<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMTION EXTRACTED FROM SEC FORM
10-Q AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0001005229
<NAME> COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-2001
<PERIOD-START> APR-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> OCT-01-2000
<CASH> 5,446
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 145,923
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 111,406
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 312,658
<PP&E> 147,195
<DEPRECIATION> 59,046
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 766,232
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 101,722
<BONDS> 418,750
0
0
<COMMON> 149
<OTHER-SE> 208,689
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 766,232
<SALES> 377,372
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 377,372
<CGS> 285,168
<TOTAL-COSTS> 285,168
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 53,146
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 18,991
<INCOME-PRETAX> 21,679
<INCOME-TAX> 11,345
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 10,334
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 10,334
<EPS-BASIC> .72
<EPS-DILUTED> .72
</TABLE>