SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM 8-K
                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



       Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): FEBRUARY 1, 2005
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                          COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
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             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                                    NEW YORK
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                 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)



             0-27618                                 16-0547600
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     (Commission File Number)             (IRS Employer Identification No.)



140 JOHN JAMES AUDUBON PARKWAY, AMHERST, NEW YORK               14228-1197
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     (Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip Code)


        Registrant's telephone number including area code: (716) 689-5400
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          (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)






Item 2.01.        COMPLETION OF ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.

         On February 1, 2005, the registrant  issued a press release  announcing
the sale and partial  leaseback of their  Amherst,  NY  property.  A copy of the
press  release  issued in  connection  with such  action is  attached  hereto as
Exhibit 99.1.


Item 9.01.        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(c) Exhibits.


EXHIBIT NUMBER                 DESCRIPTION
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99.1                           Press Release dated February 1, 2005









                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.





                                  COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION


                                  By:    /S/ ROBERT R. FRIEDL
                                         --------------------------------------
                                  Name:  Robert R. Friedl
                                  Title: Vice President - Finance and Chief
                                            Financial Officer


Dated:  FEBRUARY 1, 2005
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                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT NUMBER            DESCRIPTION
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     99.1                 Press Release dated February 1, 2005