Translated from the Korean original. Read the original
Review Points for Slim Type and Pencil Type Traction Machine Models at Modernization Sites
· 14 min read
- Slim Type Traction Machine
- Pencil Type Traction Machine
- Traction Machine
- Traction Machine
- Apartment elevator replacement
- Elevator replacement
- Modernization
- Sheave
Key points
- When reviewing a Traction Machine at an elevator replacement site, you must first organize the existing unit conditions rather than the model name so that the judgment does not waver.
- For Slim Type and Pencil Type Traction Machines, machine room and hoistway clearance, roping method, and sheave conditions must be reviewed together to judge applicability.
- MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1, MCK300E [Ø480] 1:1, MONA320 [Ø240] 2:1, and MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1 must be checked as one set of model name, sheave diameter, and roping ratio.
- In modernization work, the existing structure and maintenance accessibility are review items as important as the performance of the new Traction Machine.
- D&D Traction Machines include Slim Type, Pencil Type, Double Wrap, and Belt Type lines, and organizing candidate groups by site condition is the starting point for replacement discussions.
⚠ CautionThis article explains general inspection criteria. For maintenance decisions on a specific installation, please also check that model’s manual and inspection criteria.
Contents▾
- 1.Where Traction Machine Reviews First Become Unstable in Modernization Demand
- 2.The Model Name Is Not a ‘Name’ but a Compressed Marking of Conditions
- 3.First Criteria for Narrowing Down Traction Machine Candidates
- 4.Review Points for Slim Type Traction Machines
- 5.Review Points for Pencil Type Traction Machines
- 6.How to Check MONA Models
- 7.How to Check MCK Models
- 8.Records Often Omitted in Modernization Discussions
- 9.Certification History Is Part of Applicability Judgment
- 10.Selection Criteria from a Maintenance Perspective
- 11.Practical Conclusion: The Model Name Must Be Placed on Top of Site Conditions
Where Traction Machine Reviews First Become Unstable in Modernization Demand
Existing unit conditions are the starting point
When reviewing Traction Machine and Traction Machine models at apartment elevator replacement or elevator replacement sites, the existing unit conditions should be organized before the name of the new product. The Traction Machine is the center of the force that moves the car, but it is not a part selected on its own. The hoistway, machine room, rope path, sheave, brake, control conditions, and load conditions must fit together.
Modernization work is different from new construction. Because replacement proceeds inside an already-built structure, there are many constraints in space and movement routes. The existing machine room floor, beams, bed, rope holes, car-top clearance, and Counterweight (CWT) position may limit the applicability of a new Traction Machine.
Therefore, it is more stable to narrow down candidate models based on site conditions rather than fixing the model first and fitting the site to it. Only when this sequence is organized can discussions among the manufacturer, maintenance company, and building manager become clear.
Why Slim Type and Pencil Type are reviewed
Slim Type and Pencil Type Traction Machines are forms often reviewed at modernization sites. They become candidates when a new Traction Machine must be placed within the existing space, when the machine room layout is cramped, or when installation clearance is limited after removing existing equipment.
However, applicability should not be judged only by a thin or elongated shape. The external form of a Traction Machine is only one factor that affects installability. In actual review, the sheave position, rope contact conditions, brake accessibility, encoder direction, lifting and delivery route, and maintenance workspace must also be checked together.
| Items to check first | Reason for checking | Site record method |
|---|---|---|
| Existing roping method | Judge the rope path and load conditions of the new Traction Machine | Mark as 1:1, 2:1, etc. |
| Sheave diameter | Review rope bending conditions and existing rope conditions | Record the Ø value together with the model name |
| Installation space | Judge applicability of Slim Type and Pencil Type | Record clearance in width, height, and depth directions |
| Delivery route | Judge feasibility of removal, lifting, and installation | Record entrances, stairs, and machine room access |
| Maintenance accessibility | Judge inspection convenience after replacement | Record access directions for brake, terminals, and encoder |
The Model Name Is Not a ‘Name’ but a Compressed Marking of Conditions
How to read MCK and MONA markings
A Traction Machine model name is not simply a product name, but a marking that contains review conditions. For example, when written as MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1, the model name, sheave diameter, and roping ratio are conveyed together. MONA320 [Ø240] 2:1 should also be read in the same way.
