FAQ
Will the Gate Tender work on gates installed on uneven/hilly terrain?
The foot plate assembly will extend a total of 12 inches from fully retracted to fully extended. If you intend to use the Gate Tender on uneven ground (varies by more than 8 to 10 inches vertically at the gate closed to open positions) you may need to add or remove soil to reduce the vertical variance by leveling the area that the Gate Tender will contact. If the area exceeds the dimensions and cannot be leveled the Gate Tender will not work in that gate location.
Is the Gate Tender manufactured overseas?
No, the Gate Tender is manufactured in the USA, in Argyle, Wisconsin (population 795) by Forte Products LLC., a family owned business. I should mention, all of the materials used to make the Gate Tender are also made in the USA.
Will the finish on the Gate Tender withstand the elements or will it rust?
The foot plate assembly (part that telescopes and contacts the soil) is made entirely from highly corrosion resistant 304 Stainless Steel. The remainder of the Gate Tender is made from carbon steel that has been electroplated with the thickest amount of clear Zinc plating possible for the best possible corrosion / rust protection. In the event that the Zinc plating would be damaged, the damaged area can be easily touched up with Zinc rich, cold galvanizing spray paint to prevent rust from getting started.
What is a Gate Tender (GT) and what does it do?
GT is a device manufactured in the USA (Argyle, Wi) from USA materials that attaches to the unhinged end of a round tubular steel gate. It has a stainless steel component (foot plate assembly) that extends downward with the push of the operators foot until it contacts the ground. Once contacting the ground, with your foot still holding, simply lift up slightly on the gate with one hand
then relax, let go and step away, the locking mechanism has engaged automatically. The GT is now supporting up to 1/2 of the entire weight of the gate,and also eliminating leveraged weight and its damaging effects on your support post and hardware, all while also safely holding the gate in place. To reposition the gate, simply depress the release lever with your foot and the foot plate assembly will automatically retract allowing the gate to be repositioned.
Why is preventing unintentional movement of the gate a big deal?
If you have ever had to pass through a gate opening with a vehicle or machinery, without blocking or having a helper to hold the gate, you already know why. Out of level gates or windy days have a tendency to allow gates to swing randomly. This typically happens without warning as you are passing through the opening, likely striking and damaging your vehicle, machinery and the gate.
Also, if you have an opening that utilizes two gates that meet in the middle, you have experienced the challenging and dangerous gate chasing process required to get both gates to meet together to be secured. With the GT installed on at least one of the gates you simply position the gate in the center of
the opening and engage the GT, then retrieve the 2nd gate and secure it to the first gate. The GT is supporting the 1st gate and holding it in place, thereby also providing a stable anchor point for the 2nd gate. A GT installed on one gate will also greatly reduce the common slack swinging of double gate installations, caused by the necessary slack in the chains holding the gates together where they meet. The wind typically causes both gates to continuously swing and bang each other back and forth, this action accelerates wear on the gate, hinges and support post. Alternately a GT installed on both gates eliminates the slack swing problem entirely.
Why is removing the leveraged weight of the gate such an important benefit of the GT?
The longer / wider a gate is the more leveraged weight it transfers to the hinges and the supporting post. Leveraged weight can very quickly deteriorate the function, appearance and lifespan of the gate installation. Imagine trying to lift the entire gate off the ground while only holding it from one end, that’s leveraged weight and good luck with that lift. Now imagine having a helper (Tender) holding up the opposite end of the gate. You and your helper are each only holding 1/2 of the weight of the gate, the leveraged weight factor is completely eliminated. The GT will make your gate more practical and safer to
use without a helper, all while increasing the gates useful life and greatly reducing required leveling adjustments over time. The GT also helps greatly when installing new gates or making adjustments to existing installations when you don’t have a helper to hold / lift the opposite end of the gate.
How difficult is it to assemble and install a GT?
The GT is shipped completely assembled and all you need to do is attach it to your gate. Depending on your gate condition, installs are commonly done in around 5 minutes using a 1/2” wrench or ratchet, tape measure and a level.
Is the GT a replacement for chains or gate latches to secure my gates?
No, the GT should only be used in conjunction with your preferred method of securing your gates.
What diameter round gate tubing does the Gate Tender attach to?
Current production GT fit all known 2” diameter (heavy duty) gates. They also fit all known 1-3/4” diameter (standard duty) gates when the included tube spacers are used.
Do I have to bend over to operate the GT?
No, all GT usage operations are performed while standing fully upright. Bending will only be required when installing the GT to your gate.