Cold weather can cause some issues with your gate operators. These are some potential problems and solutions that might save you an invoice from your friendly gate repair man.

 Problems:

• Slower to open or won’t open
• Consistently only opens after multiple attempts
• Movement is choppy or sporadic
• Squeaking or other new sounds
• Stays open, won’t close

Tips to remedy:

• Clear off solar panels covered in ice, snow or other debris. You might need to wait for a couple of sunny days to recharge.
• Make sure your hinges, rollers and bearing surfaces are well greased.
• Disconnect cables from the battery. Clean corrosion, dirt, other debris from the ends of the cables as well as battery terminals.
• Check that your photo eye (and possible receiver) are free of obstruction. Remove leaves, snow, sleet, etc. We apply RainX to help shed the water.
• If it still not working, it is likely time to check the battery.  A severe cold spell can totally zap a weak battery. We like using Batteries Plus.

If you can’t figure out your gate problem, the last resort is to make your gate manual. Here are a few of our videos on how to do that:

• Toro All-O-Matic Operator
• Titan/Apollo/Nice
• Viking Operator
• Apollo/Nice (and other bolted arms)

Regular maintenance is key.  You can download a “do-it-yourself” list we made by clicking here.  Or, check out our maintenance service plan that includes discounts on other repairs.

NOTEWORTHY:

• If you don’t have a photo eye, it is a required UL-325 safeguard against entrapment that we put on all new gate operators that we install (and recommend adding if we are asked to repair operators we have not installed).
• If your battery is over 2 years old, it is likely time for a new one.