Someone mentioned Autolifters in an earlier post. I bought an Auto Lifter M-6000 (I think this is the model number) in 1993. Moved it with us from Michigan to Georgia and moved it once again when we built the new house. It's a great lift, very solid, easy to breakdown to move if you ever have to. Also bought the wheels option to roll it around my garage and it works super also. Never had a problem with cables going loose when lowering and when looking at the design, I don't that that it would be possible with this lift. All parts are overdesigned and much higher rating than what the lift can handle.
These were American made but the Company went out of business a few years ago. Just found out that the employees bought the company and reopened under a new name. Can't say anything about the product now as I bought from the old company, but the website sounds like its the same lifts. Lifts look just like mine and they are American made.
Here's the website:
http://allamericanlifts.com/
Jim