Another Door Opener Question...

[Allstar]

Hey guys,

I have a 9'9"w x 6'8"h garage door with extension springs. I purchased a Genie Excelerator garage door opener:

http://www.geniecompany.com/GenieCompany.aspx?cid=304

My question is, does the opener have to be installed in the center of the door, or can it be installed closer to one side of the door? I have seen them installed closer to the side, but the doors were equipped with torsion bars. Can the same be done with extension springs??

Here's a pic of the door in question:



Sorry for the picture quality, it's all i have available to me right now.
I would like to keep as much clearance as possible seeing how the door is not very high to begin with.

Also does anyone have any experience with the Genie Excelerator??

Thanks

 

[ghnl]

How far off center are you wanting to install it? If the door is properly balanced (by the springs) it can be installed a few feet off center. It'd be like manually opening the door with a handle off center and should work OK. If you want to put the unit near the edge of the door that could be a problem.

 

[Allstar]

I was hoping to install it as close to the wall as possible...

 

[ghnl]

Better wait for smarter folks than me then. Or get a Liftmaster wall mounted opening & change to torsion spring above the door...

 

[Door-Man]

http://www.liftmaster.com/consumerweb/pages/productmodeldetail.aspx?modelId=1443

I have installed these and I love them. If someone were to buy a door from me and they had the clearance, this is what I would try to sell them.

I would suggest trying to return the genie, if not an option keep it as close to center as possible.

 

[Allstar]

Thanks, but, unfortunately I can't install a jack-shaft opener because I don't have torsion springs and also because I only have about 3" on either side of the door...

 

[Door-Man]

Thanks, but, unfortunately I can't install a jack-shaft opener because I don't have torsion springs and also because I only have about 3" on either side of the door...

Ah ok got ya. How are you planning on connecting the arm to the top section if not centered?

 

[Allstar]

Ah ok got ya. How are you planning on connecting the arm to the top section if not centered?

I don't think I have a choice but to install it in the middle.

 

[Door-Man]

didnt see the picture before. installing center is defenitly the way to go.

 

[Photo]

Allstar,

Check in the manual for your opener.

I recently moved my opener over to clear a vehicle on my lift (once I get it installed!).

My manual (and I confirmed with both the opener and door manufacturer) stated I could mount mine up to 4' (48") off center on my 16' wide door.

If your manual doesn't say anything, a quick call or 2 could give you answer you're looking for!

Lane

 

[Allstar]

Allstar,

Check in the manual for your opener.

I recently moved my opener over to clear a vehicle on my lift (once I get it installed!).

My manual (and I confirmed with both the opener and door manufacturer) stated I could mount mine up to 4' (48") off center on my 16' wide door.

If your manual doesn't say anything, a quick call or 2 could give you answer you're looking for!

Lane

Thanks! Looking into it.

 

[GreyOwl]

IF the door is balanced PROPERLY and side to side clearances set to minimums there is no problem putting the opener to one side or the other. When you open the door manually do you always lift it from the center? Most people will lift the door from where it is most convenient (center or side). The opener is just an assist and if everything is adjusted correctly you should be able to open or close the door w/o an operator with just a couple of fingers.
Charles