Imagine driving out in the rain only to find the gate locked. Annoying, isn’t it? An automatic gate opener would be your best buddy in such situations. There are several such products available. Ghost and Mighty Mule are two of the best ones. Here’s a comparison between Ghost and Mighty Mule to help you out in your purchase.
Quiet and Fast Post Mount Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Gate Opener Kit for Swing-type Gates; System Certified to UL325 7th Edition Standard (in effect August 1, 2018). ETL Listed
Backed by a 18 month Mighty Mule Warranty and Technical Support.; See below for more detailed information:
Our Verdict
Contents
Both are equally capable, with almost similar features and functions. The Ghost Automatic Gate Opener, however, has more features. So, it stands out even in this tight competition. If you were to buy one for general purposes, we’d suggest you get any of the two. If you want a sturdy, heavy-duty system, get the Ghost. For more sophisticated requirements, get the Mighty Mule.
The Ghost Controls has a maximum load capacity of 900 pounds. The Mighty Mule has 850 pounds’ capacity. This isn’t much, but the Ghost is more powerful.
2. Maximum Length
The Ghost can operate gates that are 20 feet long. The Mule can handle a maximum of 18 feet. Again, this isn’t much of a comparison, but Ghost is the winner.
3. Solar cell
The Ghost provides a 10 watts, single crystal solar cell. This cell is used to charge the backup battery or to power the device. The Mule has one, but that is a polycrystalline cell. This model uses diodes, which reduces efficiency—still, not much of a difference. But the Ghost is the winner.
4. Type of Gate Supported
The Ghost supports the only tubular style of gates. The Mighty Mule, on the other hand, can be used with Chain-link gates, vinyl wood, ornamental iron gates, and so on. Mule is more versatile, and the winner.
Both have options for battery backup during a blackout.
2. Battery Specifications
Both require 12V batteries for backup. You, however, need to buy the battery separately. They have space or slots for standard 12V 7Ah batteries.
3. Remote Operation
Both provide remote operation for easy access. Also, they provide a panel for mounting near the gate.
4. Solar Power
Both can be powered using solar cells. But, only the Ghost provides solar cells in its package. You need to buy separate solar cells to use with the Mighty Mule. You can opt for both single and double arms equipment, with both of them.
Quiet and Fast Post Mount Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Gate Opener Kit for Swing-type Gates
Lifetime Warranty on Motor and Gear Assembly. 18 Month Warranty of remaining parts, can be extended to 24 months when...
Requires 12V battery (not included), Solar Power Optimized with optional AXDP Solar Panel. Optimized for Tube Gates and...
When it comes to automatic gate openers, The Ghost Controls is undoubtedly one of the best and heavy-duty ones. There are many variants. You can get the one best suited for your purpose. These tiny monsters can operate 20 feet long gates, weighing up to 900 pounds. That’s quite some strength for such a small device. It has both single and double gate types. The entire package comes with mounting accessories included, i.e., brackets and fasteners. It fits best on tubular gates but is customizable. This is useful since you can assemble it yourself. There’s no need to call a plumber or electrician.
The device runs on 120V AC. In case of a power cut, a 12V battery backs up. It also comes with a 10 watts solar panel. This solar panel also serves as a backup when needed. It may also be used to charge the battery. An automotive battery kit (7 Ah battery) permits optimum usage out of the solar panel setup. The device has a panel that mounts on or near the gate, which is manually operated.
You can also run it wirelessly. The Ghost doesn’t have a control app of its own. You can use the smart gate for controlling. This thing is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings. This function is useful when you’re in your car and need to hurry. Just speak out, and your gate opens. The device also complies with the UL325 standard, 7th edition. Last but not least, all the features are customizable. You can tinker with the properties and characteristics of your leisure and expense.
The new MM560 features Mighty Mule's exclusive Dual Sense Technology that meets UL325 6th Edition Standards for...
Designed for heavy duty single swing gates up to a maximum of 18 ft. long or maximum of weight of 850 lbs.
