Geared Machine Room Lifts

The elevator drive unit & controller are situated in the machine room, positioned on top of the lift shaft
Three to five lengths of wire cable, known as hoisting ropes (or wire ropes), are fastened to the top of
the elevator and looped around the drive sheave, in particular grooves in a geared traction machine. The
wires' other ends are connected to a counterweight that goes up and down on its own guide rails in the
hoist path. The cables are pressed into the grooves of the drive sheave by the combined weight of the
elevator car and the counterweight, providing the necessary traction as the sheave revolves.
 
The counterweight is estimated to match the weight of the cabin and a half-load of people to lessen the
burden on the motor. The counterweight drops as the automobile climbs, balancing the burden.