Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for an auto-hoist lift having improved noise characteristics and a more compact design. A motor and pump driving the power unit are located inside a hydraulic fluid reservoir to thereby reduce the amount of noise reaching the immediate vicinity of the power unit. The motor and pump are submerged in the hydraulic fluid to advantageously utilize the hydraulic fluid to cool the motor. The power unit may further incorporate a delay valve for reducing the start-up torque load on the motor, thereby allowing the motor to be sized for normal operating requirements rather than oversized for start-up requirements.