EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated August 24, 1996
incorporated by reference in Columbus McKinnon Corporation's current report on
Form 8K, dated October 17, 1996, as amended on December 31, 1996, and to all
references to our Firm included in this registration statement.
 
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina
May 26, 1998