position

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 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. The gate must be installed in a location that provides adequate clearance between it and adjacent structures when
opening and closing to reduce the risk of entrapment. Swinging gates must not open into public access areas.

4. The gate and gate opener installation must comply with any applicable local codes.

I. Before Installation

1. Verify this opener is proper for the type and size of gate, its frequency of use, and the proper class rating.

2. Make sure the gate has been properly installed and swings freely in both directions. Repair or replace all worn
or damaged gate hardware prior to installation. A freely moving gate will require less force to operate and will
enhance the performance of the opener and safety devices used with the system.

3. Review the operation of the system to become familiar with its safety features. Understand how to disconnect the
opener for manual gate operation (page iii).

4. This gate opener is intended for vehicular gates ONLY. A separate entrance or gate must be installed for
pedestrian use (page vi).

5. Always keep people and objects away from the gate and its area of travel. NO ONE SHOULD CROSS THE

PATH OF A MOVING GATE.

6. Pay close attention to the diagram below and be aware of these areas at all times.

ZONE 1

ZONE 2

ZONE 5

ZONE 4

Gate in the

ZONE 3

ZONE 3

Driveway

ZONE 2

ZONE 5

ZONE 4

Gate in the

Entrapment Zones for a proper Pull-To-Open installation:

Zone 1 – leading edge of the gates.
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, etc.
Zone 5 – pinch points between the opener and gate.

iv Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions rev 12-14-15

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

II. During Installation

1. Install the gate opener on the inside of the property and fence line. DO NOT install an opener on the outside of the

gate where the public has access to it.

2. Be careful with moving parts and avoid close proximity to areas where fingers or hands could be pinched.

3. Devices such as contact sensors (safety edges) and non contact sensors (photo beams) provide additional
protection against entrapment.

4. If push buttons or keypads are installed, they should be within sight of the gate, yet located at least 10 feet from
any moving part of the gate (see diagram below). Never install any control device where a user will be

tempted to reach through the gate to activate the gate opener.

5. Do not activate your gate opener unless you can see it and can determine that its area of travel is clear of people,
pets, or other obstructions. Watch the gate through its entire movement.

6. Secure outdoor or easily accessed gate opener controls in order to prohibit unauthorized use of the gate.

10'10'

Moving Gate

Area

Driveway

Moving Gate

Area

NEVER INSTALL

10'10'

any control device

within gray area

III. After Installation

1. Attach the warning signs (included) to each side of the gate to alert the public of auto matic 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. No one should be in
contact with an activated gate when it is moving or stationary.

3. Do not attempt to drive into the gate area while the gate is moving; wait until the gate comes to a complete stop.

4. Do not attempt to “beat the gate” (drive through) while the gate is closing. This is extremely dangerous.

5. Do not allow children or pets near your gate. Never let children operate or play with gate controls. Keep ALL
gate controls away from children and unauthorized users; store controls where children and unauthorized users do
not have access to them.

6. KEEP GATE AND GATE OPENER PROPERLY MAINTAINED. Always turn power to opener OFF before
performing any maintenance. Regularly grease the gate hinges. Clean the push-pull tube with a soft, dry cloth and
apply silicone spray to it at least once per month.

10'10'

rev 12-14-15 Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions v

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

7. To operate this equipment safely, YOU must know how to disconnect the opener for manual gate operation (page
iii). If you have read the instructions and still do not understand how to disconnect the opener, contact the GTO
Service Department.

8. Disconnect the opener ONLY when the power is TURNED OFF and the gate is NOT moving.

9. Make arrangements with local fire and law enforcement for emergency access.

10. Distribute and discuss copies of the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS section of this manual with all
persons authorized to use your gate.

11. IMPORTANT: Save these safety instructions. Make sure everyone who is using or will be around the gate

and gate opener are aware of the dangers associated with automated gates. In the event you sell the
property with the gate opener or sell the gate opener, provide a copy of these safety instructions to the
new owner.

Should you lose or misplace this manual, a copy can be obtained by downloading one from the Mighty

Mule web site (www.mightymule.com), by contacting GTO Access Systems, LLC., at 3121 Hartsfield Road,
Tallahassee, Florida 32303 or by calling 1-800-543-4283 and requesting a duplicate copy. One will be provided
to you free of charge.

Required Safety Precautions for Gates

Install Warning Signs

Warning signs alert people of automatic gate operation and are required when installing the Mighty Mule Gate Opener.
The Warning Signs included must be installed on both sides of each gate. 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 [FM145] (page 26) for controlled access.

Entrapment Protection

GTO’s inherent obstruction settings, even when properly adjusted, may not be sensitive enough to prevent bodily
injury in some circumstances. For this reason, safety devices such as safety edge sensors (or photoelectric sensors),

which stop and reverse gate direction upon sensing an obstruction, are suggested for enhanced protection against
entrapment.

Bulldog Pedestrian

Gate Lock

(recommended, not included)

Pedestrian Gate

Photo Beam Photo Beam

Contact Sensor

(recommended, not included)

Vehicular Gate

Contact Sensor

(recommended, not included)

Contact Sensor

(recommended, not included)

Warning Sign Warning Sign

Vehicular Gate

Contact Sensor

(recommended, not included)

vi Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions rev 12-14-15

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. Also, the Mighty Mule has provisions for the connection of Type
B2 protection to be used as the secondary type of entrapment protection, if desired.

1. For gate openers utilizing a contact sensor (e.g., safety edge sensor– Type B2) in accordance with UL 325 (51.8.4
[i]):

A. One or more contact sensors shall be located at the leading edge, bottom edge, and post edge, both inside and

outside of a vehicular swing gate system.

