Balance ropes or also referred as tail ropes, compensate the weight of the hoisting ropes in a Friction Koepe setup. To lower the power requirement to move material to the surface in the vertical shaft but mainly to guarantee the weight balance for friction hoisting. Round balance ropes – flexible multi-strand ropes specifically weighted to counter balance conveyances Flat Balance Ropes – Very flexible flat stranded rope used in shafts that have limited rope hang space. Specifically manufactured based on weight to counter balance the system.