When it comes to garage door operators, there are many options. 

Chain, belt and direct drive Here is a breakdown of features, advantages and disadvantages. 

Garage Door Operators Types

Chain opener – The most common “old school” and a great entry-level garage door opener, noisy but gets the job done. 

The advantages:

A robust chain that would be suitable for commercial application 

lower price point 

The disadvantage:

Noisy 

prone to strip the gear when the garage door is not balanced

Some of the chain models available and our top picks

requires maintenance and lubrication 

not compatible with a high lift setup 

not compatible with a vertical lift setup 

Residential

Liftmaster 8165W 

LDC0800 paired with a chain rail

LDC0850 paired with a chain rail

Liftmaster 8365W 

Liftmaster 8580W 

Liftmaster 8360WLB

Light commercial

Liftmaster 8587WAL 

Liftmaster ATSW 

Belt Opener – An excellent top tier quiet option for attached garages, in most cases, will have more features and add-ons 

The advantages:

Silent operation perfect for attached garages or with living quarters above

usually will come with a higher-end motor with added features 

maintenance-free, unlike the chain opener 

less likely to strip the main gear 

The disadvantage:

Can be pricey 

Not ideal when it comes to heavy garage doors 

not compatible with a high lift setup 

not compatible with a vertical lift setup 

Residential

Liftmaster 8355W 

Liftmaster 8550W

Liftmaster WLED 

Liftmaster 8155W 

Liftmaster 85503 

LDC0800 paired with a belt rail

LDC0850 paired with a belt rail

Direct drive –  Jackshaft operator previously only available for commercial overhead doors now available for the residential. This operator connects directly to the torsion tube, making this opener space smart and eliminating the rail, making this motor practically silent. Comes with some powerful add-ons such as an automatic lock that provides another layer of added safety and a cable tensioner that provides another failsafe contraption 

The advantages:

Space smart 

silent 

powerful dc 3/4 hp suitable for bigger doors 

powerful add-ons

built-in backup battery

added safety with the cable tensioner 

The disadvantage:

Pricy 

not compatible with the low-headroom setup

not compatible with the Wayne dalton torque master 

This opener comes in two models. 

Liftmaster 8500 and Liftmaster 8500W 

This operator is also available in light commercial versions. 

Liftmaster 8900W LD

Liftmaster 8950W LD

Liftmaster DDO8900W LD

Smart Garage Door Openers

Like everything nowadays, garage door operators have gotten smart, allowing you to monitor and control your garage doors from your smartphone.

Some models will even come with a built-in camera.

LiftMaster had moved to builtin wifi models with all openers. 

And other garage door opener manufacturers follow the transformation to provide the end-user with more options and a much more versatile garage door motor.

Door size and the compatible motor

The different garage door will require a compatible operator pairing.

When it comes to a trolly operator, you will need the matching length rail. 

IE a 7FT high door will require a 7FT long rail. 

An 8FT high door will require an 8ft long rail.

A Direct-drive opener will work on doors up to 14ft high doors.

Lifting capabilities  

Most 1/2 hp trolley motors will handle single-car doors with ease and can go up to 16 ft wide and 8 ft high. 

any door bigger would require a motor with more power 

A direct-drive opener can handle doors up to 850lbs and 14 ft high. 

Regardless of the door size or motor horsepower, a balanced garage door is crucial to a long-lasting garage door opener. 

Garage door opener accessories

We are your go-to place when it comes to garage door parts and accessories. If you are looking to replace the safety sensors or add an internet gateway, we are here to help. from bearings and bushings to replacement logic boards and rpm sensors, we provide the best garage door opener replacement parts service in Winnipeg

Call us today!

If your garage door opener gives up or looking for an update or the next home project, we can help call us today for our obligation free service call and consultation. 

we offer same day service and replacement for residential garage door operators 

our techs will get your broken garage door working as smooth as new and will inspect your garage door as well