Abstract: A gate operator for lifting a gate about a horizontal pivot at a lower proximate corner thereof about a 90.degree. arc in the plane of the gate and having spring means for balancing and holding the gate weightless in all positions of its arcuate movement, permitting the gate to be moved between fully opened and closed positions manually or with minimum applied force, and preferrably comprising crank-like means operating through a raceway on the face of a driving wheel, the gate operator having a position locking the gate in its closed position against vertical forces exerted at the gate for opening same; and a safety snubber controlling the speed of the gate in either opening or closing movement.