Ideal for the DIY (Do It Yourself) property owner, the MM560 comes equipped with detailed instructions, installation DVD...
Mighty Mule is yet another cool gate automation system. It is a heavy-duty, automatic gate opener. It has both single and double gate variants. It can bear a maximum load of 850 pounds. The maximum gate length it can operate is 18 feet. Several different types of gates are supported. These include chain links, ornamental iron, vinyl wood, etc. The installation might be somewhat tedious.
This requires 120V AC for working. As a backup, it can accommodate two external 12V batteries. A sizeable dedicated control board is provided for this purpose. It has a 10W polycrystalline solar panel. The solar panel helps to keep the batteries charged. You can operate it remotely, or use the fixed panel. What’s cool about it is its soft start and soft stop feature. This prevents impact during opening and closing. This consequently helps improve the device life.
There’s also an auto-close option, with 120 seconds’ delay. This is still equipped with obstruction sense technology to prevent collisions and accidents. As for controls, there is Mule’s MMW200 Wall Station App. This thing also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. This is incredibly powerful and handy- gives you voice control over your gate.
Things We Like
Solar compatible
Versatile hardware mount
Soft start and stop
Things We Don't Like
Difficult initial setup
Slow operation
FAQs
1. Is a battery required?
Yes. Both run on a 12V battery. The AC supply is to charge it. In case of a power outage, the solar panels charge it.
2. Can I use multiple solar panels?
Yes, in both the devices, you can use up to three solar panels, for a total of 10W charging.
3. How long does the battery backup last in the Mule?
Considering the standard to be 7Ah, you can have a total of 50 cycles. You may even hook up a larger battery(say, 12V, 72 Ah), to increase the number of cycles.
4. Can I use wheeled gates?
No, the gate must be able to turn freely when pushed/pulled.
5. What is the soft start-stop feature?
Soft start/stop opens and closes your gate slowly. This prevents high stresses on the hinges while opening, and unnecessary impact on closing. This accounts for smooth operation and a long-lasting product.
6. How can I mount the Ghost on a non-tubular gate?
Doing this isn’t impossible but tricky. You need to get proper brackets and mountings, and even call in a plumber for help. Still, we don’t suggest tinkering with the product, unless it’s necessary to do so.
Bottom Line
Both the Ghost Controls and Mighty Mule are heavy-duty gate openers. However, they excel in somewhat different fields. The Ghost Controls offers a sturdy system, consequently more strength and reliability. The Mighty Mule, although not so robust as the Ghost, is much more sophisticated. It’s sleek, with much easier controls. Thus, for general purposes, both do just fine.
Hands down, the Ghost is 100X better than the (not so) Mighty Mule. The first gate operator(#1) I purchased was the MM….after 1 year it died. I replaced it with the same model MM….and 8 months later #2 died…both times the remote receiver stopped working. I had #2 replaced under warranty….6 months later #3 (the warranty replacement) died, the audible beeper went out after about a month and it just completely died after 6 months. No dice on warranty this time because it was based off of the purchase date of #2.
I then just bought the Ghost TSS1 and have never been happier!
A replacement board for a MM is like $280…a replacement board for a Ghost is like $65 (not that you would ever need it). and the Ghost has a LIFETIME warranty on the gate actuator…MM is 1 year.
Hands down, the Ghost is 100X better than the (not so) Mighty Mule. The first gate operator(#1) I purchased was the MM….after 1 year it died. I replaced it with the same model MM….and 8 months later #2 died…both times the remote receiver stopped working. I had #2 replaced under warranty….6 months later #3 (the warranty replacement) died, the audible beeper went out after about a month and it just completely died after 6 months. No dice on warranty this time because it was based off of the purchase date of #2.
I then just bought the Ghost TSS1 and have never been happier!
A replacement board for a MM is like $280…a replacement board for a Ghost is like $65 (not that you would ever need it). and the Ghost has a LIFETIME warranty on the gate actuator…MM is 1 year.