Q: What went wrong with the hydraulic doors

A: Nothing went wrong with the hydraulic doors, when the door manufacture has a poor cylinder bracket design and the forces the 2 power full cylinders have on the building column, the combination of both the building column and the sub-frame bracket are not properly designed you will have door failures. The stresses on a hydraulic door are much different than a Bi-fold door...hydraulic door when open are sticking way out there and there are the 2 cylinders that are holding the door in all positions, so the cylinder bracket must be designed to carry those forces, and all the forces are transferred to the buildings door column, now knowing that, how can anyone tell you the door puts NO stress unto your building..Everyone is gonna have to rethink that statement! Hydraulic doors are a great design, but must be done right and understand the hydraulic door and its forces!

Q: Their has been stories about hydraulic failures can you explain

A: When a hydraulic door has not been properly designed the top pivot points that the cylinder attaches to are breaking off, failing. It's important to inspect each door and check for signs of failure. Also google the word door failures and read up any problems that are published on the web.

Q: We have a hydraulic door and are concerned about a door failure what should we be looking for?

A: Raise the door to a half open position and jog the down switch several times so the door comes to a stop.Keep an eye on the top cylinder and cylinder bracket and watch for movement in the bracket. The bracket over time may fail if it was manufactured to light of material, you must understand both cylinders carry the entire weight of the door.

Q: When the door is fully open and lower the door and stop the door at midpoint my building column bounces what does this tell you?

A: The door column may be to light or that the building column is not properly braced to take the forces of the hydraulic cylinders since the doors cylinder bracket is offset from the centerline of the door side column that causes eccentric loading and torsion on the door side column. Correct the problem when you know this is happening.

Q: Others are saying the door comes with it's own frame work and does not hang on the building can you explain this better?

A: Yes the door may come with its' own frame work, but the doors frame work are anchored to the buildings side columns and the buildings header. When you attach the door and the doors sub frame to the building structure, now the door and subframe are relying on the building structure to support the door and the doors operation. When the door is in the fully open position it hangs way out there off the end of the building now the building structure is supporting the door, when the door is being opened the cylinders are putting forces to the cylinder brackets and doors sub-frame that is attached to the vertical building columns,note the cylinders are offset to the inside of the building columns that carrying the loads of the door in all positions.... Yes a sub-frame adds extra support, but every hydraulic door needs a building to hang off of and door columns to support the door and the power full cylinders that raise and lower the door. All buildings must be designed to carry the weight, loads and the doors operation to make a safe installation. This is how you avoid door failures/building failures.

Q: Why is everyone talking about the lift straps on the Schweiss Bi-Fold Doors.

A: Because it's the latest and greatest method of lifting your bifold doors. Straps offer a real advantage on the safety ratio because of the strength of each strap which is 29,000 #'s compared to 7200#'s -And most important of all the Lift Straps offer a faster lifting method.

Q: How long have you been mfg the lift strap doors? Are the customers satisfied with the lift straps doors?

A: Schweiss has been manufacturing it's patented lift straps for 8 years. Once a customer buys a strap door, he's our best salesman because he is always bragging to his neighbors about the lift straps.

Q: Do you still do the cable doors ?

A: Yes we do... But the strap doors have taken over the market because of the simplicity, smoothness and long lasting. Customers are demanding the strap doors!!

Q: We are in need of a large bifold door. The door size will be about 47-feet wide by 18-feet clear. For a large hangar door, would you recommend cables or straps??

A: Schweiss custom manufactures large bifold doors of any size to match up to your new or existing building. The strap doors are the best and wisest investment you could make on a large hangar door of this size. Eighty percent of all doors leave the factory with the lift straps. Customers are realizing the benefits of the straps. Think about it, cables must track side by side, and the straps wrap on top of themselves in a guided lift strap drum - the straps never "birds nest" --getting all tangled or criss crossed on the lift strap drum. Customer's comments back to Schweiss, "why bother with a cable door when the strap doors are far superior." By the way, straps are much easier to install and will outlast the cable doors.

Q: Schweiss, We are general contractors and have a requirement to install 4 each bi-fold doors for a fire station in Honolulu. the openings are 14'x14'. Door panels shall be made of aluminum with clear tempered glass section at 5' high. Doors shall meet wind load requirement of 120mph. Doors shall be motor operated. Please provide your best price and aailability by Monday, 6/1/09. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

A: Yes you will hear from Schweiss Soon!

