An automotive lift comprises a pair of runway sections. Each runway section comprises a deck portion, two pairs of legs, and a pair of elongate sliding members. The pairs of legs are pivotally coupled with the deck portion. The elongate sliding members are pivotally coupled with the pairs of legs and are slidable relative to the deck portion. A hydraulic cylinder assembly is coupled with the deck portion by a clevis and with the elongate sliding members by a piston and piston block. The hydraulic cylinder assembly is operable to translate the elongate sliding members relative to the deck portion, thereby pivoting the pairs of legs relative to the deck portion to lift the deck portion relative to the ground. A hydraulic system is operable to synchronize lifting of the runway sections. A braking mechanism is configured to restrict descent of the runway sections.