At sites, people sometimes ask only, “Is MCK200 right?” or “Will MONA400 fit?” That expression alone is insufficient for review. Even with the same model name, the sheave condition and roping method must be checked together for actual discussion to be possible.
D&D’s Traction Machine product line includes Slim Type, Pencil Type, Double Wrap, and Belt Type. At modernization sites, even if Slim Type and Pencil Type candidates are reviewed first, a separate review of Double Wrap or Belt Type may follow depending on the existing structure and operating conditions.
Why the full marking is necessary
Shortening model names may appear to make site discussions faster. However, in Traction Machine selection, abbreviated markings can instead create missed confirmations. In particular, sheave diameter and roping ratio directly affect judgments on installability, rope path, and connection with existing parts.
It is better to leave the full model name in site records. If you write “MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1” instead of only “MCK200,” people can discuss the same object later during drawing review or quotation discussions.
| Model marking | Key points to check together | Cautions during site discussion |
|---|---|---|
| MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1 | MCK series, Ø400 sheave, 2:1 roping | Check the existing rope path and installation space together |
| MCK300E [Ø480] 1:1 | MCK series, Ø480 sheave, 1:1 roping | Review existing 1:1 conditions and bed position |
| MONA320 [Ø240] 2:1 | MONA series, Ø240 sheave, 2:1 roping | Check applicability in cramped spaces and rope conditions |
| MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1 | MONA series, Ø400 sheave, 2:1 roping | Check sheave position and work accessibility |
First Criteria for Narrowing Down Traction Machine Candidates
Layout conditions reviewed before load and speed
In Traction Machine review, load and speed are naturally important conditions. However, at modernization sites, existing layout conditions often need to be checked before those. Even if the specifications are suitable, application is difficult if the machine cannot fit on site, the rope path does not match, or inspection space cannot be secured.
For an existing machine-room-type elevator, the existing bed and beam positions should be checked first. It must be confirmed whether the new Traction Machine matches the existing anchors, whether separate reinforcement is needed, and whether the rope hole position is acceptable. At sites with narrow machine rooms, the brake release and terminal box access directions may become larger constraints than the external shape of the Traction Machine.
At sites requiring review of machine-room-less configurations or hoistway internal layout, car-top clearance and interference inside the hoistway must be checked. The review must include not only the Traction Machine body but also the rope, sheave, protective cover, and the space where workers access the equipment.
Connectivity with existing parts
The Traction Machine is strongly connected with other parts. If the sheave changes, the rope conditions must be reviewed again, and if the roping method changes, the connection relationship between the car and the Counterweight (CWT) must also be checked. Brake and control signals, encoder configuration, and power conditions must also be reviewed together.
In modernization work, not all parts are always changed at the same time. In this case, if it is not confirmed whether the new Traction Machine matches the existing rope, existing control conditions, and existing structure, design changes may grow during construction.
| Review sequence | Judgment question | Problems that may occur if omitted |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Existing structure | Does the new Traction Machine physically fit? | Re-review of installation location, need for reinforcement |
| 2. Roping method | Does it match the existing rope path? | Re-review of sheave, rope, and car-top conditions |
| 3. Sheave condition | Does it match the existing rope and bending conditions? | Concerns about reduced rope life and operating quality |
| 4. Electrical and signals | Does it match the control panel and signal conditions? | Delayed test operation, additional interface review |
| 5. Maintenance | Is inspection possible after replacement? | Increased maintenance time, insufficient safe work space |
Review Points for Slim Type Traction Machines
Do not judge by space savings alone
A Slim Type Traction Machine may have advantages in limited installation spaces. It becomes a candidate especially at sites where depth clearance in the existing machine room is insufficient or where inspection passages must be secured around the equipment.
However, the term Slim Type is only the starting point of the review. Traction Machine height, width, axial length, sheave position, brake protrusions, and terminal box position all affect actual installability. Even if the body is thin, maintainability may decrease if access space for surrounding parts is insufficient.
