The incline was used to feed coal wagons over the ridge dividing the Tees and Wear valleys. The west incline was 1,960 yards, rising 150 feet, whilst the east side was 800 yards and a 90 feet rise.

The original stationary steam engine was built at Stephensons' works in Newcastle. Traffic demands were high and, in 1831, a replacement 80 horse power engine was delivered. On 6th September 1839, it hauled 904 wagons up the incline, loaded with 2,120 tonnes of coal.