Fall Lawn Care: Why Winterizer Matters | Burns Feed Store

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Give Your Lawn a Fall Spa Day: Why Winterizer Matters

As the leaves begin to fall and cooler weather settles in, it’s time to give your lawn a little extra TLC! 🍂 Just like we prepare for the colder months ahead, our lawns need a little seasonal care to help them weather winter and return strong and healthy in spring.

Fall feeding is one of the best ways to prepare your established lawn for winter.

Why Feed Your Lawn in the Fall?

Think of fall fertilizing as a spa retreat for your lawn! While the grass may not be growing as quickly above ground, its roots are still working hard. Providing the right nutrients helps support root development and prepares your lawn for the challenges of winter.

A well-nourished lawn is better equipped to handle cold weather and bounce back when spring arrives. Skipping fall lawn care can leave your grass less prepared for seasonal stress.

The Benefits of Fertilome Winterizer

Fertilome Winterizer for Established Lawns (10-0-14) is designed to help your lawn prepare for the months ahead.

Here are a few reasons to make winterizer part of your fall lawn care routine:

  • Supports strong roots: Helps build vigorous root systems as your lawn prepares for winter.
  • Improves winter readiness: Helps established grass prepare for colder temperatures and seasonal stress.
  • Encourages a healthier spring lawn: Supports your lawn as it prepares for renewed growth when warmer weather returns.

A little attention in the fall can go a long way toward helping your lawn look its best next season!

When Should You Apply Winterizer?

Fall is an important time to think about your lawn’s nutritional needs. Apply winterizer according to the product label, taking into account your grass type, local weather conditions, and recommended application rates. Proper timing and watering instructions are important for getting the best results.

Remember, every lawn is different, so choosing the right product and following the directions will help you get the most from your fall lawn care efforts.

Get Your Lawn Winter-Ready at Burns Feed Store!

🍃 Ready to give your lawn the fall care it deserves? Stop by Burns Feed Store and check out our Fertilome Winterizer for Established Lawns!

Stock up before the season slips away! Grab your 20 lb. bag for $29.95.

Each bag covers up to 5,000 square feet, making it a great addition to your fall lawn care routine.

Don’t wait until spring to think about your lawn! Give it a little fall TLC now and help prepare it for the season ahead.

📍 Visit Burns Feed Store for your lawn and garden needs. We’re here to help you get your yard ready for winter!

Chicken Molting: What to Expect When Your Hens Start Losing Feathers

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Molting: When Your Chickens Have a Feather Fiasco

Is your flock starting to ruffle your feathers? You walk into the backyard and it looks like the Royal Rumble of pillow fights just happened!

Don’t freak out, your hens are probably just going through their annual molting phase. Those fluffy wonders are shedding old feathers and growing new ones, and feathers are made up of a whopping 80–85% protein. That means your hens need plenty of protein to help grow that fresh, fabulous plumage.

What Exactly Is Molting?

Think of molting as your chicken’s version of a makeover. Feathers are typically replaced starting around the head and neck, then moving down the body to the wings and tail.

And fun fact: chickens go through two mini molts before their big annual molt. The first happens when they’re just wee chicks, around 6–8 days old. The second occurs around 7–12 weeks, when they begin growing their more mature feathers.

Why Does Molting Happen in the Fall?

Brace yourself…Molt Season Is Here!

As the days get shorter, egg production naturally slows down while hens focus their energy on replacing those worn-out feathers. So, if your egg basket suddenly looks a little emptier and your coop looks like a feather explosion happened, don’t panic!

When spring arrives and daylight hours increase, egg production typically picks back up.

Help Your Hens Through Molting

Growing a whole new wardrobe takes energy! You can help support your flock by providing a quality, higher protein feed, such as Purina Layena+ High Protein, which provides 19% protein along with ingredients like black soldier fly larvae and the Oyster Strong System. 

You can also give your flock some extra enrichment with a Flock Block, Farm to Flock Block, or the NEW LIMITED EDITION Farm to Flock Harvest Festival Block.

