Just got done installing the Menards Masterforce shaft mount opener on my 14x12 insulated shed door. Here's what I think of it so far and compared to the Liftmaster 8500. The bracket that holds the opener against the wall has two very small screws into the opener but 2 extremely long lag screws. What's up with that? Online video shows a jumper to bypass the cable tensioner sensor. I almost lost it because first time I jumped it I must not have had it in proper place and couldn't get up and down limits set. It slipped out of my pliers when I was playing with it. Luckily found it. (might be same jumper as a PC hardrive used to have). Product manual doesn't mention bypassing the sensor. Only video does. Door lock mechanism has only a 10 ft reach so don't install it too low but it is very quiet compared to the Liftmaster. Don't forget to unhook your pull rope from door as it will hook around the bottom safety sensor and bend he **** out of it first time opening door. I set mine up so it opens the door 10 ft instead of 12 feet. A lot less stress on cables and it keeps more tension on cables so we can have less chance of cables jumping on drums. If I need more height I can always pull the disconnect rope and push up but would need ladder to open and close again. There doesn't appear to be a jump in speed of unit so cables always stay tight. That was a problem with my Liftmaster 8500 on a light door. Fairly quiet. Just a little movement of unit in operation. Running it on a solid shaft. They give you 2 openers plus a key pad and it has wifi. Haven't tried that out as I don't think my wifi will reach to shed. And it's cheaper than any other alternative. And it has a battery. Haven't hooked it up yet. Says it has a 2 year life. Does one want to replace batteries every 2 years? Liftmaster wants over 600 bucks for their new model with tensioner. This was something like 382 with rebate included.
My review / story:
My garage (pole barn) doors are 14' tall x 12' wide.
I bought @ Menards the Masterforce
Wall Mount Smart Garage Door Opener With Battery Backup Model Number: 24225
It is virtually Identical to the Guardian 928V (WiFi enabled) (Green instead of Grey) with battery backup.
Therefore I assume Guardian manufactures these for the Menards brand. I went with a wall mount unit because I didn't want the complexity / danger of installing an overhead opener 16' + in the air in “NO MANS LAND”.
Complexities / issues:
These units come with a slack cable monitor. If not hooked up the unit will not operate. The design of my pole barn (above the door) has no current way to mount this device.
I determined I had 3 options:
1-Install it (electrically) but do something to hold it “open” as if it was being held by the cable.
2-Build out my wall so I can install the slack cable device normally, I deferred this option to a later date.
3- I measured the resistance with a slack cable sensed @ <1 ohm (shorted micro switch) and tight cable @ 1K ohm. I jumpered the connection (in the opener) with a 1K ohm resistor.
Since the manual points out that 2 of these devices can be installed in parallel, I assume any value resistor between 500 ohms and 1K ohm would suffice.
I like that it has an integrated 1500 lumen LED light, although, mounted 16' + above the floor it is NOT enough to light up the area alone.
The incorporated motion sensor turns the light on. My in-barn security camera has an infrared sensor (for night vision) and this (I believe) motion sensor sees this as someone in the barn, so @ night it turns the light on. I disabled the motion sensor feature (IAW the manuals easy to follow instructions).
Setup with all the remotes (including outdoor numeric keypad) is / was easy, the instructions are clear and thorough. Linking to WiFi so I can use my phone to operate was also easy, and intuitive (aka BEAM V3), even for this OLD retiree. The 'app' is also intuitive in that you swipe UP to open the garage door, and swipe down to close it.
The “wall mounted” wired switch, allows the user to turn the light on an off, enable / disable the motion sensor, open or close the door, and incorporates a vacation lock, so nothing (remotely) can operate the door.
The cable for the "automatic" lock is too short for my 14' tall door, I contacted guardian and since they had them in stock, I purchased the extension cable(s) (for 2 openers) instead of fabricating my own. Comically they are 8meters (25feet) long, I needed 4 feet or so.
Comes with a lifetime warranty on the motor, sortta nice, But in all my years of garage door openers, I have never had a motor failure (plastic gear failure on a Craftsman years ago)
Noise level, The garage doors themselves make a certain amount of noise going up and down. I'm sure there is some noise made by the opener, but I don't hear any of it at floor level, Additionally the units make beep sounds at various times. rec'd a signal to open / close. And any of the numerous error codes.
Even though Menards calls this Model 24225, an inside label calls it model 928V, giving further credibility to it being made by Guardian. My research indicates Guardian units are hard to find for retail customers but are sold to "professional" installers. The list price, with all the features included in this Menards version, is several hundred $$ more.
Even in 2025, with Menards 11% rebate they were the same $382 each.
Summary: Would I buy this (Guardian / Masterforce) again knowing what I now know?
YES, In fact I bought another and mounted it on the other (but less frequently used) garage door on my pole barn.
