Belt-o-vators (sometimes known as belt manlifts) are designed as stopless elevators and are found in many grain mills. Normally a belt with steps loops from top to bottom, however, only the frame remains of this one. Workers then ride these belts to quickly traverse many stories (eight here).

The only way to reach some of the upper floors of this particular mill requires climbing the frame. Riding a belt with steps would've been easier, albeit not much safer than an unassisted ascent.