INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statements No.
333-3212 and No. 333-81719 on Form S-8 of Columbus McKinnon Corporation,  of our
report  dated  August  24,  1998,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements of GL International,  Inc. and subsidiaries  appearing in this Annual
Report of Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation  on Form 10-K for the year ended March
31, 1999.


                                                   /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP



Tulsa, Oklahoma
June 29, 1999