Abstract: A door closer is shown, which is installed between a door and a door frame, in a balanced door. The door closer is installed in a header of the door frame, and includes an operative connection to a hinge shaft upon which upper and lower door support arms pivot. The operative connection includes a first gear mounted on a check shaft which engages a second gear mounted on the hinge shaft. The second gear preferably has a larger effective diameter than the first gear whereby the limited rotation of the hinge shaft results in a greater rotation of the check shaft to fully utilize the closer functions.