It is very easy to work under, wide open access to the underside of the car. It can be stopped at any point in it's travel, but the locks have only 2 positions, about halfway and full lift. I generally use a small wheeled stool to roll around on when I'm working under the car. It is as solid as any 2 post that I've ever used in my days as a mechanic, as long as it is properly anchored to the floor, and the floor is thick enough to support the load. I have left cars up on it for months at a time, never a problem.