Counter weights provide traction and balance for elevators by reducing the size of the motor needed. They are hung from wire ropes over the driving sheave and come in the form of cast iron slabs fixed in a frame with guide shoes, allowing the counter weights to move vertically in guide rails to balance the weight of the car and its passengers.

1. Counter weight
 These are necessary to provide traction and balance the weight of
the car plus predetermined load, usually 40-50% of the maximum
car load so as to reduce the size of the motor.
 These are hanged with the help of wire ropes passing over the
driving sheave.
 The weights are in the form of cast iron slabs which are fixed in a
frame.
 The frame is provided with four guide shoes so that the counter
weights move vertically within the guide rails.