Liftmaster 3800 or MJ5011E

[larry1030]

Hi, I am new here and I am hoping there are some OHD lift experts who can help me. I had a contractor build a large residential garage on my property - ~1500 sq ft with 3 9x9 overhead doors. Two of these doors have follow the roofline tracks and the contract I signed with the contractor called for "LiftMaster MJ jackshaft operators with the CPS and Radio Control options", but I just discovered that what he actually installed were LiftMaster 3800PLD lifts, described as "residential/light duty commercial".

I specified the MJ because a knowledgeable (but not expert) friend advised me to go for the commercial quality lifts, and that is what I paid for. I can try to get the contractor to come back and replace the 3800s (although it might be a bit tough given that I have already paid him in full) but before I decide to do that I was looking for some advice on the pros and cons of one lift vs. the other. All I know is that the MJ is a commercial medium duty lift with a 1/2 HP motor and a 2 yr warranty, whereas the 3800 is more of a residential quality lift, with a 5 year warranty and a lifetime motor warranty. All that LiftMaster says about its motor is that it draws 1 amp - or about 120 watts, which sounds to me like a very small motor. However, the 3800 has some more amenities.

One of the most important things to me is the durability and toughness of the lift, but convenience and features are also important.

What should I do? Is the difference between the 3800 and the MJ worth fighting for?

 

[srmofo]

CAnt comment on the quality vs each other because I only have 2 liftmasters.

At the very least I would want the difference of price paid back.

 

[Door Doc Justin]

Unless your doors are made of concrete the 3800 will be just dandy. I've put these on doors that weigh in excess of 500lbs with great sucess.
That being said, the 3800 should be less expensive and therefore someone owes you some money.

 

[BrianS]

I have a 3800 on my 18x8 door (almost twice the size of your 9x9s) and it works just fine. However I have a MJ lift on the 16x12 door b/c it is larger than the 3800 is spec'd for. I would keep the 3800 for your door b/c the accessories are better but would be fighting for money back if your contract called for MJ openers. The MJ opener is about $200 more than the 3800 and the install is the same.

 

[csp]

As long as the door is adjusted properly with the right balance it should be no problem.

If you can open it by hand, any opener should also be able to open it. That's why garage doors have springs.

 

[ddawg16]

Well....if you decide you don't want them....just send it my way....I'll even pay for shipping.....I keep wishing my screw drive sears unit would die so I can install a liftmaster.

 

[tdkkart]

Well....if you decide you don't want them....just send it my way....I'll even pay for shipping.....I keep wishing my screw drive sears unit would die so I can install a liftmaster.

Screw drive..........Hmmmm???
I locked up the screw drive in a trash compactor dead solid once when a piece of celophane off a cigarette pack got caught in the screw and ran itself into the nut.
Had a hell of a time getting that thing unlocked, thought for sure I was gonna have to repl..........

Just sayin

 

[38Chevy454]

I have liftmaster 3800 on a 16 x 10 insulated and it works very well, gets opened and closed at least once per day. I would leave what you have, but get some money back as they are not as expensive. Alternatively, have the door guy install a 3800 on your other third door at his cost?

 

[sammm]

I just installed my 3800 last night, but my door is only 9x7. Super quiet and very easy to DIY install.

 

[FilthyZ]

I have the 3800 on a 16x9 door and opens and closes at least 2 times in the morning and 2-3 in the evening and not a single problem yet. Just like others have said, as long as the garage door is properly installed and sprung right, the garage door opening does very little to lift and close the door.