Frequently asked Questions about Hydraulic Openers:

• Are hydraulic openers self contained?  Yes there are no external parts,  the hydraulic pump is built into the unit, only an electrical cord comes out from the opener.
•  Why is a hydraulic opener more powerful? Because hydraulics in general are more powerful than a gear driven opener built into the same opener enclosure.
• Why is a hydraulic opener more durable? By it's nature,  Hydraulic operation has fewer moving parts, that's why it's used universally on all heavy construction equipment.
• Does a hydraulic opener require more maintenance?  No, it requires less, just check the fluid level and make sure that the opener is operating properly.
• Are hydraulic openers more expensive than  mechanical openers? No, they cost about the same, but don't compare the cheaply made mechanical openers to quality hydraulic or mechanical openers.
• What's wrong with the cheaper mechanical openers? They work for up to 1 or 2 years and break, too expensive to fix you end up having to replace the unit.
• Why should I do a 120 volt installation instead of a 12 volt? Because 120 volts are necessary for a powerful operation, 120 volt AC motors are by far the most durable.
• Can Hydraulic openers handle larger gates? Yes, the SEA full tank openers can open gates up to 23 feet!!
• What is the duty factor for an opener? The better the opener the more cycles per hour rating it will have, cheap openers have low cycles per hour ratings because they overheat.
• Do hydraulic openers work well in cold climates? Yes, hydraulic openers work at lower temperatures than mechanical openers whose gear grease can lose it's lubricating properties.
• What if I have an opener installation in a windy area? You need to plan for a larger opener to handle wind loads especially if you have a solid gate.
• Can I easily replace a mechanical opener with a hydraulic opener? A hydraulic opener will mount into a prior mechanical installation without any special requirements.
• What is UL 325?  It's a UL listing that is required by some Building Departments, with includes additional safety devices.