A device for hoisting and lowering a load comprises driving (13, 14), coupling (5, 6) and winding means (1, 2, 3), wherein at the start of the hoisting operation, the driving means (13, 14) and the coupling means (5, 6) undergo an axial displacement relative to each other such that a coupling between the driving means (13, 14) and the winding means (1, 2, 3) becomes possible thereby, and wherein at the start of the lowering operation, an uncoupling between these driving means (13, 14) and the winding means (1, 2, 3) is effected. A locking member (16) is present for locking the coupling means (13, 14) before the driving (13, 14) and coupling means (5, 6) are axially displaced relative to each other to enable a coupling between the driving (13, 14) and winding means (1, 2, 3), and for undoing this locking when the coupling is effected before the load is hoisted.