And while your hens are going through their feather-renovation project, try to keep things calm. Avoid unnecessary changes to their living arrangements or introducing new flock members during this stressful time.

 

Keep Calm & Let the Feathers Fly!

Molting can make your hens look a little rough around the edges, but remember—it’s completely normal and part of their natural cycle.

So if your coop suddenly looks like a chicken-sized pillow factory exploded, keep calm! Your hens are simply working on their new look. Give them good nutrition, keep stress low, and let the feather makeover begin!

It’s Flocktober At Burns Feed Store!

Stop on by today and check out our Purina Flocktober deals! Did we happen to mention the Purina Coop Signs Are HERE!! Also with every Purina Layer feed purchase, enter to win a Ghost Control Automatic Coop Door Opener! Drawing will be on November 1st!

Fall Decorating Ideas: Creative Ways to Use Straw Bales

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Bring Fall to Life with Straw Bales from Burns Feed Store 🍂🌾

Fall is one of the best times of year to get outdoors, decorate your home, and enjoy everything the season has to offer. And one of the easiest—and most versatile—ways to add that classic fall look is with straw bales from Burns Feed Store!

Whether you’re decorating your front porch, creating a festive backyard gathering area, preparing for a fall event, or looking for practical uses around your property, straw bales are an affordable and incredibly useful fall staple.

🍁 The Perfect Fall Decoration 

Nothing says fall quite like a few straw bales surrounded by pumpkins, mums, corn stalks and autumn decorations.

Use straw bales to create a beautiful fall display on your front porch or driveway. Stack them in different configurations and add:

  • 🎃 Pumpkins and gourds
  • 🌼 Fall mums and seasonal flowers
  • 🌽 Corn stalks
  • 🍂 Hay or straw-themed decorations
  • 🪵 Lanterns and rustic signs
  • 🧡 Seasonal wreaths
  • 👻 Halloween decorations

A couple of strategically placed straw bales can turn an ordinary entryway into a warm, rustic fall display.

🎃 Create the Ultimate Pumpkin Display

Heading out to the pumpkin patch? Bring your pumpkins home and put your straw bales to work!

Use bales as risers and platforms to display pumpkins at different heights. Add mums, gourds and corn stalks, and you’ve got an easy DIY fall display that looks great without spending a fortune on decorations.

It’s also a great backdrop for those classic family fall photos!

👻 Take Your Halloween Decorations to the Next Level

Straw bales aren’t just for pumpkins. They’re perfect for Halloween decorating, too.

Create a spooky hay-bale scene in your yard, build a small Halloween display, or use straw bales as seating around a backyard fire pit or Halloween gathering.

Add some lights, skeletons, scarecrows and other decorations, and you’ve got a festive setup that can easily transition from Halloween into Thanksgiving.

🦃 Thanksgiving & Fall Gatherings

Planning a fall party, harvest gathering or Thanksgiving celebration?

Straw bales make great casual outdoor seating when covered with blankets, quilts or outdoor cushions. Arrange them around a fire pit, outdoor table or gathering area to create a comfortable, rustic atmosphere.

They’re especially handy for large outdoor events where you need additional seating without renting chairs.

🌾 Practical Uses Around the Property

Straw bales aren’t just decorative. They have plenty of practical uses around the home, garden and property.

Depending on your needs, straw can be used for:

  • Garden and landscape mulch
  • Winter protection for certain plants
  • Erosion control
  • Composting and organic material
  • Creating temporary barriers
  • Animal bedding where appropriate
  • Garden pathways
  • Fall and winter landscaping projects

Always choose the appropriate type of straw for your intended use, especially when using it around animals or gardens.

📸 Build a Fall Photo Spot

Want to create an easy fall photo backdrop?

Stack a few straw bales, add pumpkins, mums, a rustic sign and some corn stalks, and you’ve got a great DIY fall photo booth for family pictures, parties, school events or community gatherings.

