Light, Medium, or Industrial: Types of Commercial Overhead Door Operators

At KBS, we understand your need for reliable, structurally sound overhead door operators. They must be functional, secure, and durable to handle your warehouse, agricultural structure, or other commercial building overhead door activities. With our selection of the best overhead doors, we can outfit any project you might have.

However, if you’re unsure what kind of overhead door you need, KBS has compiled this handy guide for light, medium, or industrial commercial overhead doors.

What Sets Commercial Overhead Doors Apart?

Commercial overhead doors and operators are different from those you would use in a residential building. Commercial overhead doors must be of an appropriate size and weight to handle the number of cycles per day. Commercial doors have a much higher cycle amount, which means the operator must be durable enough to handle consistent activity.

You must also take horsepower into consideration. Your needs will depend on the size of the door and its usage. Larger, heavier doors need more horsepower to open and close many times throughout the day.

Types of Operating Mechanisms

Different types of operating mechanisms can help your overhead doors open quickly and without hassle. They are vital for your company’s efficiency. KBS offers a few different types of operating mechanisms to fit your overhead door and budget.

Trolley Operator

Trolley operators are mounted in the middle of the ceiling. They have a rail that connects the garage door to the operator.

Hoist Operator

Hoist operators are typically mounted to the wall when used with large sectional overhead doors. The doors can have vertical or high lifts.

Jackshaft Operator

Jackshaft operators are designed to be used on any door with a shaft, sprockets, and chains as the driving elements. They can be installed on high or vertical lift doors or on standard lift sectional doors. They can be mounted to the wall, hood, or shelf on either side of the door.

Light-Duty Operators

Light-duty operators are more limited than medium and industrial operators. These are limited to 7-8 cycles per hour and approximately 25 cycles per day. The doors they can operate are typically much lighter than other doors. If you have a heavier door, do not choose a light-duty operator. Exceeding the cycle specifications can result in a decrease in unit longevity, which will require a replacement much sooner than the appropriate operator size.

Medium-Duty Operators

Medium-duty operators are typically limited to 12 cycles per hour and 50 cycles per day. These work best with medium-weight or moderately heavy overhead doors. They are strong and durable and can last for many years if working the correct weight door.

Industrial-Duty Operators

Industrial-duty operators are considered the workhorses of the overhead door operator family. They are limited to 25 cycles per hour and are used for industrial strength lifting.

Contact KBS Today For Free Overhead Door Operator Quotes

If you are looking for commercial overhead doors and operators, look no further than KBS. We can help you with your installation and servicing needs. Our business has been around for four generations, and we take pride in our customer service and knowledge. We have partnerships with many stellar overhead door vendors. Let us help you choose your overhead doors and operators for your warehouse or business. Call us today at 507-2882-7970 or message us on our contact page.