Q: I have a project for a Graphic Arts studio here in Denver. We have an existing wood shop we are remodeling into a designers studio, we looked at your Schweiss designer door pages and really liked the Old Navy doors. On the south facing exterior wall(lots of sun) there are four garage door openings we would like to use your bi-fold glass doors, low E glass, power openers, each opening is 6'0"X7'0". If possible we would like to do the install. We are ready to get the project moving as soon as possible. Could you give me an idea of what our lead times are as well as a quote for these doors?

A: We are happy to work with you and will have prices shortly!

Q: Please provide me design infomation and shop dwt. and quote for 40'widex 18'-0" high Bfld door. Delivery is Chautauqua County New,York 14701. Contact me for questions. May I have your design,weight and clearance dims by Tuesday 6-2-09 morning or sooner.

A: Yes we get right on it --thanks for coming by!

Q: What is the required power to lift the door

A: The required power to lift the door, on hydraulic and bifold doors is 220 volt.. Three phase power may also be used to lift the door. The power to lift a door will vary depending on the size of door being lifted and the number of electric motors. The larger doors require more power to lift .

Q: When I order my hydraulic door, and the door is split for shipping, does the customer have to weld the door frame back together? Please reply soon. Thanks

A: Hydraulic door frames have bolted connections - that makes it quick and easy to assemble. The bolts are supplied with each Hydraulic Door!

Q: On the one piece hydraulic doors, does the power unit have to be positioned near the up/down station? I would like to place the hydraulic power unit in the back storage room where it will not be an eye sore.

A: Good question - Schweiss's one piece hydraulic power unit can be easily placed in any corner or room in a hangar building, so when inside the hangar building, you will only see the up/down station and not the hydraulic pump. Your one piece hangar door can be nicely finished off, to add a touch of class to your hangar home.

Q: The one piece hydraulic doors extend outward when opening, not like the bifold doors. Do you have a chart or a graph showing how far back we must stay away from the front of a hydraulic door when it's being opened/operated ?

A: Schweiss can provide you the safe distance measurements you must keep clear of the front of your hydraulic door to avoid any damage to your airplane while the door is being operated. You can then decide if there is enough space on the ramp to park your airplane without blocking the taxi way .... for passing traffic.

Q: Why do you recomend a window in the hydraulic doors?

A: So the operator can visually see whats parked in the doorway, or what may be passing by the one piece door that swings outward when opening.

Q: If we choose to install our own door, will this affect the warranty of your door ?

A: Schweiss stands behind their product if you decide to install the door yourself, as we have a easy to read, step-by-step install manuals, and have many satisfied customers who installed their own doors.

Q: What door do you recommend, the hydraulic or the bifold door?

A: We manufacture both styles of doors, and show you the comparisons so you will be able to choose the door style that fits your door needs, and every door is custom built for you.

Q: Need Quote On:24x20 Hydra Fold Door Insulated Installed With Steel Attached Power lift Installed Door Will you travel To Hamberg, Iowa

A: Yes Schweiss Install team travels through out the country to install hydraulic & bi-fold doors. We have many doors in Iowa and are more than willing to get you a quote per your request. Thanks

Q: Prices on your hydraulic doors are good, is there anything left out that i may need at a later date.

A: We have built our door reputation on offering the best components on the market today, we offer the best hydraulic prices to go along with our quality "One Piece "door. Yes Schweiss will save you money on your next hydraulic door.

Q: Hi guy's, I need a Schweiss one piece hydraulic aircraft hanger door, 18m x 5m, I am in Australia, what would it cost me for a complete kit including hydraulics etc... landed in Australia, alternatly do you have someone in Australia that can make this door, here from you soon Josh.

A: Yes Schweiss has a strong presence in Australia. We just shipped 4 more doors last week .. We can Help you.

Q: Hi Jeremy--In our conversation last week you asked for a picture of the door after install. We're still not completely done but here it is. The door is very well made and most of my neighbors are envious (including the several that own Brand X ). Got two folks in here that are modifying/adding hangars and they are seriously considering Schweiss. The benefits over Brand X are: * door arrived with no dings or rust (Brand x's have been fairly mangled) * sturdier * less expensive * much more complete kit--on a Brand X door you have to cut and flare all of your tubes--yours come set up with individualized instructions and just bolts together. Also, all of the mechanical aspects are assembled and connected. Thx for a good product with excellent value.

A: Thanks for the compliments ! Schweiss

Q: Where does Schweiss mount there hydraulic door operator?

A: Each hydraulic door has a self contained hydro-powered pump that can located anywhere in your building.

Q: We have industrial door application,does your bi-fold doors or hydraulic doors vary much in price. Our existing industrial door is worn out and need to replace soon.

A: Schweiss industrial doors are priced evenly and it is your choice of which style of industrial door fits your building and application. Heavy Duty Industrial doors from Schweiss are designed for many trouble free cycles.

