<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, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS 
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                          23,219
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   83,205
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,970
<INVENTORY>                                     76,497
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               193,835
<PP&E>                                         127,662
<DEPRECIATION>                                  72,124
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 420,394
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          143,722
<BONDS>                                        120,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            93
<OTHER-SE>                                     120,807
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   420,394
<SALES>                                        683,234
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               683,234
<CGS>                                          594,390
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  594,390
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   881
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              12,722
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 16,502
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,496
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             10,006
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,006
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.18
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.18