A lifting apparatus for lifting and lowering a load comprises, in a known manner, a lifting drum and a drive, by which the lifting drum can be set in rotation in both directions. Serving as the pulling mechanisms are bands which are secured by one end to the lifting drum and at the other end carry a holding device for the load. At least two bands can be wound up on the lifting drum, by rotation of the latter, with accurate tracking and so as to lie one above the other, in such a way that all the turns of the bands lie one above the other. This lifting apparatus combines a high carrying capacity, high precision in the guidance of the bands and a high level of operating safety.