Electric Fence Gate Is Simple, Convenient

Electric Fence Gate Is Simple, Convenient FENCING Gates 4-1-8 Tired of getting off and on vehicles to open gates? Then maybe you should try an electric fence gate like the one designed by Indiana farmer Richard Fiechter, of Craigville. The gate looks like an electric fence lying flat on the ground. It is a set of 8 or 9 wires attached to a steel angle iron on each end. The wires are placed 4-5 inches apart. The wire gate is stretched out across the gate opening about 4 inches above the ground. On one end, a spring is attached to keep tension on the wires. The set of wires is attached to. a gate post on either end, and the spring holds it tight just above the ground. It is hooked up to an ordinary electric fence charger. Every time the gate is crossed by a tractor, it shorts out to prevent "shocking" the driver. At a height of 4 in., cattle will touch the wires and be shocked if they try to cross. Yet, a rubber-tired tractor or implement can drive over the wires without disturbing them. If something metal has to be dragged through, the gate can be unhooked and moved out of the way, and then replaced. Fiechter finds that it works good, even when ice and snow accumulate, but he suggests keeping the wires clear. He thinks it would work as well for hogs or calves as it works for cattle. As with any electric fence, it does pose hazards to young children. Farmers can come and see it, or contact him by writing: FARM SHOW Followup, Richard Fiechter, Route 1, Box 102, Craigville, Ind. 46731 (ph 219 565-3340).

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