Update Requested for Shaft Mounted Door Operator

[LifeLongWNYer]

Hi all. I have read the thread about the 8500 shaft mounted door operator, and noted what was working for some, but it appeared, to me, that the results were inconsistent, and the "thing" which worked for some, did not for others.

I noted that the thread was quite old, so I am wondering what the current state of affairs are for this model opener.

I am looking for a "plain Jane" installation, wireless control from a vehicle, and by a momentary switch in the building. I am not ( currently ) interested in the ability to control them from my cel phone, or receiving messages when the doors open or close.

So, which "pieces and parts" should I purchase?

My doors are being installed soon, and then I'll be in the market for a pair of operators, I've been planning on shaft mounted units, I just hope the manufacturer has resolved the problems.



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[Raisedonadeere]

Two years ago, I waded through the threads and got to where your are. Finally took stock of fact that so many like them and just went ahead and ordered two units for my 16' doors. The wifi/internet capability is an add on module so I just bought the models that did not include that module.

They are working perfectly, and very quiet, had to get used to them being slower than the chamberlain rail type in my previous house but slow seems OK now.

I would have no concerns at all except now, how long are they going to keep on working? If they keep on working I don't think I will want anything better, and if I want to add wifi/internet I will just buy the module. It is pretty much plug and play with the typical wifi set up procedures.

Best door opener I have ever had, coming from a long line of the rail types.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I installed an 8500 5 years ago and have not had any problem with it. I have the internet gateway and it has worked well. Liftmaster did proactively offer a free replacement wall control module which I think had to do with the complaints associated with the door opening randomly and I replaced my control unit a year or two ago. I would buy another.

 

[XRlifer]

Installed my 8500 on my shop door 3 years ago, same set up as you are looking for. Works great so far.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I put the Genie jack shaft openers in my garage build. One issue on install but service / parts was a day away. They have all the bells and whistles in my install, WIFI, battery back up etc. But you don't have to use it and I think a simpler version is available.

https://geniecompany.com/garage-door-openers/pro-line.aspx

 

[Yankeefarmer]

I installed two 8500’s this spring after considering different options. Decided against the 8500W because I didn’t want internet open/close capability. I saw all the concerns about the wall control units, but the current models use a different control and Liftmaster claims on their website that the new one (889?) addressed the problems with the earlier one. Except for the unclear programming instructions, I’ve been very satisfied with mine.

Tip to avoid the programming issue that confused me: When you climb the ladder to program the up/down limits, be sure to bring the car remote up the ladder with you.

 

[Exzion]

I installed 3 of them (8500W) in my detached shop. Have had them a little over a year so far without any issues at all.

The reports of them randomly opening had me a little paranoid, so I setup a nest cam that can see the doors to check for the randomly open door problem and serve as a simple monitoring system as I have a bunch of family/friends that use my shop occasionally.

 

[Jwallace1]

i installed my liftmaster 8500 in October of 2018 without a single issue so far, i need to buy a second one for the other door that has been seeing more use and im tired of opening manually

thanks

 

[kj_mustang]

I installed one on my detached garage about 6 years ago and two on my new house attached garage about 2.5 years ago. No issues with any of them.

 

[gnpenning]

For what you described for your use buy the 8900w. It's wall button isn't part of the control system. Very plain Jane and dependable.

Never buy the 8500 only 8500w.

 

[mmb617]

It's been 11 years since I installed my Liftmaster 8500. Plain Jane version without the added module. Zero problems so far.

 

[ishiboo]

Just installed two Chamberlain RJ070's, which I think are the 8500W equivalents. Everything works great including the built-in Internet capability, battery backup, etc.

Installation was easy and straightforward.

When they throw the cables, it's a pain. I would suggest doing all the work required to prevent it from ever doing it. I angled my tracks up by moving the ends 4 holes up the brackets and stopping the door from opening a few inches into the opening.

But you also may want to install some helper springs to keep the tension cables on the drums:

https://www.northshorecommercialdoo...Wefpg6H5zcKVeNiRrdwfTHBqjIuEJqMsaAoiyEALw_wcB

They are cheap and I guarantee they pay for themselves the very first time they prevent a thrown cable.

Cannot attest to the longevity of the controllers, but my understanding is the issue is fixed as well.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

Very good folks, thank you, as always, for the input. I think the 8900 will be my choice.



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[dcg9381]

Just installed two Chamberlain RJ070's, which I think are the 8500W equivalents. Everything works great including the built-in Internet capability, battery backup, etc.
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I bought one of these too. It's very satisfying to hear the thing lock when it's all the way down. I did have to kick the garage door company's *** to get the correct spring installed on the door.

I declined to go with openers provided by the garage door company, as they were quoting like $975 for jack-shaft. I think I paid around $350 plus someone to install it (I've got other stuff going on). The issue this causes is a lot of he-said-she said in terms of two contractors fighting over what's "wrong" with the install... Then again, having a 2nd set of eyes on the install got some things fixed that I wouldn't have noticed.