It must also be checked whether the Slim Type Traction Machine can be placed as-is on the existing bed. Bed reinforcement, anchor position changes, vibration transmission conditions, and rope hole positions must also fit together. Once the existing structure is significantly altered, the construction scope and schedule may change.
Inspection direction must be left on the drawings
After Traction Machine replacement, the product is not the only thing left on site. The workspace that the maintenance company will repeatedly inspect also remains. The directions from which brake lining checks, brake release device operation, encoder checks, and terminal box inspections are possible should be recorded in drawings and photos.
In modernization work, maintainability after replacement has a longer-lasting impact than success at the moment of installation. A layout that can be accessed only by twisting the body, or where another part must be removed before the terminal box can be opened, becomes a burden in the long term.
When reviewing a Slim Type Traction Machine, “it fits” and “it can be maintained” must be distinguished. It is advisable to write not only whether installation is possible but also the possible inspection directions in the site consultation document.
Review Points for Pencil Type Traction Machines
For the long shape, check delivery and interference together
A Pencil Type Traction Machine is reviewed under certain space conditions because of its elongated shape. It may become a candidate at sites where clearance in the width or height direction is limited, but the delivery route in the length direction and surrounding interference must be checked separately.
First, check whether the machine room entrance, stairs, rooftop access route, and equipment delivery opening are sufficient. Even if it fits in the installation position, site work may be delayed if there is not enough turning space during delivery. The removal sequence for existing equipment and the delivery sequence for new equipment must also be planned together.
For a Pencil Type Traction Machine, the axial layout and sheave position are important. It must be checked whether the rope naturally passes through the existing holes, whether the car and Counterweight (CWT) directions match, and whether the protective cover and surrounding walls interfere.
Noise and vibration judgments are viewed together with site conditions
The operating quality of a Traction Machine is not determined by the product alone. Bed rigidity, Anti-vibration Rubber condition, anchor fastening, and structural transmission paths act together. When applying a Pencil Type Traction Machine, the support conditions that may arise from the long shape must also be viewed together with the site structure.
If there were complaints about noise or vibration from the existing Traction Machine before replacement, the cause must be distinguished. Aging of the Traction Machine, sheave wear, rope tension imbalance, bed fastening condition, and guide system issues may be mixed together. If it is assumed that selecting a new Traction Machine alone will resolve all operating quality problems, the inspection scope becomes narrow.
In modernization review, existing complaint records also become data. It should be recorded whether vibration occurs when passing certain floors, whether there is impact during start or stop, whether the sound is loud only in the machine room, or whether it is transmitted to the landing.
How to Check MONA Models
When reviewing MONA320 [Ø240] 2:1
MONA320 [Ø240] 2:1 is a marking that checks the model name, Ø240 sheave, and 2:1 roping condition together. When reviewing this model on site, first check whether the existing unit is under 2:1 conditions and whether the rope path and car-top structure match.
The Ø240 sheave diameter is not a simple number but the starting point for reviewing rope conditions. It must be viewed together with the existing rope specification, number of ropes, rope path, and sheave groove condition. If the sheave diameter changes, it may affect rope bending conditions and contact conditions, so site records are necessary.
At sites reviewing MONA320 as a candidate, do not look only at applicability in cramped spaces; also check the access directions for the brake and encoder. The more a small installation clearance may become an advantage at a site, the more carefully maintenance accessibility must be checked.
When reviewing MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1
MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1 must also be checked by reading the model name and sheave diameter together under 2:1 roping conditions. Compared with MONA320, the sheave diameter is different, so the existing rope conditions, rope hole position, and sheave center position must be checked again.
Even if they are grouped as the same MONA series, site applicability may differ. This is because the Traction Machine shape, sheave position, workspace, and rope contact conditions may all differ. Therefore, it is necessary to check not “whether the MONA series is possible,” but “which MONA model is possible under which conditions.”
In MONA model review, it is advisable to use the full model marking consistently in drawings, quotation requests, and site photo file names. Even within the same site, conditions may differ by building, line, and unit, so they should be recorded together with the unit number.