The best part? You can rearrange and reuse the bales throughout the season.

🧡 Don’t Forget the Scarecrow!

A straw bale display isn’t complete without a classic scarecrow.

Use straw bales as the base of your display and add a scarecrow, pumpkins, corn stalks and other fall decorations. It’s an easy project the whole family can get involved with—and it looks fantastic in the front yard.

🌾 Get Your Fall Straw at Burns Feed Store

Whether you’re looking for straw for your animals, your garden, your property, or your fall decorating project, Burns Feed Store has you covered.

Stop by Burns Feed Store and pick up your straw bales today. Get creative and make your home, yard or next fall event look like autumn!

Fall is here—grab some straw, bring home some pumpkins, and start decorating! 🍂🎃🌾

Burns Feed Store — Your local source for feed, farm, garden and seasonal supplies.

Beyond the Wheelbarrow: Why the EZ Haul Cart Is Built to Work

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Beyond the Wheelbarrow: Why EZ Haul Carts Just Make Sense

There are some things you use around the farm because you have to—and then there are things that make you wonder how you ever got along without them.

The EZ Haul Cart falls firmly into the second category.

At Burns Feed Store, we spend a lot of time around products designed to make life with animals, livestock, gardens, acreage, and everyday farm chores a little easier. And every once in a while, you come across a product that seems simple at first glance but turns out to be exceptionally well thought out.

That’s the EZ Haul Cart.

Beyond the Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow has its place. But anyone who has hauled feed, bedding, manure, soil, firewood, fencing supplies, or just about anything else around a property knows that not every job is a wheelbarrow job.

The EZ Haul Cart takes the basic idea of a hauling cart and pushes it a step further.

It gives you the capacity and stability you need for bigger jobs without sacrificing maneuverability. Instead of wrestling with a bulky load, you can move more material while maintaining control and balance.

That combination is what makes a good hauling cart so useful: more capacity without feeling like you’re pushing a tank.

Perfect Balance

One of the things that immediately stands out about the EZ Haul Cart is its balance.

When you’re moving a heavy load, balance matters. A cart that is awkward or difficult to maneuver can turn a simple chore into a workout you didn’t ask for.

EZ Haul Carts are designed with the idea that carrying more shouldn’t mean fighting the equipment every step of the way.

Whether you’re navigating around livestock pens, working in the barn, moving materials around the garden, or tackling projects around the property, good balance makes a noticeable difference.

High Capacity Doesn’t Have to Mean Hard to Handle

It’s easy to assume that bigger means harder to maneuver.

But that’s where thoughtful design comes in.

The EZ Haul Cart offers high capacity while remaining highly maneuverable, making it useful for everything from everyday chores to bigger weekend projects.

You can haul more, make fewer trips, and spend less time fighting with your equipment.

And let’s be honest—if there’s a way to make a chore require fewer trips across the pasture, we’re interested.

Reliability Over Throwaway Culture

We’re living in a world where far too many things are designed to be replaced instead of repaired, reused, or relied upon.

We’re fans of the opposite philosophy.

When you purchase equipment for your farm or property, you want something that earns its place. Something you can use year after year. Something that becomes part of your routine rather than something you replace when it doesn’t hold up.

That’s why we like the idea behind an EZ Haul Cart.

It’s an investment in a tool, not just another thing.

Sometimes spending a little more on something that is thoughtfully designed, useful, and dependable makes far more sense than buying the cheapest option and replacing it again and again.

Finding Great Design in Unexpected Places

Great design doesn’t always announce itself.

Sometimes it looks like a piece of equipment sitting in the corner of a feed store.

A cart doesn’t sound particularly exciting—until you’re halfway through a big project and realize you’re hauling twice as much in one trip, turning more easily, and working with equipment that actually makes sense.

That’s what we appreciate about the EZ Haul Cart. It isn’t complicated for the sake of being complicated. It’s a practical solution built around a simple question:

How can we make hauling easier?

