Ballard EZ Gate Lift- Need Help?

[PNA]

On Friday, I installed a EZ Gate Lift made by Ballard on my open trailer. My problem is the gate, when lowered, does NOT rest flush with the ground. The side where the lift assist is mounted comes to a stop about 2-3" above the ground. When you walk on it, it goes down but then it lifts up 2-3" above the ground again. I called Ballard about the problem and they said they have had a few calls about this problem. He said he'd call me back with a fix but never did. Anyone deal with this problem?
PNA

[MASTERMOWER]

On Friday, I installed a EZ Gate Lift made by Ballard on my open trailer. My problem is the gate, when lowered, does NOT rest flush with the ground. The side where the lift assist is mounted comes to a stop about 2-3" above the ground. When you walk on it, it goes down but then it lifts up 2-3" above the ground again. I called Ballard about the problem and they said they have had a few calls about this problem. He said he'd call me back with a fix but never did. Anyone deal with this problem?
PNA

??? Did you install the spring unit (or whatever its called) too far back ???
I don't personally use one of these spring assisted gate lifting gizmos but am seriously considering it. From looks, they work by having a cable attached to a spring into a cylinder?? So therefore if the ramp isnt resting on the ground I would assume that the cylinder is too far back or you might want to consider lowering the cable placement on the ramp? When you lower the ramp the spring compresses....I wouldn't think the cable or spring is adjustable......just your placement of both attachment points is what makes it all work right. Ramp lengths vary from trailer to trailer. Do you have a short ramp? Installation for a longer ramp would likely be a heck of a lot easier than a short ramp. Also rail heigth varies with trailers. The company that manufactures these things can't possibilly measure every trailer out there for installation instruction so this is likely why your having the problem that you are.

Sorry that I cannot provide a set solution. I'd personally just try to play around with it until you get a combo that works.

[MAD MOWERS]

Master mower has the answer . If you have to move the "I" bolt connection on the trailer ramp. We have used this lift gate for three yrs. now with no problems and unless you are on VERY level ground or concrete some times the spring side of the gate will be raised a little. As long as the spring is not fully expanded when the gate is down your ok. But if the spring is fully expanded with the gate down you will have to move the above mentioned "I" bolt downward. Hope this helps.

[Jack D.]

Jack D. has Ballard Easy Gates installed on all his trailers rear and side gates. The procedure for adjusting the gate drop should be obvious. Please take a close look at how the mechanism work while rubbing your chin and saying "hmmm"

[Ric]

PNA

While Sur RainMan rubs the chin of his little head and says ahhh. you might not want to mess with the adjustment at all. Does 2 to 3 inch really matter when loading a mower?? You go over taller objects with you mower without any trouble. With time the spring will stretch and make it harder to lift the gate. I see this as an advantage of being able to kick the gate closed with your foot instead of bending over. BTW in Sur RainMan's case 2 inches does matter.

[PNA]

I worked on the lift this afternoon...
I drilled a new hole on the gate about 2.25" lower than the existing hole and moved the "I" bolt to the new hole. Believe it or not, no improvements; well maybe 1/8" or so. I then decided that I would move the "I" bolt on the trailer rail closer to the gate. Drilled a new hole and relocated the "I" bolt 1.25" closer to the gate. Yes, this lowered the gate closer to the ground but by only .25". Go figure....
PNA