I'm looking for an inexpensive option for an automatic gate opener for our 16' gate. I know this has been discussed before and Apollo is the preferred brand, but I got a quote for $2400 to install. I can get a mighty mule at Tractor supply for $400 then add the solar panel, keypad, etc all for around $750.

Does anyone have any direct experience with Mighty Mule. Is the Apollo really worth the extra cost?

Apollo is worth it. Install it yourself and save A LOT.

We've had Apollo for 8yrs and not had any problems. Also heard good things about us automatic.

Just remember.... You get what you pay for

Any rec for where to purchase an Apollo so I can get pricing not installed? I honestly have no clue what they cost for just the opener.

Looks like you can purchase from their site. https://apollogateopeners.com/store/

we have had our Mighty Mule for over 9 years now and it still does its Job very well, the only thing i did was Use a Boat Battery Deep cell, last for ever

Good Luck with your decision.

I too have a 10 year old mighty mule on a solar panel and deep cycle. It was bought because it was cheap and I had no other option for power. Turns out that it works pretty well. However, it is what it is and I would go for something like an Apollo if they had a battery and panel option now.

Not everyone has luck with mighty mule but the few issues I have had were handled by customer support quickly.

I decided on the Apollo 1550. it seemed the consensus was Mighty Mule would probably work but it's a lower end product. The difference between the two wasn't as much as I expected so I went ahead and got the Apollo. It should arrive tomorrow and then I get the fun of installing.

It sure will be nice to not get out to open and close the gate every day though.

I use the USAutomatic Sentry opener I got off Amazon. Install was pretty easy and it's been perfect as a driveway gate opener the past year.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YBG2U0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

07&09Ag,

I was debating on doing the same thing. I'm curious how the project went. If you had to do it all over again would you still go the DIY route? I'm looking at saving $400 for the labor but I'm not sure if it's worth it.

https://usautomaticgateopeners.com/store/gate-operators/swing-gate-operators.html?operator=12
I used this over Apollo (Patriot)... better warranty. I paid someone $500 to install which was worth it. It took several hours for the install... included trenching, welding, programming, etc.