B. A hard wired contact sensor shall be located and its wiring arranged so that the communication between the

sensor and the gate opener is not subjected to mechanical damage.

C. A wireless contact sensor such as one that transmits radio frequency (RF) signals to the gate opener for

entrapment protection functions shall be located where the transmission of the signals are not obstructed or
impeded by building structures, natural landscaping or similar obstruction. A wireless contact sensor shall
function under the intended end-use conditions.

You may want to consider adding photo beams to your installation. GTO Photo Beams [R4222] provide a “non contact”
means of entrapment protection. Call Mightgy Mule Sales at 1-800-543-GATE (4283) for more information.

Leading Edge Contact Sensor

on both sides of the gate

Post Edge Contact Sensor

on both sides of the gate

Bottom Edge Contact Sensor

on both sides of the gate

Post Edge Contact Sensor

on both sides of the gate

Photo BeamPhoto Beam

ENTRAPMENT ALARM (UL 325; 30A.1.1A)

The Mighty Mule Gate Opener is designed to stop and reverse within 2 seconds when the gate comes
in contact with an obstruction. Additionally, these openers are equipped with an audio entrapment
alarm which will activate if the unit obstructs twice while opening or closing. This alarm will sound for a
period of 5 minutes, or until the opener receives an intended signal from a hard wired entry/exit source
(e.g. push button control or keypad) and the gate returns to a fully open or fully closed position. Turning
the power switch on the control box OFF and back ON will also deactivate the alarm. Wireless controls
such as transmitters and wireless keypads will not deactivate the alarm.

rev 12-14-15 Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions vii

Warning signs (4 enclosed) to be installed on both sides
of each gate (3–5 feet above the bottom of the gate)

!

Product identification label (2)
installed under rear mount of each arm

Control box label (1)
installed on front of the control box

Logo and warning labels (4)

installed on each side of opener housings

TO MANUALLY OPEN AND CLOSE THE GATE

1. Turn opener power switch OFF.

2. Disconnect front and rear mount from mounting brackets.

3. Remove opener from mounting brackets and move gate.
Disconnect opener ONLY when the power switch is OFF and
the gate is not moving.

www.mightymule.com

1-800-543-GATE (4283)

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 separate entrance.

Maximum Gate: 300 lbs. (136.1 kg); 12 ft. (3.7 m) • Voltage: 12 Vdc;

Frequency: 0Hz; Power: 25W • Class I Vehicular Swing Gate Operator

402

DUAL GATE OPENER

GTO DC SWING SERIES

Conforms to UL325
5th Edition Standards

Serial No.

MM402-0000000

XXXXXX

GTO Access Systeems, LLC - Tallahassee, Florida USA

9901178

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

viii Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions rev 12-14-15

Technical Specifications

MIGHTY MULE FM402 GATE OPENER

_____________________________________

DRIVE

• Low friction screw drive (linear actuator) rated for -5 °F to +160 °F (-20 °C to +71 °C).

• Powered by a 12 V motor with integral case hardened steel gear reducer. Motor speed reduced to 260 rpm.

• Maximum opening arc of 110°. Approximate opening time (90°): 18 seconds, depending on weight of gate.

_____________________________________

POWER

• The system is powered by a 12 Vdc battery.

• Battery charge is maintained by a 120 Vac, 14 Vac output transformer (20 VA) through the GTO control board

or by optional GTO Solar Panels; the panel should generate minimum of 10 Watts. A diode on the control board
prevents battery discharge. IMPORTANT: Never use both transformer and solar panel— this will damage the
battery and control board.

• One (1) blade-style fuse is rated for 15 A.

NOTE: The transformer should not be directly connected to any battery. Do not replace fuses with

higher ampere rated fuses; doing so will void your warranty and may damage your control board.

_____________________________________

CONTROL

• GTO microprocessor-based control board is set for dual leaf, pull-to-open gate installations. Jumper can be

removed to accommodate an optional kit for push-to-open gates.

• A circuit on the control board regulates charging. “Sleep draw” is 15 mA; “active draw” is 3 to 8 A.

• Auto-memorization of digital transmitter code.

• GTO RF receiver tuned to 318 MHz.

• Opener length with push-pull tube fully retracted is 26 3/8", mounting point to mounting point. Maximum stroke is

13".

• Adjustable auto-close timer (OFF to 3–120 seconds), and obstruction sensitivity (stall force).

• Power terminal block accommodates a transformer or solar panels.

• Accessory terminal block fully compatible with all Mighty Mule access controls.

• Control board allows connection of safety edge sensors and photoelectric sensors.

• Audio entrapment alarm sounds if unit encounters an obstruction twice while opening or closing.

_____________________________________

OPERATIONAL CAPACITY

• The Gate Capacity Chart shows approximate cycles, per day, you can expect from the Mighty Mule Automatic

Gate Opener when powered with a transformer. Actual cycles may vary slightly depending upon the type and
condition of gate and installation.

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Mighty Mule FM402 Gate Capacity/Cycle Chart

Estimated number of daily cycles, based on use with a transformer.

An operation cycle is
one full opening and
closing of the gate.

Gate Weight

NOTE: BALL BEARING HINGES SHOULD BE USED ON ALL GATES WEIGHING OVER 250 LB.

To determine the number of cycles the gate opener will perform using solar panels, please see the specifications

listed on page 2.

rev 12-14-15 Mighty Mule FM402 Installation Instructions 1

300 lbs.
150 lbs.
100 lbs.

50 lbs.

Number of Cycles Per Day

39
41
44
46

5' - 6'

36
39
41
44

8'

Gate Length

34
36
39
42

10'

31
34
36
39

12'

* These specifications are subject
to change without notice.