EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-65923) of Hanover Compressor Company of our report dated March 8, 2000, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appear in this Form 10-K. /s/ PRICWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP Houston, Texas March 29, 2000