The geared elevator is made up of a motor that has a gearbox attached to it. The main function of the gears is to power the wheel that moves the ropes. This type of elevator can travel up to speeds of up to 500 feet per minute. The maximum distance it can travel is 250 feet.
Gearless elevators don’t have a gear for speed regulation. This explains why they can move as fast as 2,000 feet per minute and can also travel a maximum of 2,000 feet. They are the best option for skyscrapers.
“The main difference between them is the standing of the wheel. On geared traction elevators, the wheel is placed at the machine room which is above the elevator shaft, while on gearless traction elevators the wheel is above the cabin and moves with the cabin.”