Systems and methods for detecting a layer-to-layer transition of a lifting steel wire rope on a reel are described. The system includes a reel assembly for winding a steel wire rope on a reel and a tensioning assembly for tensioning a segment of said steel wire rope. The system further includes a loading assembly and a lead screw sliding assembly. The loading assembly provides a vertical loading to the tensioning assembly so as to generate a loading force between the tensioned steel wire rope and the steel wire rope wound around the reel. The lead screw sliding assembly drives the tensioning assembly so as to move on a horizontal guide rail to generate a relative displacement between the tensioned steel wire rope and the steel wire rope wound around the reel. The tensioning assembly is connected to the loading assembly via a first threaded rod and a static torque sensor.