No, that budget motor won't lift your monster door forever
Let's talk garage door motors or as we call them, the unsung heroes doing the grunt work behind the scenes. They get pressed into service dozens of times a week, expected to haul a heavy door up and down without complaint.
But here's the thing: not all motors are created equal and no, that little Merlin MS65 isn't designed to lift a 150kg double door. We've seen it tried. We've seen it fail. We've seen the smoke.
The weight-lifting truth: not every motor can lift every door
Garage motors are rated for a reason. Some are made for lightweight single doors. Others are built like gym junkies, ready to haul big, heavy sectional doors with windows, insulation and attitude.
Trying to use a small motor on a big door is like asking a pushbike to tow a caravan. Sure, it might move... for a bit. Then you'll be calling us.
Why the right motor matters
- Lifespan: An under-powered motor will wear out faster than it should. You'll be replacing it sooner and paying twice.
- Safety: If the motor is struggling, it may not reverse properly when it hits resistance. That's a safety risk, especially with kids and cars around.
- Noise: Motors working beyond their limit get loud. Rattly, groany, early-morning-wake-the-whole-street loud.
- Warranty: Using the wrong motor can void your warranty. And yep, manufacturers can tell.
"But it works fine!" - famous last words
We've heard it all:
"It's been working fine for years!"
"My mate installed it and said it was sweet."
"It just stopped working suddenly."
Here's the reality: when a motor is lifting more than it should, it's under constant strain. You might not notice anything for a while but internally it's like a kettle on full boil, something's going to give.
How we match the right motor to your door
When we recommend or install a motor, we look at:
- The type of door (roller, sectional, tilt)
- The size
- The weight (including things like insulation, windows, cladding)
- How often it gets used (once a day vs a commercial unit with 20+ cycles)
We're not here to upsell. We're here to stop your garage door from having a meltdown three months after install.
The MS65 (Merlin) myth (and others like it)
We love Merlin motors, they make great gear. But their MS65 is not made to lift a 150kg double sectional door. It's like putting a lawnmower engine in a 4WD - not ideal.
It might just manage for a while. But eventually, it'll throw in the towel and you'll be wondering why your "brand new motor" is coughing its last breath.
