Comparing Chain Drive vs. Belt Drive Commercial Garage Door Openers

When looking to choose the right garage door opener for your commercial facility, chain drive and belt drive systems are two common options. Each has benefits and potential downsides, which means the decision will largely come down to your needs and priorities. In this article, we outline the distinctions between chain drive and belt drive commercial garage door openers help you determine which is right for you.

Garage Door Openers and Chain Drive

Durability and Strength: Chain drive openers are renowned for their strength and durability. They employ a metal chain, similar to a bicycle chain, used to lift and lower the door. This makes them ideal for high mass oversized commercial doors that require substantial lift.

Cheap: And cost, which is probably the biggest pro in favor of chain drive systems. They are also less expensive than belt drive openers and are often preferred by companies that want to get the most for their money without sacrificing quality.

Maintenance Requirements: Even though they are durable, chain drives need frequent upkeep to function correctly. The chain requires some periodic lubrication and adjustment so as not to become noisy or jerky. But you can make these openers last for many years with proper maintenance.

Noise Levels: Chain drives are generally noisier than belt drives. Metal-on-metal contact and vibrations will create audible sound that may be critical for your plant. But this could be a slight disadvantage for standalone garages or in industrial precincts where noise isn’t a concern.

Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

Whisper Operation: The silent operation of belt-drive openers is a point of pride. In comparison to chain drives, they use a rubber belt that moves the door, generating far less noise. As such, they are ideal in places where noise reduction is critical, including commercial premises adjacent to offices or residential areas.

Smoother Operation: The rubber belt is designed to move the garage door in a quieter and softer manner. It also reduces noise and wear and tear on the opener itself and the garage door, and can maybe even prolong their life span.

Lower Maintenance: The belt-drive systems typically require less-maintenance than chain-drive systems. There is no need to lubricate the belts and they are less susceptible to stretching or fraying, which can save you time and lead to lower long-term maintenance costs.

Price Factors: Belt-drive openers are usually a pricier option than their chain-drive counterparts, despite the many benefits. But if a quieter running unit and less maintenance suits your commercial needs, then the investment could be well worth it.

Which One is Right for You?

If you are looking to purchase a commercial garage door opener, the first thing you need to know is that you have a choice of the following types:

Expense: If initial price is a chief concern, a chain drive would likely be the preferred choice due to its reduced upfront cost.

Noise Sensitivity: Depending on the facility, a belt drive can operate with less noise making it a huge advantage.

Maintenance Capability: Review the availability of maintenance resources. When it comes to a low-maintenance option, a belt drive is the way to go.

Durability Requirements: In some cases, a chain drive may provide the required durability and lifting power for very heavy or large doors.

In a commercial setting, the pros and cons of each type of opener can help you determine which type will work best for your needs. DoorMaster Garage Doors provides an extensive selection of chain and belt drive garage door openers solutions for different commercial purposes. To find out more and get expert advice on the right opener for your facility, contact us today.