Chain hoists on sectional doors

[Yankeefarmer]

I’m considering installing a chain hoist on my 10’ wide by 9’ high sectional doors. The doors are well balanced, but I need to use a push pole to push them to the fully open position, or even enough to be confident my 4x4 truck will clear. My old man shoulders just don’t like those movements.

My only experience with manual chain openers is with a roll up door in the lab I used to manage. So, for those of you with experience with sectionals, should I go with a 1:1 drive, or a 3:1 reduction drive?

TIA

 

[mkef]

They sell them just for that purpose. We see them alot on larger doors without and opener. We like to use bumper springs at the rear so the door doesnt get opened to far and then throw the cables when the user tries to close it. We also raise the rear of the tracks alittle if possible. We get our front a company called torque force. I'm sure there are a few others.

Most come with a chain catch that is also lockable which is nice. How big is your door? 1-1 is fast, might throw cables if opened to far.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Thanks mkef. I don't think I would need bumper springs because the 'horizontal" portion of the tracks is actually at a 7/12 pitch following the slope of the scissor truss ceiling, so the weight of the doors is always pushing them down.

My biggest concern is whether I'd be frustrated with pulling 3 times the length of chain if I go with a reduction drive over a 1:1 drive. It's not the amount of force I need to exert to raise the door that is uncomfortable- it's the "pushing up" direction of the force. Pulling down on a chain is easier on my arms and shoulders.

 

[kbs2244]

Instead of hacking it, get an opener.
The open distance is adjustable

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Instead of hacking it, get an opener.
The open distance is adjustable

You don’t seem to understand the “thrifty Yankee” culture. Why spend hundreds more for a capability I don’t need, when the exact technology appropriate to the need is available at lower cost? These doors are opened only once or twice a week, and I’m not at all concerned about how far they open or that I would crank them the shafts too far.

Kudos, though, for supporting the GJ “too much is almost just enough” sentiment.

 

[mkef]

The 4:1 ratio we use opens 12'-14' tall doors in under 10 seconds with little effort. The roof pitch tracks are perfect, dont need to do anything then.

We put one on a 16'x20' full vertical lift door once for temp use at a school so they could dig a new pool but seal the building. Opened that door in about a minute.

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

On a 9’ high door you will be fine with a 1 to 1. The others are meant for bigger and heavier doors. Just pace yourself. It will take 9 turns of the shaft to open the door fully so it will only take you a few seconds. I understand the comfort in less technology. No one will hack that chain from their laptop and open your door!