What types of garage door trolleys are there?

Trolleys are grouped by how the opener moves them along the rail. Each design rides a rail built for its drive, so a chain trolley will not work on a belt rail or a screw-drive opener. Within each type, trolleys also vary by brand and model, which is why the opener's model number matters more than the drive type alone.

The three main types

• Chain-driven: a metal chain pulls the trolley along the rail. Strong and durable, but noisier than the others.
• Belt-driven: a reinforced belt pulls the trolley. Quieter, which makes belt drives a common choice for garages under or beside living space.
• Screw-driven: the trolley rides a threaded rod that turns. Fewer moving parts, but slower, and it can be sensitive to temperature changes.

How to tell which one you have

With the door closed, look at the rail from the floor. A chain running the length of the rail means a chain drive, a flat rubber-looking band means a belt drive, and a long threaded rod means a screw drive. Then find the label on the opener's motor unit for the brand and model number, which identifies the correct replacement trolley.

Different types, different care

Maintenance is not the same across the three. Follow the opener manual for rail or screw lubrication, and do not spray a drive belt. Chain requirements vary by model. See how to maintain a garage door trolley, or compare the two most common drives in belt vs. chain openers.

Read more

• Garage door trolley guide
• Chain drive openers
• Garage door opener repair

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