Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operation of and apparatus for a lifting and/or conveying device (1), such as a crane, that comprises at least one cable (2) capable of being rolled (wound) onto or off a dispenser roll (3). To lengthen the service lifetime of the cable, a separation medium (4) is introduced between individual windings (5, 5?, 5?) of the cable (2) on the dispenser roll (3) during operation. The separation medium prevents at least partial contact, and, preferably all contact, between the individual windings thereby reducing contact wear. According to one aspect of the invention, the separation medium is a plastic web that may be wound onto the individual windings via a separation media roll (6).