EXHIBIT 24



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                   -----------------------------------------



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated February 18, 1997, incorporated by reference in
this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, 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 24, 1997