EXHIBIT (23)



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



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated February 17, 1998, incorporated by reference in
this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, 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 26, 1998