EXHIBIT (24)




                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
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As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our reports dated February 20, 1996, incorporated by reference in
this Form 10-K, into the Lufkin Industries, Inc. previously filed Form S-8
Registration Statements File No. 33-36976 and File No. 33-62021.



                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
        


                                          /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                          -----------------------



Houston, Texas

March 25, 1996