My neighbor has a Mule opener. The battery lasts 2 years. His issue was not enough charging capacity vs. times the gate was opened. I added a second 20 watt panel and a deep cycle battery. I also buried the battery in a battery box almost to the top. That stabilized the temperature.
The battery charger in his unit was made for bulk charging only. It never reached float. So, occasionally when he was waiting at the gate for the school bus, I had him apply a quick charge once a month. So far that battery has lasted 4 years.
BTW, a fully charged lead acid battery will not freeze in -50 deg F.
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