Commercial garage door openers or operators are motorized devices designed to open and close large doors in industrial settings. They operate different types of commercial garage doors, from sectional models to overhead steel installations. While they closely resemble residential garage door openers, they also possess unique features for commercial use. They’re built to handle heavy-duty and frequent operations.
Our guide provides more insight into the types of commercial garage door openers and how to select one that meets your needs.
Types of Commercial Garage Door Openers
Commercial overhead door operators fall into a few different categories. Here are the three most common types.
Trolley Openers
These are among the most common openers on the market. Their design resembles residential openers — they use a trolley system on horizontal tracks.
Commercial trolley openers are ideal for buildings or warehouse units with sectional overhead doors. You can choose from light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty capacities depending on your door’s weight and size.
Jackshaft Openers
Jackshaft openers are designed for vertical mounting instead of overhead mounting, and they go in the side room area beside the door. Many commercial and industrial environments require a lot of vertical space and clearance to ensure easy product and equipment movement, so jackshaft door operators are a popular choice. These commercial door operators are a good option for sectional and rolling doors.
Hoist Openers
Commercial hoist-style door operators are similar to jackshafts in that they are mounted on the wall beside the door. However, hoist operators have a distinct build, which includes a floor-level hoist chain that makes it easy to manually operate the door during emergencies and power cuts. They don’t have an emergency disconnection lever or release cord to trigger manual use.
Hoist openers are generally medium-duty and ideal for lighter commercial doors. They work seamlessly with high-lift and vertical-lift sectional doors, as well as light rolling doors and grilles.
Commercial Overhead Door Opener Drive Systems
A commercial garage door opener’s motor uses the drive mechanism to move the door along the tracks. Two types of drive systems are available:
- Chain drive: These openers use a metal chain connected to the trolley. When the motor operates, it drives the trolley along the rail, lifting and lowering the garage door. Chain drive systems are known for their strength and are well-suited for heavy commercial use.
- Jackshaft system: Jackshaft operators lack the traditional drive mechanism that translates motor power to the trolley. Instead, they mount to the wall and connect directly to the door’s horizontal shaft. The motor rotates the bar to raise and lower the door. A jackshaft system is suitable for rolling doors and various lift designs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Opener
Selecting the right operator for your commercial needs is essential for optimal performance. Consider the following factors as you decide.
Space and Layout
Space is a key consideration when installing an overhead opener. Examine the layout of your facility, particularly the door opening and the available vertical space. If you’re unsure what you need, bring in a garage door expert to help you choose the ideal opener for your layout, door style and door weight.
Horsepower
Garage door openers vary in terms of horsepower. The best commercial garage door opener for you depends on the type and weight of your door and your facility’s typical operation cycles.
LiftMaster operators come in three horsepower categories:
- Light-duty operators: These openers are compatible with smaller and lighter doors. They have a capacity of 25 cycles a day, making them ideal for businesses that don’t frequently operate their doors.
- Medium-duty operators: These are designed for medium-duty use with moderately heavy doors. They’re limited to 50 cycles a day, so they’re most suitable for areas with moderate traffic.
- Industrial-duty operators: These are heavy-duty industrial garage door openers. They have a capacity of 300 cycles a day and are ideal for especially heavy doors and high-traffic facilities.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are key considerations when shopping for a commercial opener. For maximum security, you may want an operator that closes the door after a certain amount of time has passed. It’s also a good idea to look for an opener with an easy, manual operation system in case of emergencies.
Door Speed
Faster openers save time, which is a valuable resource in commercial settings. Speed is important for commercial overhead doors because of its direct impact on efficiency and productivity. High-traffic environments, such as warehouses and loading docks, require fast door operation to minimize downtime and allow smooth workflow.
How to Choose a Commercial Garage Door Opener
Choosing a garage door opener that meets your needs is all about considering your situation and preferences. Here are steps to help you choose the right commercial opener for your business:
- Determine your door type and size: Commercial garage doors vary, from sectional and rolling steel to sliding doors. The size and weight of the door will influence the type of opener you choose.
- Examine usage frequency: The opener you choose will have a per-hour and per-day cycle limit. A light-duty opener is ideal if you operate the door a few times a day, while a heavy-duty opener is suitable for more continuous use.
- Decide on an opener type: Traditional trolley openers are a good choice for sectional doors, while jackshaft openers are the best fit for high-lift and rolling steel doors.
- Consider noise level: Garage door operators have varying features that impact their sound production. Chain drive systems are strong, but they are louder than their jackshaft alternatives. Depending on your business location and specific operations, noise level may be a deciding factor.
- Choose between AC and DC motors: Deciding on your preferred power option is vital because the difference in motor types impacts performance. Currently, the market has alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power options. While both offer reliable horsepower, DC motors have an edge over traditional AC motors. They’re quieter, more energy-efficient and more compatible with the latest technologies.
Get a Commercial Door Opener From Poulson Doors LLC
Selecting the right commercial garage door opener is key to ensuring efficiency and smooth operations in your facility. Understanding the different types of openers, drive systems and horsepower requirements will make the choice easier.
If you’re uncertain about the right product for your needs, consult garage door experts. Poulson Doors LLC is committed to meeting your needs, from commercial garage door opener installation to planned maintenance and repairs. Request an estimate for the opener you like or contact us directly for further assistance.