The answer is thoughtful engineering, excellent balance, useful capacity, and dependable construction.

The Right Tool for the Job

At Burns Feed Store, we believe the right equipment can make a big difference in the way you work.

Whether you’re caring for livestock, maintaining acreage, gardening, cleaning stalls, moving supplies, or tackling the never-ending list of chores that comes with rural life, having dependable tools matters.

The EZ Haul Cart is more than just an alternative to a wheelbarrow.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best products are the ones that quietly make your day easier.

More capacity. Better balance. Easy maneuverability. Reliable design.

And maybe best of all…..fewer trips!

Stop by Burns Feed Store and take a look at the EZ Haul Cart. You might just find your new favorite farm chore companion.

**Currently All Sizes Of EZ Haul Carts Are Only Available In Black**

 

Why the Pupsicle with Refill Pops Is a Cleaner, Longer Lasting Dog Toy

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If you’re looking for a dog toy that keeps your pup entertained while making life a little easier for you, the Pupsicle with refill pops is a great choice. It offers cleaner play, long lasting enrichment, and simple cleanup, making it a favorite for busy dog owners.

At Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon, we carry the Pupsicle and refill pops because they’re durable, convenient, and designed for everyday use.

What Makes the Pupsicle Different?

The Pupsicle is thoughtfully designed to make treat time simple for both you and your dog.

Features include:

  • Easy to open with a simple twist apart design
  • Fill with a refill pop or your own homemade treats
  • Dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleanup
  • Durable enough to use again and again
  • Designed for cleaner play with less mess

Simply unscrew the toy, insert a refill pop, twist it back together, and let your dog enjoy.

Why Dog Owners Love the Pupsicle

The Pupsicle is more than just a toy. It provides enrichment while giving your dog a fun challenge.

Benefits include:

  • Cleaner play around your home
  • Long lasting entertainment
  • Helps reduce boredom
  • Encourages healthy licking and problem solving
  • Great for crate time or quiet afternoons
  • Easy to clean and infinitely reusable

Many dogs stay happily occupied for around 30 minutes or more, depending on the dog and the treat inside.

Refill Pops or Homemade Treats?

The Pupsicle works with both convenient refill pops and homemade treats.

Refill Pops are great if you want:

  • Quick, no-prep enrichment
  • Less mess
  • Consistent portions

Homemade treats are perfect for:

  • Dogs with special diets
  • Custom flavors
  • Frozen treats during warmer months

Either option helps keep your dog engaged while making treat time easy.

Find the Pupsicle at Burns Feed Store

If you’re searching for a safer, cleaner, and longer lasting dog toy, stop by Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon. Our team can help you choose the right Pupsicle and refill pops for your dog.

Visit us in store and discover why so many local pet owners love the Pupsicle. With its easy to open design, dishwasher safe construction, cleaner play, and infinitely reusable design, it’s a simple way to add more enrichment to your dog’s day.

Gastric Support For Your Horse

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Purina Outlast Gastric Support: Help Keep Your Horse’s Stomach Healthy

If your horse trains, travels, competes, or spends time in a stall, digestive health should be a top priority. Stress from transportation, exercise, competitions, changes in routine, or weaning can all contribute to gastric discomfort. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 90% of active horses experience gastric discomfort at some point.

At Burns Feed Store, we know that a healthy horse starts from the inside out. That’s why we recommend Purina Outlast Gastric Support Supplement, an easy-to-feed supplement designed to help support your horse’s gastric health and maintain proper stomach pH.

What Is Purina Outlast Gastric Support?

Purina Outlast® Gastric Support Supplement is a scientifically developed supplement that helps maintain a healthy gastric environment. Created by Purina’s team of Ph.D. Equine Nutritionists, Outlast has been extensively researched to help horses manage the everyday stress that can impact digestive health.

Whether your horse is a performance athlete, weekend trail companion, breeding horse, or beloved pasture friend, supporting gastric health can contribute to overall comfort and well-being.

