Not sure if the units on the bar sides could be ‘springs’ but perhaps some of you have seen a setup similar to this, I have not (the garage door opener was not operating as designed)
That’s a Wayne Dalton Torquemaster system. Here’s some info http://www.prodoorparts.com/articles/wayne-dalton-torquemaster-spring-systems/
does the door remained open when detached from the automatic opener?
That’s what you’re supposed to be testing.
I have that system at home, it is great and the opener mounts above the header
http://www.wayne-dalton.com/idrive_Torsion.asp
Balance of a garage door is important, that’s for sure. I’m sure a lack of springs would indicate a poorly balanced door.