Medium Duty Garage Door Operator

[Double J]

I'm about halfway through with my new building construction and I'm at the point where I need to purchase the door operators. I'm looking for experiences with jackshaft operators for my two doors; 1 - 18' X 12' and 1 - 12' X 12' (both insulated w/no windows). I was originally going to go with the Liftmaster 8500s, but worry it'll struggle with the 18 footer and would prefer to keep the same make/model operator for both doors, so I guess the 8500s are out of the running. That's unfortunate because I can purchase two of the these for the price of the ones I'm considering now.

I've narrowed my search down to these two medium duty commercial operators, but I'm open to recommendations.

Operator 1: ZAP 8825 Series 3

Operator 2: Liftmaster MJ 5011U

Both are comparable with regards to price and features. Speaking of features, apparently remotes don't come as standard equipment on these medium duty operators.

 

[matt_i]

I like the liftmaster because of the parallel shaft design. The reduction looks to be via belt and chain. In my mind that's a design which will last longer and be easier to repair if that ever needs to happen.

The weak link Imo in the ZAP is the worm drive gearbox. If anything breaks inside of that its pretty much game over. Also I'm guessing it requires at minimum a grease filled gearbox, possibly oil-filled. The strength of the two (three?) shaft seals could leave a nasty problem with dripping or weeping lube. I'm guessing the LM needs lube too but you control the amount and its just 1x per (time interval).

 

[gnpenning]

I have installed many MJ 50's over the years. they are a great commercial type opener and would work awesome for you. They are the opener the 8500 wishes it could be.

Liftmaster has a great support system for them if you was to ever need it. We just install and forget until maintenance time. We just don't see problems with them .

 

[Double J]

Appreciate the feedback and you reassured my gut feeling. I'll be going with the Liftmasters.