Liftmaster 3800 or 3280?

[CJP_69]

I'm researching the purchase of an 18x10 insulated garage door and was looking for an opinion on an opener. One installer said to go with the 3800 jackshaft while another installer said that they are prone to cable dumps and that the 3280 is a more reliable set up. I like the idea of the 3800 and clear ceiling but I don't want problems down the road. Does anyone have any long term experience with the 3800? I've searched previous threads and haven't really found an answer. Thanks

 

[enginerd]

I have yet to hear of any problems with the 3800 jackshaft. As long as the installer knows how to install it, it should be just as (if not more) reliable.

 

[Aircooled]

The 3800 is basically pretty new on the market, so no really long term feedback for you. I can tell you that I have installed them and there is a device included as part of the opener that is supposed to deter cable dumps. Basically a pressure switch that the cable rides through. If the cable starts to go slack, the opener will stop. I have installed a number of 3280's and rarely ever have an issue outside of a standard service call. You really can't go wrong with either, but I'm with you on keeping the ceiling open...

 

[enginerd]

But the design behind the 3800 has been around a while, its just a new application, as more residential applications are using previously commercial only products. Similar to the epoxy floors, as they were usually only commercially available, but are now being sold to the residential market.

 

[bluesman2a]

I own 3 Liftmaster units:
A 3800 that has been operational for about 3-4weeks.
A 3280 that has been operational for about 6-8 months (belt drive)
An older 1/2 horse chain-drive unit that came with the house.

As mentioned above there IS a cable-bump devise on the 3800, that should solve any problems. In the time I have owned the opener we have had ZERO problems with it. It is on a 10X10 fully insullated sandwich door on a high-rise track. I have even stood under the door and pushed up while NOT breaking the beam (essentially causing a cable bump), as stated above, it just stops. I also like the locking bolt that shoots through for security. As for sound level, I don't think I've EVER heard a quieter opener.

The 3850 is SUPER quiet and reliable as well. People always comment on how quiet it is (at least until they hear the 3800 run). If you're going to go with the traditional I would step up to the 3/4 horse model, there's not that much difference.

Long story short: unless the 3800 develops major problems, I will be replacing any failed/future opener purchases with 3800's or their like going forward.

 

[fxeditor]

I've had a 3800 for almost a year. It has worked great! No problems to report.

 

[chad pickens]

I also have a 3800 and I love it . Its very quiet and smooth ,it was also easy to install.

 

[icnsltmfg]

Love my 2 for almost 6 months.

 

[bmwpower]

I believe there is a limitation on the size of your jackshaft pulley with the 3800. Not recommended to go above 6", I believe.

 

[ksp]

So far I love mine, quiet, easier on the door as it does not pull on it.

 

[ovilla]

Does anyone have a good source for picking up a 3800? I live in Chicagoland and can't find a Chicago based carrier, even though the Liftmaster plant is located in Elmhurst (a Chicago burb). Anyway, I'd like to go get one locally or with free shipping from the net. Thanks

 

[chad pickens]

When i started looking I found the best deal on ebay. search under liftmaster 3800 and there are plenty of hits. heres one for 299.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/LiftMaster-3800...ageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m118

 

[MONGOH53E]

I have a 10' X 18' insulated door and used a LiftMaster 5011.

 

[anojones]

I bought my 3800 here (not installed yet)- fast shipping and they have package deals if you need accesories.
http://www.sanfordandsondoors.com/

 

[jimval]

I have two 3800's and bought them on ebay from garage doors r us. The prices have come down a lot since I bought them. I started with a straight 6" diameter drum but then switched to a tapered drum to fine tune the balance. 6" tapered up to 8". Liftmaster claims that you can't go any bigger than 6" because of the cable slip sensor but that's not true. The sensor works fine with my oversize drum. Not sure if the larger drum does anything else to the opener. I love the 3800.

 

[haulna]

To maximize the overhead clearance between the floor and the tracks, how close to the ceiling can you install the door tracks when using a 3800 opener?

 

[CJP_69]

Thanks for the feedback. If the door that I end up with will accomodate the 3800, I will go with that one.

 

[nova65ss]

To maximize the overhead clearance between the floor and the tracks, how close to the ceiling can you install the door tracks when using a 3800 opener?

The door would be about 6" from the ceiling, depending on the drum size.