EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
   
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement (No. 333-53759) on Form S-4/A 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
   
June 30, 1998