Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus with a carrying part (16, 18) which is connected via a cable (22) or the like with an actuating part for adjustment of the vertical position of the carrying part, in particular by means of interconnection of a pantograph (10), the actuating part comprising an actuating device with a gear transmission of which one transmission part, under the influence of the load of the carrying part (16, 18) or a load hanging from this, exerts a force on the other transmission part which couples this transmission part with an actuating element against a restoring force, wherein, upon actuation for the lifting of the carrying part (16, 18) out of the position in which the one transmission part does not exert any force on the other transmission part, the latter is moveable again into coupling engagement by means of the actuating element.