Q: Hi, I received a quote for a 40 x 12 door, Thanks. But I have a fellow EAA member who is also building a hangar that I am coordinating. He needs a 40 x 10 Bi-fold door. Would you please send me a quote. His name is Greg

A: We are sending a quote and a special discount because we are a eaa member and Schweiss takes care of these guys. Thanks

Q: I want a garage door Bi fold and opens to the side can you do that?

A: Sure we can help, Jason

Q: I would like a quote on a 40'x 10' door for a hanger building located in Warsaw Indiana. Door will be located in the end wall of a post frame structure.

A: Call Schweiss and we'll be happy to help

Q: I have a Behlen slant wall quonset that I would like to put a new door on. I need your help in choosing the right door for the building. The door opening is 23'10" in width and 15'3" to the bottom of the steel header. The steel header is only 9" in width at the outside points of the opening and 13" in the middle of the opening. I need to keep the full 15'3" height of the door. Could you tell me what I have to do to mount the door and give me a quote on both hydralic and bifold doors or kits that I may need. Thank You

A: Will do

Q: I have an existing building that needs a new schweiss door, but I can’t afford to loose any height in my opening. What do you suggest a hydraulic door?

A: A hydraulic door by Schweiss would give you a strong and safe door without costing you any opening height. Also the hydraulic door extends off of the building to provide additional cover and shade to your driveway.

Q: Schweiss team I need pricing for standard t-hangar doors, with straps how long will it take to get the bid to Us, Thanks The doors will be going to Canada.

A: We will have it to you shortly. Thanks

Q: I already have one small airplane hanger for my light aircraft, and I'm considering building another. I've heard installing hydraulic doors can save me money. Is this true?

A: Absolutely! Hydraulic doors are perfect for small airplane hangers – and yes, installing hydraulic doors will save you money. Here's why: because hydraulic doors lift out and swing up, only 5" of headroom is required. So, whether you're considering hydraulic doors for your existing hanger or your new building, you need not worry about adjusting the size of either building to accommodate your new hydraulic doors. With Schweiss One-Piece Hydraulic Doors, you can build the hanger you want – and that means lower sidewalls, less insulation, less siding and less labor costs overall! Not to mention, when you go with Schweiss, your hydraulic doors come with a seven-year warranty – and that means long-term savings!

Q: I'm considering purchasing a hydraulic door for my machine shed. Are hydraulic doors difficult to install and maintain?

A: Not at all. When you purchase Schweiss hydraulic doors, we work with you to ensure your installation experience is hassle-free. Our One-Piece Hydraulic Doors have only three main components: our signature One-Piece Door Frame, hydraulic rams (2) and the electric hydraulic power unit. All of our hydraulic doors come with a seven-year warranty – so your hydraulic door remains hassle-free long after installation. Not to mention, Schweiss One-Piece Hydraulic Doors allow for extended protection for your machinery: each of our hydraulic doors opens easily and seals tight against harsh weather.

Q: Are hydraulic doors dangerous because they open outward?

A: At Schweiss, safety is our middle name. We work to educate our customers on how to appropriately and safely use our hydraulic doors. To minimize safety concerns, the entire area affected when hydraulic doors open and close should be clearly painted with NO PARKING notices. The area in front of all hydraulic doors should always remain clear of people, vehicles and machinery. Schweiss recommends all hydraulic doors be installed with clear windows, allowing door operators to foresee any obstruction before opening. If you are concerned about the outward-opening nature of hydraulic doors and/or your space is precious, you may want to consider our bifold doors instead. While hydraulic doors open outward, bifold doors open upward. Whether bifold or hydraulic doors, Schweiss will always help you find the right choice for your operation

Q: Do you guys ship to Canada

A: Yes we have trucks going into Canada every two weeks..call and we will get you a freight rate, Thanks

Q: How much power does it take to lift a hydraulic door ?

A: The power to lift a door by Schweiss, is a 2 hp or 5 hp motor. Power to lift the door depends on the size of the door, every door is custom built by Schweiss

Q: I'm working with a large metal industrial building and we need one more schweiss hydraulic door. Can you quote a price for a door with a 24' width and 16' height. The building has a 26' side wall, so the ultimate height of the mechanism is not an issue. Can you help me. Thanks

A: Yes the bid will be to you in 15 minutes..Thanks

Q: I installed a new Schweiss lift strap bi-fold (40X13) with auto-latch on my hangar last summer. I'm toying with the idea of adding the remote opener. How hard is to upgrade an existing door?

A: The remotes are easy to install thanks to our electrical system designs and you'll love them.

Q: Do your bifold or hydraulic doors work on a post-frame construction?

