Exhibit 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-106386) and on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-107659,
333-73904, 333-55978, 333-53446, 333-32096, 333-32092 and 333-65923) of Hanover
Compressor Company of our report dated March 11, 2004 relating to the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, which
appears in this Form 10-K.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas
March 26, 2004