How to Check MCK Models
When reviewing MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1
MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1 includes the MCK series model name, Ø400 sheave, and 2:1 roping condition. This marking makes the correspondence with existing 2:1 conditions the first point of review.
On site, the existing sheave position and the new sheave center position must be compared. The position where the rope passes through the existing holes, interference on the car-top and Counterweight (CWT) side, and the possibility of rope tension adjustment must be checked together. If it is placed on the bed, bed reinforcement and anchor conditions must also be reviewed together.
When reviewing MCK200 as a candidate, the work route inside the machine room is also important. It must be checked whether a person can access the side of the Traction Machine, whether brake inspection is possible, and whether electrical wiring can be organized without strain.
When reviewing MCK300E [Ø480] 1:1
MCK300E [Ø480] 1:1 must be read together as the MCK series model name, Ø480 sheave, and 1:1 roping condition. Unlike the 2:1 models reviewed above, the roping method is different, so caution is needed when comparing candidate groups together.
1:1 and 2:1 are not simply differences in notation. The rope path, Traction Machine burden, connection method between the car and Counterweight (CWT), and existing structural conditions differ. If model names are compared without confirming whether the existing site is 1:1 or 2:1, the review direction may go astray.
When reviewing MCK300E [Ø480] 1:1, the Ø480 sheave condition should also be recorded. It is advisable to check the relationship between the existing rope and sheave, the rope hole position, and machine room layout conditions, and to record whether any structural work requiring change is needed as a separate item.
Records Often Omitted in Modernization Discussions
Photos should be divided into overall and detailed shots
Photos are important materials in Traction Machine replacement discussions. However, close-up photos of only the Traction Machine body are not sufficient. The overall layout, rope path, bed, surrounding walls, electrical wiring, and access route must be shown together.
Overall photos explain where the equipment is located. Detailed photos show the nameplate, sheave, brake, encoder, terminal box, anchors, and Anti-vibration Rubber condition. Both types are needed for the manufacturer and maintenance company to picture the same site in their minds.
It is advisable to include the site name, building, line, unit, and photographed part in the photo file name. At apartment elevator replacement sites where several units are reviewed at the same time, the review time can increase simply because photos get mixed up.
Write the model name and conditions on the same line
In site notes, do not leave only the model name; write the conditions on the same line. For example, if you write “MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1 review, existing 2:1, machine room left-side access, front brake inspection,” the information needed for discussion is conveyed together.
If there are several Traction Machine candidates, it is advisable to organize them in a table of the same format. Placing the model name, sheave diameter, roping ratio, installation space, need for reinforcement, and items awaiting confirmation side by side makes the undecided parts visible.
| Record item | Good record example | Insufficient record example |
|---|---|---|
| Model name | MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1 | MONA review |
| Site conditions | Existing 2:1, cramped machine room | Narrow space |
| Photos | Overall layout and detailed nameplate separated | Only close-up Traction Machine photos |
| Unconfirmed matters | Need to confirm whether bed reinforcement is required | Check later |
| Accessibility | Front brake access possible | Inspection possible |
Certification History Is Part of Applicability Judgment
Parts safety certification is basic data that must be checked
The Traction Machine is a core part directly connected to elevator safety. Therefore, in modernization review, not only product specifications but also related certification documents and technical materials must be checked together. D&D has a history of obtaining Traction Machine parts safety certification in 2020.
It also has a history of obtaining parts safety certification for Belt Type Traction Machines in 2023 and parts safety certification for Double Wrap Traction Machines in 2025. Although this is not the focus of an article reviewing Slim Type and Pencil Type, it is necessary to develop the habit of checking certification history by product group when discussing the entire Traction Machine line.
Certification history does not mean “this model immediately fits this site.” Site applicability must separately confirm structure, roping, sheave, control, and maintenance conditions. Certification documents are basic documents for applicability review, and site condition review is a separate practical procedure.
The more specific the material request, the faster it becomes
When requesting materials from a manufacturer or distributor, a specific request is better than “Please send Slim Type Traction Machine materials.” If you send the candidate model name, existing roping method, existing sheave condition, applicable unit, and site photos together, the necessary materials can be narrowed down.
