Drive & Motion
Ropes & Suspension
- 2016
- Established
- 300+
- Sites covered
- 800+
- Lifts maintained
- <1hr
- Emergency response
Wire-rope suspension is the workhorse of UK traction lifts — typically 4–8 ropes per car. Coated-belt suspension (e.g. KONE EcoDisc, Otis Gen2) is now common on modern MRL installations. Both wear gradually and are tightly governed by EN 81-20 discard criteria: broken wires per lay, diameter reduction, corrosion and stretch. A competent inspection regime catches replacement points years in advance.
Symptoms we look for
- Visible broken wires or rust at sheave contact zones
- Uneven rope tension across the set
- Audible ‘chirp’ from the drive sheave under load
- Excessive car bounce at the terminal floors
- Rope ends moved up at the hitch plate beyond original mark
What we do
- Periodic rope inspection to EN 81-20 / BS ISO 4309 discard criteria.
- Tension equalisation and shortening at the hitch plate.
- Full rope-set replacement with matched, certified ropes.
- Coated-belt inspection and replacement with manufacturer-approved parts.
- Sheave inspection — grooves, undercut and runout — and re-grooving or replacement where required.
Lifecycle expectation
Steel ropes typically last 10–15 years in normal commercial duty; high-traffic lifts may need 7–10 year cycles. Coated belts run on manufacturer-specified inspection regimes (typically a 20-year design life).
Considering this work?
Talk to one of our engineers.
We'll survey, quote and (if right for you) modernise with full Schedule 18 documentation.
Request a surveyRelated work
Ready to discuss your lift requirements?
Get in touch with our team for a free consultation and quote.