Signs Your Horse May Benefit from Gastric Support

Stress-related gastric discomfort can affect horses in many ways. Common situations include:

  • Frequent travel or hauling
  • Horse shows and competitions
  • Intense training or exercise
  • Stall confinement
  • Changes in routine or environment
  • Weaning
  • High-performance lifestyles

Supporting your horse’s stomach during these times may help them stay comfortable and focused.

Why Horse Owners Choose Purina Outlast

Supports Healthy Gastric pH

Outlast contains a unique blend of ingredients formulated to help support gastric balance and maintain a healthy stomach environment.

Backed by Purina Research

Purina’s equine nutrition experts have spent hundreds of hours researching Outlast at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Missouri, ensuring horse owners receive a product backed by science.

Field-Tested by Performance Horses

Before reaching store shelves, Outlast was evaluated by hundreds of performance horses across the country as part of Purina’s extensive research program.

Flexible and Easy to Feed

Outlast can be:

  • Top-dressed on your horse’s daily feed
  • Fed as a snack before hauling or competition
  • Used during stressful events to support digestive health

Many horses readily accept the supplement, making it easy to include in your daily feeding routine.

Affordable Digestive Support

Keeping your horse comfortable shouldn’t be complicated. Purina Outlast offers an economical way to support gastric health every day.

Don’t Forget Purina Outlast Horse Treats

Looking for an easy way to reward your horse while supporting digestive health?

Purina Outlast Horse Treats contain the same Outlast Gastric Support technology in a delicious treat horses love. 

Benefits include:

  • Supports healthy gastric pH
  • Great taste horses enjoy
  • Convenient for the barn, trailer, or horse shows
  • Perfect for everyday rewards

It’s a simple way to show your horse some extra care while supporting digestive wellness.

Shop Purina Outlast at Burns Feed Store

Whether you’re preparing for show season, hauling to weekend events, or simply looking for ways to support your horse’s digestive health, Burns Feed Store is here to help.

Our knowledgeable team can answer your questions and help you choose the right Purina nutrition products for your horse’s individual needs.

Visit Burns Feed Store today to pick up Purina Outlast Gastric Support Supplement or Purina Outlast Horse Treats and help your horse stay comfortable, healthy, and ready for every ride.

Keywords: Purina Outlast, horse gastric support, equine digestive health, horse stomach supplement, horse ulcer support, horse digestive supplement, gastric support for horses, Purina horse feed, Burns Feed Store.

Why More Families Are Choosing Traeger Pellet Grills in Gresham, Oregon

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Why More Families Are Choosing Traeger Pellet Grills in Gresham, Oregon

Outdoor cooking has come a long way, and few grills have changed the game like Traeger pellet grills. At Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon, we’ve proudly helped customers upgrade their backyard cooking experience for more than 20 years as one of Oregon’s top-rated Traeger Platinum Dealers.

Whether you’re cooking family dinners, hosting weekend gatherings, heading to hunting camp, or feeding a crowd on game day, Traeger pellet grills offer a combination of flavor, convenience, and versatility that keeps customers coming back.

What Makes Traeger Pellet Grills Different?

Unlike traditional charcoal or propane grills, Traeger pellet grills use all-natural hardwood pellets to create consistent heat and authentic wood-fired flavor. With precise temperature control and simple operation, they make it easy for both beginners and experienced grillers to achieve great results.

From low-and-slow smoked brisket to burgers, wings, pizza, steaks, and even desserts, a Traeger can handle a wide variety of cooking styles.

Benefits of Cooking on a Traeger Pellet Grill

Consistent Temperatures

One of the biggest advantages of Traeger pellet grills is temperature consistency. Simply set your desired cooking temperature and let the grill do the work.

Benefits include:

  • Consistent cooking temperatures
  • Fewer flare-ups
  • Less monitoring throughout the cook
  • More predictable results

Incredible Wood-Fired Flavor

Traeger hardwood pellets add rich smoke flavor that enhances every meal.

