Machine Room Elevator

Traction elevators are lifted by ropes, which pass over a wheel attached to an  electric motor above the elevator shaft. They are used for mid and high-rise  applications and have much higher travel speed than hydraulic elevators.

Geared traction elevators have a gearbox that is attached to the motor, which  drives the wheel that moves the ropes. Geared traction elevators are capable of  travel speeds upto 170 feet per minute. The maximum travel distance fora geared traction elevator is around 250 feet.

Geared traction elevators are in the middle of the road in terms of initial cost,  ongoing maintenance costs, and energy consumption. Gear-less traction elevators  have a high initial cost, medium ongoing maintenance costs, and use energy a bit  more efficiently than geared traction elevators.

It is important that traction elevator ropes and sheaves are checked for wear on a  regular basis.

Traction elevators have height restrictions that are governed by the  length and weight of the cables or ropes.