Abstract: According to a primary aspect of the invention there is provided a support for an elevator hoisting machine. Whenever “elevator hoisting machine” is referred to in the present disclosure synonomous equipment such as drives, winches, or the like also apply. The above-mentioned support is intended for use in an elevator including a counterweight with the ends of the hoist ropes being fixed in the overhead of the hoistway. The mounting plate for the hoisting machine contained within the support is attached to the bottom of a vertically oriented structural plate which forms the substantially “L” shaped support. The vertically oriented structural plate therefore spans the elevator hoistway from the front wall to the rear wall with the ends of the said plate resting in pockets provided in the front and rear walls of the hoistway by being attached to these pockets using horizontal bearing angles.