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