Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for hauling a flexible, textile or metal rope, cable, or the like with positive friction drive, having a connection, a pulley for driving the cable by friction, a pressure roller applying the cable on the groove of the pulley, and mechanical means for connecting the connection to the pressure roller and transmitting to the pulley and to the cable the pull due to the load solely by means of the pressure roller, the assembly constituted by the connection, the pressure roller and the mechanical means connecting them being movable with respect to the pulley. The apparatus may serve as a self-lifting device for raising a person or a load along a cable or as fixed hoisting gear.