INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration  Statement No.
333-81719 of Columbus McKinnon Corporation on Form S-8 dated August 24, 1998, on
the March 31, 1998 financial  statements of GL International,  Inc. appearing in
the Annual  Report on Form 10-K of Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation  for the year
ended March 31, 2000.


                                                   /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



Tulsa, Oklahoma
June 28, 2000