Prior to the use of steam, water balance pits were used. Two cages operated side by side in the same shaft  Each cage was fitted with a water tank at the base of the cages, which when one was filled with water caused the cage to descend into the mine thus at the same time hoisting a full tram and empty tank to the surface. This was done by filling the tank at the top of the pit with water, and draining it at the bottom These water balances were normally seen only on a hillside because the pit bottom had to be at sufficient height above the valley bottom for draining. On this particular wheel, it will be seen that there was no brake band. Braking was achieved by means of a 'Hydraulic Retarder', this device can be seen at the bottom of the wheel, looking like a steam engine. The small cylinder was used to pump water and Retarding or Braking was achieved by restricting the flow of water pumped.