Based on their structure, traction machines are generally divided into vertical and horizontal types.
Vertical Traction Machine
The motor shaft is mounted vertically, with the traction sheave located either above or below the motor. This design gives the unit a taller but more compact footprint.
Horizontal Traction Machine
The motor shaft is installed horizontally, and the traction sheave is positioned on one side. The whole unit is lower in height but longer in length, taking up more floor space.
Why Some Elevator Rooms Use Vertical Machines and Others Use Horizontal Ones
The choice between vertical and horizontal traction machines mainly depends on building layout, load and speed requirements, and installation or maintenance conditions.
There are two main installation types: machine-room-less (MRL) and machine-room elevators.
Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Elevators
The traction machine is usually placed in the elevator shaft, such as at the top or in the pit. Since the pit height is typically around 1.4 meters or more and the height of a vertical traction machine is less than 1 meter, the vertical type is most commonly used in MRL elevators.
Machine-Room Elevators
The traction machine is installed in a dedicated room above the shaft.
If the room height is sufficient but the length is limited, a vertical traction machine is preferred to save floor space.
If the height is restricted but the width is available, a horizontal traction machine is the better choice for easier layout and maintenance.
Key Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Traction Machines
| Feature | Vertical Traction Machine | Horizontal Traction Machine |
| Installation direction | Vertical motor shaft | Horizontal motor shaft |
| Space requirement | Taller, smaller footprint | Lower height, larger footprint |
| Typical application | Residential and commercial buildings, MRL elevators | High-speed or heavy-duty elevators with machine rooms |
| Performance | Suitable for low to medium speed | More stable at high speeds |
| Heat dissipation | Average | Better cooling performance |
| Maintenance | Limited working space | Easier access for maintenance |
| Cost | More economical | Slightly higher cost |