The invention relates to a construction machine having a mast and a lifting element which can be moved up and down along the mast with a hoist rope. The hoist rope can be activated by means of two rope winches. At least one first rope winch is designed as a free fall winch, wherein the hoist rope can be lowered in free fall. To lower the hoist rope a controller is provided, with which the first rope winch, which is designed as a free fall winch, can be switched into a free fall mode. Meanwhile, a second rope winch is operated in force-locking manner.