<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OSHKOSH TRUCK CORPORATION AS OF AND
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JUN-30-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                             127
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   77,690
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,066
<INVENTORY>                                    106,289
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               200,197
<PP&E>                                         125,037
<DEPRECIATION>                                  67,002
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 435,161
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          132,728
<BONDS>                                        142,882
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               93
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     121,509
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   435,161
<SALES>                                        413,455
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               413,455
<CGS>                                          377,744
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  377,744
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   186
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 929
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (1,982)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (1,741)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              (241)
<DISCONTINUED>                                 (2,859)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (2,859)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.35)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.35)