Abstract: A hopper car gate opener comprising an elongated member having opposed flanges defining a fixed track; a trolley element mounted on the track supported by and movable along a top surface of each flange; and a portion of the trolley element underlaying and spaced from a bottom surface of each flange. A torque producing unit is mounted on the trolley element and is operable to generate a twisting moment in a predetermined rotational direction to drive a pinion of the gate. A method of operating the discharge gates of a hopper car having a plurality of gates where the gates are under control of rack and pinion sets individual thereto; providing a flanged track disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car; mounting a trolley upon and movable along the track; and mounting a torque producing unit upon the trolley.