Different pellet varieties can help complement:

  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Poultry
  • Seafood
  • Vegetables
  • Baked goods

The result is authentic wood-fired flavor without the hassle of managing a traditional wood fire.

Versatility for Every Meal

Traeger pellet grills can do much more than grill.

Many customers use their Traeger to:

  • Smoke
  • Grill
  • Roast
  • Bake
  • Braise
  • Barbecue

Whether you’re cooking ribs for a summer barbecue or pizza for a family dinner, a Traeger can handle the job.

Easy to Use

Traeger grills are designed to be user-friendly while still delivering impressive results.

Many models include features such as:

  • Digital temperature controls
  • WiFIRE technology
  • Smartphone monitoring and control
  • Guided cooking features

These tools make it easier to enjoy the cooking process and spend more time with family and friends.

Cleaner Cooking Experience

Compared to traditional charcoal grills, pellet grills generally produce less ash and require less cleanup.

Many customers appreciate:

  • Easier cleanup
  • Less mess
  • Efficient pellet usage
  • Simple maintenance

Why Buy Your Traeger from Burns Feed Store?

At Burns Feed Store, we don’t just sell Traeger pellet grills. We use them ourselves and help customers get the most from their outdoor cooking experience.

As a Traeger Platinum Dealer for more than 20 years, we’ve helped thousands of customers choose the right grill, pellets, rubs, sauces, and accessories for their needs.

When you shop local with Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon, you’ll find:

  • Expert product recommendations
  • Access to top Traeger grill models
  • Premium hardwood pellets
  • Rubs, sauces, and grilling accessories
  • Ongoing support from a knowledgeable team

We take the time to answer questions, explain features, and help you find the right setup for your cooking style and budget.

Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Cooking?

There’s a reason Traeger pellet grills continue to be a favorite among backyard cooks. Their combination of wood-fired flavor, versatility, and ease of use makes them a great choice for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

If you’ve been considering a new grill, stop by Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon and see our selection of Traeger pellet grills, hardwood pellets, seasonings, sauces, and accessories.

Our team is happy to help you find the right Traeger pellet grill so you can enjoy delicious wood-fired cooking all year long.

Certified Weed Free Orchard Grass & Straw at Burns Feed Store

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Why Weed Free Forage?

Using weed free forage is a proactive method of preventing our natural and working lands from invasion by noxious weeds. Our natural and working lands are especially vulnerable following catastrophic events like wildfire and flooding and using weed free forage can help mitigate the risk of invasion during recovery. Using weed free forage also ensures that you are providing the most nutritious and palatable version of a product to your livestock, free of undesirable and sometimes toxic weeds. For producers, ODA’s Weed Free Forage and Gravel Program provides an opportunity to add value to your products while contributing to overall ecosystem resilience.

Certified weed free hay and straw are in high demand in Oregon and throughout the western states. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Weed Free Forage & Gravel Program, as part of an integrated weed management approach, helps limit the spread of noxious weeds and protect Oregon agriculture. The ODA follows the standards set by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA; www.naisma.org). Additionally, inspections include Oregon’s listed ‘A’ and ‘B’ listed noxious weeds which can be found at www.oda.direct/NoxiousWeedProfiles

In Oregon, individuals utilizing livestock, horses, or pack animals on U.S. Forest Service land, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and designated Wilderness Areas are required to use certified weed-free forage. This regulation aims to prevent the spread of invasive plant species. Additionally, this requirement extends to contractors engaged in public projects, recreational outfitters, and anyone transporting hay or forage across public lands for any purpose.

 

Planning Your Straw Bale Garden for Next Spring

Gardeners, are you already preparing for next spring’s Straw Bale Garden? Here’s something to consider: it’s crucial to use weed-free straw bales for your garden. Weeds are one of the main issues this gardening method aims to combat. Conventional straw bales can contain unwanted seeds that may germinate once the conditioning process begins.

