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Column Installation Information
I
F THIS OPENER WILL BE USED WITH GATES THAT ARE MOUNTED ON
MASONRY, BRICK, OR ROCK (etc.) COLUMNS:
READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
Attaching a gate opener to a gate mounted on a masonry column requires special procedures.
Here's how to check your installation to minimize problems:
Open the gate to the 90º position, then measure the distance between the back of the gate and the face of
the column. If there is at least a 6 1/4" clearance, you may not have to make any special modifications.
However, you must measure the post pivot bracket position using 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" setback, as described on
page 13 of this manual, to verify that the gate hinge sits far enough from the column to give your
installation the proper setback distance.
If you do not have the proper clearance or setback distance, the opener may operate the gate for a while, but eventually
the unit will become nonfunctional. To prevent this problem, we suggest the following installation method:
A.
The simplest solution is to install the opener in a push-to-open configuration (requires Push-To-Open Bracket,
see Accessory Catalog). The crucial 4 1/2" setback is easier to achieve and clearance is no longer a problem,
since the opener will be pushing the gate away from the column instead of pulling it toward the column. It is
recommended that you place a steel plate between the opener mounting brackets and masonry surface for
additional strength.
B.
If a push-to-open installation is impossible due to traffic hazards, terrain, etc., another option is to re-hang the
gate. You may hang it on a post, either in the center of the column or at the back corner, or move the gate to the
back corner of the columns.
C.
The most difficult solution is to cut a notch in the column to accommodate the opener and power cable. This
job is NOT for the inexperienced!
Because of the difficulty associated with column installations, we STRONGLY advise you to call the GTO
Service Department at (800) 543-1236 or (850) 575-4144 for assistance
prior
to your installation.
