1


                                                                      Exhibit 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-13873) pertaining to the Eaton Corporation Investment Plan for
Hourly Employees of the Hydraulics Division - Hutchinson Plant of our report
dated June 9, 2000, with respect to the financial statements and schedule of the
Eaton Corporation Investment Plan for Hourly Employees of the Hydraulics
Division - Hutchinson Plant included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1999.





                                               /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
June 26, 2000