[asphaltgambler]

After 45 years in and around service shop environment- every lift design you can think of has both advantages and disadvantages. In- ground lifts have come a long way. They make a 'slim' floor hugging top that is great for low clearance/ race vehicles and the tanks, piping, lines are now rust proof. So if installed correctly no worries about external loss of oil. I've always preferred this type as it takes up the least footprint of any design, period. Only downside is if you need to remove transmission as obviously the center post is in the way. But you can add 'feet' on the end contact points to elevate the vehicle above the lift. Also the cylinder diameter and top plate is smaller now.