How to choose a new garage door opener
Home installation of a Wayne-Dalton garage door opener requires the homeowner to first determine what kind of springs their current garage door opener utilizes.
- Extension Springs: are visible on both sides of the garage door track.
- Torsion Springs: exposed springs coiled around the steel bar that extends from your opener.
- TorqueMaster Springs: are contained inside the steel bar that extends from your opener and are therefore not visible.
| Spring Sysytem | iDrive | Classicdrive |
| Extension Springs | Not compatible | 3018, 3018DLX, 3018-Z, 3522 |
| Torsion Springs | Torsion | 3018, 3018DLX, 3018-Z, 3522 |
| TorqueMaster Springs | TorqueMaster | 3018, 3018DLX, 3018-Z, 3522 |
If your current system is compatible with both idrive and Classicdrive, the following comparison chart highlights the major distinguishing features between the two.
| idrive | Classicdrive |
| Wall-mount (above the garage door) | Ceiling-mount |
| Door requires balancing | Easier to install |
| Higher price range | Lower price range |
| Advanced technology | Basic |
| Quieter | More durable (better for heavy wooden doors) |
| All-wireless accessories (including light kit) | Wired Wall Station and built-in light |
If you chose an idrive opener, purchase the model that corresponds to your garage door opener’s spring system.
If you chose a Classicdrive, use the following comparison chart narrow to help you narrow down your preference:
| Classicdrive | 3018 | 3018DLX | 3018-Z | 3522 |
| Wireless Keyless Entry Pad | Sold separately | Included | Sold separately | Sold separately |
| Z-Wave Enabled | No | No | Yes | No |
| Chain drive or Belt drive | Chain | Chain | Chain | Belt |
| Noise and Vibration | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet | Quietest |
