Excessive wear on suspension means in lifts, particularly in machine-room-less (MRL) systems, has become a growing concern in recent years. A key factor influencing wear is the load distribution within the rope set. According to Prof. Feyrer’s well-known studies at the University of Stuttgart, the lifespan of the entire rope set can be reduced by up to 40% if a single rope deviates by just 15% from the average load within the set.

While standards such as the North American A17.1/B44 impose limits on static rope tension differences, the dynamic load behavior during lift operation is often even more critical. Factors such as worn traction sheaves, misaligned deflections, or twisted ropes can lead to significant variations in rope tension. However, a detailed analysis of the load progression during the travel allows for a precise identification of such irregularities, enabling the implementation of targeted corrective measures to optimize system performance and extend the lifespan of the suspension means.

This paper presents real-world measurements of rope tensions and demonstrates how simple calculations and considerations can help derive effective measures to improve the performance and longevity of lift systems.