Garage Door Opener Belt Drive Versus Chain Drive

When comparing the chain drive garage door opener and the belt drive system you will notice that the belt drive is much quieter.

Garage door opener belt drive versus chain drive.

The benefits of a chain drive garage door opener. In comparison chain drive openers can bring more muscle to the job for less money and are often specified for heavier doors and arid climates. But they are virtually silent. It uses a chain running assembly unit attached to tension springs that lift the garage door up and down.

Most garage door openers tend to lift a garage door at a rate of 7 to 8 inches per second. The rubber belt is used to slide the trolley when the door is triggered to open or close the door. Belt drive garage openers use a rubber belt to open the garage door. The belt drive because of its smooth operation does it slightly faster if that matters to you.

Opener capacities in raynor belt drive models range from 1 2 hp to 3 4 hp. The noise from the chain drive which is made from the gearing motor and metal to metal contact leaves this type of opener at a disadvantage. With proper maintenance a chain will outlast a belt though the frequency of use obviously makes a big difference. Large heavy or wood doors often require the installation of a chain drive garage door opener.

However belt drives cost more then chain drives. Chain drive openers are popular in industrial settings. Belt drive garage door openers tend to be only slightly more expensive than chain drive openers. Belt drive garage door openers are by far the quietest openers out of chain drive and screw drive openers.

So if your garage is attached to the house and you hate the noise involved with garage doors this is definitely a good choice. Belt drives are strong enough for average home needs but chain drives can do the truly heavy lifting.