Exhibit 12.1 Columbus McKinnon Corporation Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Year Ended March 31, ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Income before income taxes, minority interest, extraordinary charge, and cumulative effect of accounting change $ 10,665 $ 16,396 $ 21,644 $ 34,292 $ 45,855 Interest and debt expense 2,126 2,352 5,292 11,930 23,975 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Earnings $ 12,791 $ 18,748 $ 26,936 $ 46,222 $ 69,830 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Interest and debt expense $ 2,126 $ 2,352 $ 5,292 $ 11,930 $ 23,975 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Fixed Charges $ 2,126 $ 2,352 $ 5,292 $ 11,930 $ 23,975 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 6.0x 8.0x 5.1x 3.9x 2.9x =========== =========== =========== =========== ==========