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Metal shutters Published on 4 May 2026

Which Motor for a Metal Shutter? Central, Tubular or Side-Mounted

The motor is the heart of a motorised metal shutter — and the first cause of failure when badly chosen. Three families share the market, each with its favoured ground.

The central-axle motor

Mounted at the centre of the axle, it drives the winding directly. Powerful (up to 600 kg and more on some models), fitted with an electromagnetic brake and an emergency crank, it is the shop standard. Its electro-brake holds the shutter in position even under force.

The tubular motor

Housed inside the winding tube, compact and economical, it suits light to medium shutters (up to roughly 170 kg depending on torque). Ideal for narrow shopfronts and garage shutters; its limits: heavy curtains and intensive use.

The side motor

Fixed at the end of the axle, chain-driven or direct, it handles heavy curtains and high duty cycles: warehouses, car parks, industrial doors. Manual release and fine safety management make it the professional solution par excellence.

The deciding criteria

  • Curtain weight and area: the number-one figure — weigh or have it calculated, don't guess
  • Daily cycles: 2 cycles/day (shop) vs 40 cycles/day (car park) demand different mechanics
  • Space available in the box and power supply (single/three-phase)
  • Mandatory safeties: fall arrester, obstacle detection, emergency operation

Our technicians calculate the torque, supply and fit the motorisation suited to your shutter, anywhere in Île-de-France, with a free quote.

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