An elevator drive unit includes an engine, an engine stand, a bearing block, a traction sheave and an engine frame with a counter-roller base. The stator of the electric drive is bolted, by means of a flange, to the engine stand. The rotor of the electric drive sits on a free end of a shaft bearing the traction sheave. The shaft is mounted to the bearing block and the engine stand. The traction sheave is mounted to the engine stand bearing block by means of the shaft. A brake is located within the engine stand and is protected by the casing.