For example, if comparing MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1 and MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1, materials related to installation conditions, external dimensions, sheave conditions, and maintenance access directions for the two models are needed. Here, numerical data must be checked with the latest drawings and manufacturer-provided materials.
Modernization work has different variables at each site. Even within the same apartment complex, structures by building or past repair history may differ. If differences by unit are provided at the material request stage, follow-up review becomes organized.
Selection Criteria from a Maintenance Perspective
Inspectability must remain after replacement
Traction Machine replacement is not something that ends when construction is completed. Regular inspections, fault response, consumable checks, and brake inspections continue afterward. Therefore, when selecting a model, it must be confirmed whether space remains for the maintenance company to access it in practice.
Brake inspection space, manual operation possibility, terminal box opening and closing space, encoder access direction, and rope tension check position are important. If other equipment or walls are attached around the Traction Machine, normal inspection may become difficult.
In particular, at modernization sites, existing piping, conduits, control panels, lighting, and ventilation equipment may remain. Even if the external shape of the new Traction Machine fits, inspectability may decrease because of surrounding accessories.
Long-term records become the basis for the next replacement
The records left from this replacement become the basis for the next maintenance and additional modernization. If the full model marking, installation photos, certificates, AS manuals, test operation records, and special notes are organized, later inspectors do not have to repeat the same judgment.
Building managers should not view construction completion documents only as storage records. If records remain even when the maintenance company or person in charge changes, parts inquiries and fault response become faster.
Records related to the Traction Machine should be managed together with not only the Traction Machine body but also the sheave, rope, brake, encoder, and anti-vibration parts. This is because the Traction Machine is the center where multiple parts meet.
Practical Conclusion: The Model Name Must Be Placed on Top of Site Conditions
When reviewing Slim Type and Pencil Type Traction Machines at apartment elevator replacement and elevator replacement sites, the first question is not “which model is good,” but “what are the existing conditions of this unit.” The existing roping method, sheave condition, installation space, delivery route, and maintenance accessibility must be checked first for the model name to have meaning.
MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1, MCK300E [Ø480] 1:1, MONA320 [Ø240] 2:1, and MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1 must each be read together as model name, sheave diameter, and roping ratio. If only part of the marking is separated and compared, a conclusion different from actual site applicability may result.
As modernization demand increases, the quality of site discussions becomes more important. Traction Machine selection is not something that ends with one product comparison table, but a process of fitting together the existing structure and future maintenance conditions. The model name is not the start of that process, but the result selected on top of organized site conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- At apartment elevator replacement or elevator replacement sites, on what basis should Traction Machine models first be narrowed down?
- The existing roping method, sheave condition, installation space, delivery route, and maintenance accessibility should be checked first. After that, it is advisable to narrow down candidates using the full model marking, such as MCK200 [Ø400] 2:1 or MONA400 [Ø400] 2:1.
- At what sites are Slim Type Traction Machines and Pencil Type Traction Machines reviewed first?
- They are reviewed first at modernization sites where the existing machine room or hoistway space is limited. However, do not look only at the external shape; sheave position, brake accessibility, rope path, and delivery feasibility must be checked together.
- How should MONA and MCK model names be recorded?
- Do not write only the model name; write the sheave diameter and roping ratio together. It is advisable to keep the full marking, for example MONA320 [Ø240] 2:1 or MCK300E [Ø480] 1:1.
- Why are 1:1 and 2:1 roping markings important?
- The roping method affects the rope path, Traction Machine application conditions, and connection method between the car and Counterweight (CWT). If models with roping ratios different from the existing site conditions are compared simply, the installation review may go astray.
- What photos should be taken during Traction Machine replacement discussions?
- It is advisable to keep not only close-up photos of the Traction Machine body, but also the overall layout, sheave, rope path, bed, anchors, brake, terminal box, and delivery route.
- If there is certification history, can the model be viewed as immediately applicable?
- No. Certification history is basic confirmation data, and actual applicability must separately review the site structure, roping method, sheave conditions, control conditions, and maintenance accessibility.
Parts covered in this article
Products mentioned above, matched against our catalog.
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