Opener DoorBest Garage Door OpenerBest Garage DoorsJackshaft GarageGarage Door RemoteDoor Design PlansDesigns PlansDoor DesignsSuitable GarageForwardbest garage door opener Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Opener for Garage DoorMost garage door openers look alike. Typically, each one includes either a ½- or ¾-hp motor, an overhead rail, a trolley (or carriage), lights, sensors, a control panel, and a variety of other control devices. But there are differences—and they determine things like reliability, noise levels, speed of operation, and price. The main differences have to do with the drive mechanisms that use power from the motor to move the door. There are at least five basic drive systems. Each one has its pluses and minuses. A chain, similar to a bicycle chain, pushes or pulls a trolley (carriage) that’s connects to a metal bar, called a J-arm, that is affixed to the garage door. They are reliable, generally less expensive than other types of units, and require little maintenance.
On the other hand they are noisy. If your garage is situated under a bedroom, this may be a nuisance. If the garage is detached, it probably isn’t. Belt-driven openers are similar in design to chain-driven models, except a notched rubber belt is what pushes or pulls the trolley. Belt-driven openers are just as reliable as chain-driven openers but are significantly quieter. The negative for belt-driven openers is that they cost about $30 to $60 more than chain-driven units. With this type of opener, the trolley is driven by a threaded steel rod. Because this design has fewer moving parts, manufacturers claim that it requires less maintenance than other systems, Screw-driven openers, however, have run into trouble in regions that have large swings in temperature from summer to winter. In addition, they are often noisier than belt-driven openers and slower to open and close doors than other systems. That said, manufacturers of screw-driven openers have recently made big improvements with regard to temperature sensitivity, noise and speed of operation.
Jackshaft openers mount on the wall beside the garage door, not on the ceiling as do other systems. A 24-v DC motor drives pulleys and cables that turn the torsion bar and raise the garage door. When the motor is reversed, cable tension is loosened and the door lowers. This system is reliable and quiet. In addition, it keeps the ceiling free for overhead storage and is well-suited to garages with high or low ceilings. Jackshaft openers are more expensive than most other types of openers. Direct-drive units are claimed to be the quietest of all garage door units because there is only one moving part. Developed in Germany, the motor travels along a stationary chain that is embedded in an overhead rail. With traditional opener designs, the motor is stationary and a trolley or carriage travels upon a moving chain, belt or screw. A J-arm links the moving motor to the door. Direct-drive units cost about the same as belt-driven units. Many garage door openers, regardless of design, can be equipped with battery backup systems.
With newer units, the battery is integrated with the opener motor housing. When the power fails, your garage door openers will continue to function for up to two days, depending upon how often you open and close the door. Battery backup will also ensure the continued operation of other functions, including garage lighting, security, and safety alerts. AC versus DC Opener Motors In recent years, several manufacturers have introduced DC-powered motors in their garage door opener systems. DC motors offer several benefits to the consumer. They are quieter, faster, smaller, lighter, smoother operating, and more efficient than AC motors. DC motors with brushes do not have the same life expectancy as AC motors, but brushless DC motors do. Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.LiftMaster Elite Series 8550 DC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener Enabled by MyQ TechnologyTake convenience and safety to a whole new level with the LiftMaster® 8550. The reliable, integrated Battery Backup System guarantees access in and out of your garage, even when the power is out.
The safety and security features will ensure your family is protected during a power failure.Read more about the 8550 LiftMaster Garage Door Opener. LiftMaster Jackshaft 3800Maximize the space in your garage with LiftMaster’s space-saving wall-mounted Jackshaft opener. It even has an optional standby power system that will continue working even when the power goes out. LiftMaster Chain Drive 3595 Heavy-Duty 3/4 HPHeavy garage doors are no longer an issue. Our 3595 3/4 HP chain drive is engineered for maximum lifting capacity and super-quiet operation, so it can lift even the heaviest custom or designer garage doors effortlessly. LiftMaster Belt Drive 3585 3/4 HPGet the ultimate blend of power and quiet in a garage door opener. LiftMaster’s powerful 3/4 HP 3585 opener can lift even the heaviest garage doors effortlessly and with precision. LiftMaster Belt Drive 3280 1/2 HPSmooth-running reliability is what our enhanced 3280 belt drive opener delivers – and it’s quiet enough not to wake your guests in the bedroom above the garage.
LiftMaster Screw Drive 3240 1/2 HPDixie Door is a proud provider of LiftMaster garage door opener products for both our residential and commercial customers. We are the only LiftMaster ProVantage Dealer in the Middle Tennessee area. LiftMaster’s full line includes a garage door opener for any type of project or door imaginable. LiftMaster is the number one brand of professionally installed residential garage door openers, as well as a major manufacturer of commercial door operators, residential and commercial gate operators, telephone entry systems and related access control products. Driven by the access and security needs of the marketplace, LiftMaster’s expansive line of state-of-the-art residential and commercial products are designed to fit any lifestyle or application, providing the latest technology and innovations in safety, security and convenience. Liftmaster Residential Wall Mount Garage Door Openers Installed by Dixie Door Elite Series Model 8500 Wall Mount.