6 Best Gate Opener Timers For Automated Feeding Schedules That Cut Feed Waste
Cut feed waste with automated schedules. We review the 6 best gate opener timers for creating reliable, programmable feeding systems that save you money.
That sinking feeling of hitting traffic on the way home from your day job is bad enough, but it’s worse when you know your animals are waiting for their dinner. Consistency is king in animal husbandry, and a late feeding can cause stress for both you and your livestock. Using a rugged gate opener timer to automate feeding schedules creates that consistency, cutting down on feed waste and giving you priceless peace of mind.
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Automate Feeding & Cut Waste with the Right Timer
Using a gate opener timer for feeding isn’t about a complex silo system. Think simpler. It’s about using a durable, weatherproof timer—designed to open a 500-pound gate in a rainstorm—to control access to a pre-filled feeder or a small grazing area. This simple automation has a massive impact.
When animals have constant access to feed, they often overeat, leading to health issues and wasted money. A timed system portions out access, not just feed. For example, a timer can open a small gate to a creep feeder for 30 minutes, twice a day, preventing dominant goats from hogging resources and ensuring everyone gets their share without feed getting stale or scattered.
The real magic is in the precision. By controlling when animals eat, you align their feeding with their natural rhythms and your management goals. This drastically reduces waste from spoilage, pests, and trampling. It transforms feed from a free-for-all buffet into a scheduled, efficient mealtime.
TOPENS TC186-R WiFi Remote for Smart Control
If you value flexibility, the TOPENS WiFi remote system is a game-changer. It’s not just a timer; it connects your gate opener—or your custom feeder—to your home’s WiFi network. This lets you set, adjust, and override feeding schedules directly from your smartphone, whether you’re in the house or stuck in town.
The primary benefit is real-time control. A sudden cold snap means you might want to trigger an extra feeding, and you can do it with a tap on your phone. The app-based scheduling is also far more intuitive than fiddling with tiny buttons on a standard digital timer. It gives you the power to manage your farm’s schedule from anywhere.
However, there’s a critical dependency: a reliable WiFi signal. Barns and pastures are notoriously difficult places to get a good signal. Before you invest in this, test your WiFi strength at the installation site. If the connection is spotty, the smart features become a source of frustration, not convenience.
Mighty Mule Digital Keypad/Timer (FM137)
The Mighty Mule FM137 is a trusted workhorse for a reason. It combines a programmable timer with a digital keypad, offering a perfect blend of automation and manual control. This is the unit for someone who wants a reliable, set-and-forget schedule but also needs an easy way for a farm-sitter or family member to operate the feeder manually.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and durability. Designed to be mounted on a post and withstand the elements, it’s built for the farm environment. The timer function allows you to set specific open and close times, while the keypad provides a straightforward manual override using a programmable code. This dual-functionality is incredibly practical.
The tradeoff for this reliability is a lack of remote access. You have to be physically at the keypad to make any programming changes. For a consistent, unchanging schedule, this is perfectly fine. But if you often need to make last-minute adjustments, a WiFi-enabled option might be a better fit.
Ghost Controls AXWK Wireless Keypad Timer
Wiring is often the biggest headache in any farm automation project. The Ghost Controls AXWK Wireless Keypad solves this by communicating wirelessly with the control box. This is a massive advantage for feeders located far from the main barn or a convenient power source, eliminating the need to trench and bury wires.
The keypad itself is weatherproof and can be mounted wherever it’s most convenient. It supports timed operations, allowing you to program it to automatically activate the opener at specific times. The freedom from wires makes installation dramatically faster and more flexible, letting you place your automated feeder in the ideal spot, not just the easiest one to run a cable to.
This convenience depends on two things: battery life and signal strength. You’ll need to periodically replace the batteries, and the wireless signal can be obstructed by metal buildings or dense trees. It’s a fantastic solution, but you must ensure a clear line of communication between the keypad and the controller for it to be reliable.
