Robust, quiet, and durable, Overhead Door® automatic garage door openers are designed for performance. The entire line features a variety of power levels and specifications to handle different garage door weights and sizes. Many homeowners ask themselves, “What’s the difference between openers?”
With modern technology, each opener features built-in standard safety, convenience, and power functions. Depending on the model and annual maintenance, a garage door opener can last up to 10 or more years, and it is essential to get a suitable opener that fits your garage door and lifestyle.
What’s the Difference Between Openers?
Screw
Belt
Chain
Opener Drive Types:
The garage door drive moves the garage door up and down along the guide rail. Within this guide is a screw, chain, or belt which moves the trolley along the guide to open and close your door.
Screw Drive Garage Door Opener
These garage door openers will give you the most power with the fastest operating speeds. If you have a large garage door measuring 14 ft. high or one-piece doors up to 8ft high, these are the openers you’ll want to use. This is because our screw drive openers feature an exclusive direct drive system that transfers more power from the motor without using a gear reduction system.
- Strength – Screw drive openers can produce more lifting power, making them a great choice for garages with oversized doors as well as wooden or glass panel doors.
- Low maintenance – Since screw drive openers have fewer moving parts, they also require less maintenance and are less likely to have parts slip or come apart.
- Fast – Most door openers lift 6 to 8 inches of the door per second; screw drive openers can open a door at 10 to 12 inches per second.
- Size – Screw drive openers are compact and have a more efficient transfer of power between the motor and the door. It can lift more weight than a belt drive opener of the same size.
Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
Chain-drive garage door openers use a metal chain to open the garage door and implement a chain-running assembly unit attached to tension springs that lift the garage door up and down. They are among the most affordable in the industry and feature a rugged, time-tested design that is durable and long-lasting.
- Dependability/Durability: When properly maintained, these drive openers will last for years and aren’t subject to performance issues when temperatures or humidity fluctuate.
- Robustness: Chain drives are favored in heavy-duty applications.
- New Technology: Modern versions have quieter DC motors and smoother operation with soft start and stop features.
- Price: Chain drive openers are typically more affordable.
Belt Drive Garage Opener
These openers open garage doors using a rubber belt. The belt slides a trolley when the door is triggered to open or close. With proper periodic maintenance, belt units offer years of trouble-free service. Belt drives are ultra quiet because they are smooth and have no metal-on-metal contact in the rail.
- Minimal Noise: Belt drive garage doors are much quieter to operate thanks to being made of rubber.
- Strength: Recent innovations in belt drives’ construction and durability mean these openers can handle substantial lifts.
- Ease of Installation: Replacing a worn or broken belt can be significantly easier than replacing a broken chain drive.
- Easy Maintenance: Belt drives don’t require regular lubrication or rust-prevention measures.
Garage Door Openers*
Our complete line of automatic openers features a variety of power levels and specifications to handle different garage door weights and sizes. Each opener also has built-in standard safety, convenience, and power functions.
*All residential models must come with Battery Backup in CA.
The Overhead Door™ brand offers various additional garage door opener accessories.
Max Door Height: 14’
Max Speed: 7.5″ per second
Drive Type: Wall Mount
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 850 lbs.
Motor Type: 24V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Max Door Height: 14’
Max Speed: 9″ per second
Drive Type: Belt or Chain
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 750 lbs.
Motor Type: 140V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Max Door Height: 8’
Max Speed: 6.5″ per second
Drive Type: Belt or Chain
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 350 lbs.
Motor Type: 24V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Max Door Height: 8’
Max Speed: 7″ per second
Drive Type: Belt or Chain
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 500 lbs.
Motor Type: 24V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Max Door Height: 10’
Max Speed: 7″ per second
Drive Type: Belt or Chain
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 500 lbs.
Motor Type: 24V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Garage Door Opener Accessories
These optional garage door accessories complement your opener and are engineered for convenience. Each accessory features something different to help you enjoy your new garage door system to the fullest.
*All Residential Openers Must Come with Battery Backup in CA.
The Battery Backup accessory offers homeowners the security of always being prepared when severe weather hits, even in case of a power outage. It’s an accessory that can be easily installed and provides true peace of mind. The Battery Backup will do the heavy lifting when the power is out.
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Overhead Door Company of Southern California™ – 12215 Kirkham Road Suite 200, Poway, CA 92064
Call Us Today at (858) 264-3650
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