Hey Bob, glad to have you here with us fellow enthusiasts!
I almost never have access to a lift, and when I do, it always reminds me of how different it is. It works muscles I didn’t know I had, primarily in the neck, and after a couple of days, it spreads to my back.
I wonder if, with enough exposure, I’d adapt to it and find it beneficial—especially if it had a toolbox, a deck large enough to walk around safely, and a net to catch everything I drop.
Regarding pits versus lifts:
Pits are generally better than lifts. The floor of a pit acts as a tool tray; if you drop something, it’s no big deal, and you can’t fall off. For greasing and chassis service, a pit is a huge convenience. For repairs, depending on the type, a pit might be more advantageous.
If you go for a pit, it doesn’t need to be the entire length of the bus—20 or 25 feet is usually sufficient. Most work is at the front or rear, and if you need to work midship, you can just reposition the bus. A smaller pit also takes up less space and costs less. Make sure to include a drain, flush-mounted outlets, a ledge for a steel grate, and an embedded air line. Down lighting for the pit floor is a nice touch, but keep everything flush to avoid snagging. A smooth finish like a basement floor is ideal.
While a pit offers significant advantages, it’s worth noting that working on the ground can be done very safely if done correctly, though it’s not as convenient as a pit. The older I get, the more I appreciate the benefits of a pit. I currently do all my repairs under the bus on the ground, including my Peterbilts.