Benefits of Straw Bale Gardening

By selecting the right bales and conditioning them correctly, you can fully enjoy the benefits of straw bale gardening:

  • Fewer weeds:The most significant advantage is a substantial reduction in weeds, as you’re not working with traditional soil.
  • Less soil trouble: This method is ideal for areas with poor or rocky soil.
  • Reduced pest and disease issues: Planting above ground can help minimize problems associated with soil-borne diseases.
  • Improved accessibility: The elevated height of the bales makes gardening easier on your back.

 

At Burns Feed Store, we currently have in stock Certified Weed Free Orchard Grass as well as a Certified Weed Free Straw.

Gate Maintenance

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Gate and System Maintenance

These guidelines are meant to be general in nature and specific needs will vary based on your environment.

Getting Started:

  • Adjust the gate hinges to make sure the gate swings level, plumb and freely throughout the full opening and closing range of motion. Level is horizontal and plumb vertical. Plumb refers to something being straight up and down. The gate post(s) needs to be plumb and hinges need to be aligned vertically. When a gate/post is not plumb it may surge/hesitate in a particular direction of its travel and possibly not function.
  • Clean your gate with a mild cleaner, a rag, a soft brush, and a water hose to remove dirt and dust.
  • Do any rust removal and touch up painting, that you might deem necessary.

The Gate:

Keeping your gates swinging easily and freely is very important so that your gate opener system continues to work correctly. If your ball-bearing/bearing type gate hinges are binding, out of grease, or have become difficult to move, your gate opener system may treat this as an obstruction. If it seems to be associated in some way with the temperature the problem can likely be resolved by lubricating your gate hinges. If the hinges are worn or damaged replace them.

We suggest removing the pin from the front of the operator and working the grease into the gate hinges as much as possible. Use a grease suited for the temperature range in your location. Lithium-based grease tends to work well in many applications. Don’t forget to put the front clevis pin back into the front of the operator when you have finished greasing the hinges.

 

Lubricate The Operator Arm

Using a silicone spray, you can maintain/clean the silver aluminum push-pull tube (with the operator arm extended and the system turned off) , spray a clean cloth with the silicone and wipe the extended push-pull of the operator arm. Cleaning this part of the arm helps remove any dirt and debris that has accumulated over time and can help reduce premature wear and noise on the internal parts of the operator arm.

Check The System Batteries

As a battery ages its ability to work becomes reduced. A good rule of thumb would be to inspect the battery(s) each fall.

  • Clean any corrosion from the battery terminals and connectors. A wire brush the size of a toothbrush is a handy tool for this job. Brush it lightly until any corrosion is removed. Most automotive part stores also have some type of anti-corrosion product that can be added to your system for additional protection.
  • Check all battery and battery harness connections to ensure none of the connections are loose.
  • The batteries can be loaded tested as well
    • Disconnect the charging source. (solar panel or transformer connections)
    • Measure battery voltage.
      • a. If you have two batteries, check them individually.
      • b. If the voltage(s) is above 12 Vdc, proceed with the load test.
      • c. If the voltage(s) is below 12 Vdc, charge the batteries externally before proceeding. At no greater than 2 amps.
    • The load test will only be conducted on one battery at a time. Measure the voltage prior to operation. Activate the unit while continuing to monitor the voltage. The voltage should drop less than .5 volt during the cycle.
    • Repeat for 4 more half cycles (open or close) pausing for approximately 10 seconds in between activations. The voltage should drop less than .5 volt during these movements.
    • If the voltage drops are greater than .5 a volt the battery/batteries should be replaced.

Solar Installations

  • Use glass cleaner: Clean the glass on your solar panel to remove any algae, mold, mildew, or dirt that may have accumulated throughout the year. Keeping your solar panel glass clean helps to maximize the potential charging ability of the panel which is more important during the winter months as the number of hours of unobstructed sunlight hitting the panel decreases. Move/relocate panel if needed.
  • Using the screwdriver provided with your kit, tighten any of the wiring terminal connections that are loose.