Fosmon 7-Day Programmable Outdoor Timer
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. The Fosmon outdoor timer isn’t a dedicated gate opener component; it’s a heavy-duty, weatherproof 120V AC plug-in timer. If your automated feeder is powered by a standard electrical outlet—like a small auger motor or a drop feeder mechanism—this is an incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-install option.
This timer excels in its straightforward programmability and low cost. You can set multiple on/off events throughout the day and customize the schedule for each day of the week. Just plug it in, plug your feeder into it, and you have an instant automated system. It’s perfect for chicken coop doors or small-scale grain dispensers near a power outlet.
The limitation is clear: it’s designed for 120V AC power. Most gate openers and DIY actuators run on low-voltage 12V DC power, especially in solar-powered setups. This timer is the wrong tool for those jobs. But for any simple, plug-in feeding application, it’s an unbeatable value.
ALEKO LM173 Timer for Versatile Scheduling
For operations that require more nuanced feeding schedules, the ALEKO LM173 timer is a strong contender. This is a hardwired component designed specifically for gate opener systems, and its main feature is its highly flexible 7-day/24-hour programming. It allows you to set a large number of unique on/off cycles throughout the week.
This level of control is ideal for livestock that benefit from smaller, more frequent meals. You could program it to open a feeder for poultry for 15 minutes, four times a day, or provide lactating goats with an extra midday feeding. This precision helps optimize nutrition and minimize the digestive stress that can come from one or two large daily meals.
Because it’s a dedicated system component, it integrates seamlessly with most gate opener control boards. It’s built to be wired in and left alone, providing reliable service without the complexities of wireless signals or app connectivity. It’s a workhorse for the farmer who has a specific, complex schedule in mind and needs a tool to execute it flawlessly.
EATON/Intermatic DT620LW Digital Timer
When absolute, unquestionable reliability is your top priority, you look at industrial-grade hardware. The EATON/Intermatic DT620LW is a heavy-duty digital timer built for commercial use, which makes it perfectly suited for the unforgiving environment of a farm. It’s housed in a rugged, NEMA 3R rated enclosure that’s ready for rain, dust, and temperature swings.
This timer is designed for critical systems where failure is not an option. It features a large, easy-to-read display and straightforward programming, but its real value is its robust construction and high-quality internal components. It’s the kind of device you install once and don’t think about again for years.
This level of durability comes at a higher price point, and it may be overkill for a small coop door. However, if you’re automating the primary feeding system for a herd of sheep or a paddock of pigs, the extra investment buys you confidence. This is the choice for a critical system you simply cannot allow to fail.
Choosing Your Timer: Key Farm-Ready Features
Picking the right timer isn’t about finding the "best" one, but the best one for your specific setup. A timer that’s perfect for a solar-powered feeder in a remote pasture is the wrong choice for a plug-in system inside a barn. Focus on the practical realities of your farm.
Before you buy, run through this checklist. Answering these questions will narrow your options from a confusing list to one or two clear choices that fit your needs and budget. Don’t get sold on features you won’t use; focus on the fundamentals that ensure your system works day in and day out.
- Power Source: Does your system run on 12V DC from a battery or solar panel, or 120V AC from an outlet? This is the most important first question.
- Control Interface: Do you need the flexibility of a smartphone app, or is a simple digital display you set once a season perfectly fine? Consider how often you’ll need to change the schedule.
- Weatherproofing: Will the timer be exposed to direct rain and sun, or is it protected inside a structure? An "indoor" timer won’t last a single season outside.
- Scheduling Flexibility: Do you need a simple on/off once a day, or multiple, short feeding windows? Check how many "events" the timer can store.
- Installation: Are you comfortable with low-voltage wiring, or do you need a simple plug-and-play or wireless solution? Be honest about your DIY skills.
- Manual Override: How will you trigger a feeding outside the schedule? A simple button or a keypad code is often a crucial, overlooked feature.
Automating your feeding schedule isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about adding precision. The right timer delivers feed consistently, reduces animal stress, and saves you significant money by eliminating waste. It’s a small investment that makes your farm more resilient and your life a whole lot easier.
