Time for a new Garage Door Opener!

[Wolverine]

My LiftMaster is toast. After 17 years, and 2 gears changes I can't complain. It was a 1/2 HP chain-drive unit. I'm looking at trying something else.

- Possibly Wayne-Dalton, but not sure of the extra cost and the fact that I've probably have to move power/electrical outlet to the new location.

- The Genie "Excelerator" modified screw-drive has captured my interest as well.

- Or, should I just go to Sears and pic out a good chain/or belt drive?


***** I did perform a search on here and read through all of the threads. Very good information. However, I'm looking for some current insight and sugestions.



Who's running the Genie "Excelerator"?

Is the Wayne-Dalton really, truly worth it?


Any and all info is always very much appreciated!

 

[Wolverine]

Oh, my door is 16' wide and 7' tall and solid (wood-composit) = HEAVY.

My neighbor (engineer) thinks I should go with a 3/4 HP unit next time.

 

[nova65ss]

I would stay as far away from the both openers you mentioned. Do a search on the WD and the Excelerator has its issues as well. Get a 3/4 Liftmaster or Craftsman.

Jimmy

 

[Rickster]

If you have an attached garage you should go with the belt drive for quietness. My brother and I replaced out openers around the same time and he used a Genie belt drive and I bought a Genie screw drive. Thre screw drive is WAY noisey and his belt drive runs silent.

 

[TNToy]

Yeah, but everything else being equal, that belt drive will wear out 2 or 3 times before your screw drive needs any attention... assuming you dab some grease on it once every couple of moons.

 

[bmwpower]

Yeah, but everything else being equal, that belt drive will wear out 2 or 3 times before your screw drive needs any attention... assuming you dab some grease on it once every couple of moons.

Is this true? I've never heard of someone complaining about belts wearing out often. I need a quiet opener, too.

 

[OH-MAN]

I have had the screw, chain, and belt drive.
Screw was great for 16 years but noisy.
Our newest home had a chain drive cheapo. Broke when house was 5 yrs. old total.
We replaced it with a Liftmaster belt.
The noisest part is the door itself rolling on the tracks.
Two years so far and it has not broke yet.

 

[nova65ss]

That is not true, we have been using them for 10 + years and can only think of two times that the belt broke. Liftmaster warranties the belt for life, it is made of kevlar. It is the only way to go in drawbar operators. I did get the new side mount Liftmaster in a couple of weeks ago, looks like a great new option and plan to install it on our garage door that is attached to the house sometime soon.

Jimmy

 

[bmwpower]

That is not true, we have been using them for 10 + years and can only think of two times that the belt broke. Liftmaster warranties the belt for life, it is made of kevlar. It is the only way to go in drawbar operators. I did get the new side mount Liftmaster in a couple of weeks ago, looks like a great new option and plan to install it on our garage door that is attached to the house sometime soon.

Jimmy

Cool! Post up some info on the new Liftmaster when you get a chance.

 

[DynoDave]

That is not true, we have been using them for 10 + years and can only think of two times that the belt broke. Liftmaster warranties the belt for life, it is made of kevlar. It is the only way to go in drawbar operators. I did get the new side mount Liftmaster in a couple of weeks ago, looks like a great new option and plan to install it on our garage door that is attached to the house sometime soon.

Jimmy

My garage door installer was just out yesterday, and said they now carry these. He put one in his own garage, and loves it. Would love to see some pictures of yours when you get a chance.

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

I believe I have a Genie Chain Drive unit. It was inexpensive, and it is fast and quiet.

 

[BowtieNut]

I've tried the Wayne Dalton, with bad results, and VERY bad customer service. Also, I've heard of alot of others having problems with them.

I've used the Genie screw drives for years and never once had a problem. My last house had one still going strong after about 10 years. As far as I know it's still working, but I moved 2 years ago. At the new house I tried the W/D, blah, and ended up going back to Genie. I currently have 2 of the regular screw drives, and one Xcellerator, and haven't had any problems, but it's only been 2 years. I really like the Xcellerator - goes fast, and quiet (the door itself is far noisier than the opener).

 

[Bisqwik]

I just bought two Genie screws on Saturday morning for my new shed. Genie is what we used when we built our house 6 years ago. They are still fine. The ones I bought were 185.00. I also had to buy an extra piece of track for the 8foot doors @ 17.98. The openers came with a wireless key pad and 2-3 button remotes each.
John

 

[Wolverine]

Great info everyone. VERY much appreciated!

 

[thefairlaneman]

Hard to beat a jennie on sale from home depot........less than 150 bucks

 

[jfelbab]

I just installed a pair of 3/4 hp LiftMasters and am very happy with their quietness. They are chain drive but are so quiet that you can't hear them working from in the house. I bought the 3575 models.

Liftmaster makes all types, chain, screw, belt and jackshaft models. Take your pick.

I switched from a Genie Pro opener and find the Liftmaster to be much superior in terms of features and quietness.

 

[Glen]

At my previous home, I had a Craftsman belt drive (made by Chamberlain) and it was flawless while we where there...over 5 years. In my current house I installed a WD iDrive about 3 years ago...it too has been perfect.

Both are quiet and smooth but I much prefer the iDrive because the motor is unobtrusive and out of sight. This is on a standard 16' foot WD roll-up door. I plan to install another iDrive on the single 8' door soon...

 

[The Money Pit]

I agree with Glen. I've got 2 WD openers and had to call costomer service once because I thought a remote was bad. It wasn't and they were very friendly. I think the openers come with life time warranties too.