Not to complicate things, but the last couple I've gotten have been "direct drive", with a carriage that rides on a long screw. They seemed to be both quiet and reliable. With chain drive, beware of plastic drive gears that strip.

Thanks. We are replacing a screw drive :-) and that seems stripped now. The screw turns, but whatever it is that locks into the screw to open the door just vibrates when we turn it on. Our door is a 16' sectional, fairly heavy metal door. Most of the openers for sale around here are chain or belt drive, not that you can't get a screw drive. We just want to try something different, and noise isn't a problem, and from what we've heard the chain links are the best choice for heavier doors.

If the springs are properly rated for the door, the weight of the door is not a big factor in pulling it open and closed. The springs should be rated to offset the door weight so that the opener does not have to lift that much weight, even for a heavy door.

Of course the friction from the tracks of a large door may be a factor in how strong the opener must be, and any misalignment of the door and tracks adds to the strain on the opener.

Bruce

The springs look correct for the door. It's not a very old installation, the home was built in 2003, and the door and springs still look almost new. One thing I have found, thanks to some comments on these threads, is that the balance is important before an opener is installed. IMO, the springs have stretched just a bit, and the door is operating a little "heavy." I don't have a problem adjusting the springs a bit. It should make the door operate much better.

Belt drives are a little quieter but generally more expensive which might be a benefit if you have sleeping space above the garage. As for durability, I'd think a chain would last a bit longer.

Having a properly adjusted door is the real key. If you're thinking about adjusting torsion springs, be very, very careful; they store a tremendous amount of force.

I just replaced a chain drive with a belt drive, and its a different kinda buzz sound. Decibel wise not particularly lower, but no decibel spikes like when metal chain slaps around under start or stop action.

Just to report back, we ended up going with a Chamberlain 3/4 hp chain drive. Purchased from Amazon, and had the local guy install it. Could have done it myself, but at the price they charged, couldn't refuse. The torsion springs had been replaced previously, and were adjusted properly. The door works great and would recommend one to anybody.

Belt Drives are a personal favorite and a sells really well for GDU.

However, the chain drives, particularly the Chamberlain 3/4hp is a real work horse.

It should stand the test of the time quite well!

Enjoy your new motor!