A: Yes, all of ours can be adapted to any type of building. Post-frame construction is very common when it comes to installing our doors. We provide a diagram or the spec sheet that explains where everything is to be mounted, and the forces that apply.

Q: I am looking for a schweiss door that is 12ft high and 12 ft wide. I am looking for pricing on your doors that size. Please sent cataloge through mail, Thank you.

A: Salesman will be calling

Q: We like the hydraulic door, is there any way to hide the external truss?

A: Yes, the truss can be located on the inside of the door frame.

Q: My neighbor has a hydraulic door, and it looks like the frame of the door is bowing outward in the closed position, making it look like the wall is not straight?

A: Hydraulic doors are built with a camber built into the door frame.

Q: What width door do you recomend on my farm shop?

A: The advice we give to the customer, the "bigger the better," that's the great feature about the Bifold or the One-Piece doors from Schweiss. A wider door allows you to park 3 vehicles/equipment side by side in the doorway, saving you the time of moving one vehicle to get to the other, a major time saver, and its handy to have, yet when you need to get that large combine or planter into the shop for a tune up, just push the up button and drive the entire rig into the shop's work area. It doesn't get any handier than that...

Q: What size of doors are customers ordering for farm shops??

A: Many customers are asking for 30' shop doors. We at Schweiss, try to talk the customer into a 36' and larger door sizes. Many farm shop doors are 40' wide. This size door allows you more flexibility when trying to fit equipment into your new farm shop.

Q: What clear opening height under the farm shop doors do you see going into these new modern farm shops?

A: Every customer has different requirements. From what customers are saying, they want nothing less than 16ft in the clear, and 18ft is what works best for the large combines with grain extension tanks. The larger the shop door, the more user friendly the shop becomes. We have customers stopping by and "Thanking Us" for talking them into a larger size door than they originally had planned on.

Q: Does the price change much if we go with a larger door?

A: The cost difference to add additional footage to your door at the time of purchase is very minimal. But well worth it.

Q: When using a metal bifold door on a wood structure can the door header be a laminated wood beam ?

A: Schweiss doors are made to fit on wood or steel structures. The header being wood or metal will work with the metal bifold or hydraulic doors.

Q: We are a kenyan company that deals with agricultural farming and processing. We are looking for upward folding doors for our new rice mill with the following dimensions:12ftx14ftx14ft. please send us your qoutations and details of your products. Thanks. Jack O

A: All Schweiss doors are custom made!

Q: Do you know if RM Steel is still in buisiness .

A: Yes they are a hangar building manufacture in Idaho, Just talked with Rob the other day.

Q: I have a beaver on floats what size door do we need ?

A: Whip floats all fit in 18 foot tall doors

Q: I need to speak w/ a representative ASAP about a possible long term business relationship. First and foremost, I have a customer actively searching for door. Our sliders for that particular model are not big enough to accomodate her airplane. She has solid, corrugated steel endwalls and she would like at least a 10'HX40'W door system. What are our options? It is a quonset, 54'WX15'H in the center. We may consider somethin possible automatic as she wants something easy to open as she continues to age. Please contact crownsteelbuildings call me as I would love to discuss options and, of course, pricing.

A: Door size is no problem - to make it easy for the end user we have remote operated door with auto latching system, with the Header support supplied and furnished to fit your style of round roof building. All of our doors are priced reasonable and affordable. Thanks

Q: I have a Commercial application and looking for a 12 x 14 door with Lift straps Auto latches & remotes--whats your lead time? Thanks Alan

A: 3 to 4 weeks Julie

Q: Sirs, I'm beginning to define progect requirements for an industrial building needing (2) 20'w x 20'h bi-fold doors and (4) 24'w x 20'h hydraulic overhead doors. My need is twofold. First I need technical information, like a catalog, that provides an understanding of your light industrial door products. Second is a need to define a budget for these doors installed in a County operated transfer facility. In this regard, it is most helpful if my budget is able to embrace good quality doors with a long life. The need is for approximate costs - not a quote, that I can use to define a budget for the project. An email response works best for me.

A: The Schweiss door literature will provide a better understanding of the light industrial doors we have been manufacturing for the past 25 years. Looking for good quality and doors with a long life , our doors will do just that. Sending materials on 12-24-08 ,budjet numbers and information will be included in your door packet.

Q: We have installed 3 Schweiss doors on various hangars at our airport in the last few months, and we have in house maintenance. Do you provide any type of training so that our folks can be trained do preventative maintenance as well as repairs?

A: Schweiss will provide training for your people to do preventative maintenance to your doors and Schweiss offers this service at no charge to your company.