<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Fairfield
Manufacturing Company, Inc. 2000 third quarter form 10-Q and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such form 10-Q filing and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 25,676
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 20,118
<ALLOWANCES> (700)
<INVENTORY> 27,160
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 54
<PP&E> 174,465
<DEPRECIATION> 110,595
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 185,259
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 38,547
<BONDS> 0
48,377
0
<COMMON> 90
<OTHER-SE> (35,192)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 185,259
<SALES> 121,871
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 121,871
<CGS> 102,132
<TOTAL-COSTS> 112,267
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (9,487)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 7,289
<INCOME-PRETAX> 11,802
<INCOME-TAX> 5,195
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 6,607
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 6,607
<EPS-BASIC> .26
<EPS-DILUTED> .26
</TABLE>