Mounting apparatus for a traction machine (26) disposed in a hoistway includes a pair of beams (52,64) that extend through the hoistway to the pit (62). One of the beams (52) includes a mounting plate (54) disposed at the top of the beam and to which the traction machine (26) is fastened. The elevator car frame (14) is engaged with guide rails (16) that are functionally separate from the beams (52,64). In a particular embodiment, the guide rails (16) are retained to the beams (52,64) by clips. The clips retain and position the guide rail (16) without subjecting the guide rails (16) to the load of the traction machine (26) .