Hopper Car Gate Openers

WORKMASTER® Hopper Car Gate Openers (GOs) are engineered and manufactured to provide dependable, long-term service. Construction materials are chosen for their strength and durability. All Gate Openers are made from either high quality low carbon steel or high tensile aluminum alloys. Drive fittings and extensions are made from 4140 tool steel. Steel components are laser cut, and welded by AWS certified welders to meet AWS and ANSI Standards. Finishing operations include precision machining. Grade 8 fastened joints, and protective coatings such as powder coat, plating, black oxidizing or acrylic enamel paint.

As you’ll see, every one of our Gate Openers can make the job safer and easier. So how do you decide which model is best for your unloading site? Is it the fastest and most powerful (and also the most expensive), or is it the more manual (and also the least expensive) model? Your decision should be based on criteria such as:

• The condition and consistency of the railcars you process (old and poorly maintained railcars mean more GO power is needed, and varying height capstans mean more height adjustability)
• The quantity of railcars you process on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis (more gates mean more GO speed is needed)
• The condition and location of unloading site (remote sites, or sites with uneven terrain can mean more GO automation, while tight quarters could mean more GO manual operation)
• The budget (GOs range in price from ≈ $1,000 to ≈ $18,000 — but don’t let price be the primary determinant, our financing and leasing programs can usually solve the budget problem).

Finally, if you’d like our help in selecting the best GO for your site, give us a call. With over 3,000 GOs in use, we’re sure our 30-years of experience will help you select the Gate Opener that best meets your needs.