Combine harvester sales exceed expectations

October was a stellar month for machinery sales overall, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia’s (TMA) latest monthly sales report, with combine harvesters taking the spotlight for the month.

“The long-promised lift in combine harvester sales has now materialised with half the year’s supplies delivered in October, a mammoth effort despite the challenges associated with the well-documented slowdowns at the various Australian ports,” said TMA executive director, Gary Northover.

“This now puts the full year position at around 1000 units, a figure not seen for some years.”

Tractor sales across the nation were again strong with a rise of 16 per cent on the same month last year and 30 per cent ahead year-to-date. Tractor sales is on track to reach another record-breaking 17,000 tractors per annum.

“Whilst there remain considerable supply challenges and long lead times, current demand is being satisfied by aggressive ordering by dealers back in 2020 in anticipation of strong ongoing activity,” Northover said.

“Sales have been strong in all states fuelled by the expectations of a bumper season coming up supported by the Government’s various company tax incentive programs.”

NSW recorded another 20 per cent increase YOY to sit 46 per cent ahead YTD, while Queensland sales were up 10 per cent now up 26 per cent YTD. Victoria was up 12 per cent YOY and 16 per cent up YTD.

Sales in Western Australia recorded a mammoth 56 per cent lift for the month, in anticipation of what is developing into a big harvest season, now 37 per cent ahead for the year.

South Australia numbers remained steady and is sitting 15 per cent ahead YTD, while Tasmania dipped three per cent YOY. Sales in the Northern Territory increased by eight per cent YOY.

All tractor horsepower segments enjoyed healthy increases in October, with the 200hp and over range leading the charge with another strong rise of 24 per cent YOY to sit 64 per cent ahead of last year. The 100 to 200hp category was trailing just behind, with sales numbers up 21 per cent to now sit 24 per cent ahead YTD.

The 40 to 100hp range also had a strong increase in October, up 15 per cent for the month and 30 per cent up YTD. The under 40hp range was up eight per cent in October despite ongoing supply challenges and remains 16 per cent ahead of last year. 

“Baler sales were down significantly as the impact of the previous two years of record sales takes effect on demand, they remain 24 per cent behind last year’s outstanding season,” Northover said. Finally, sales of out-front mowers remain steady, up five per cent YTD.

“With regards to the forward outlook, the expected drop off in 2022 coinciding with the end of the previously mentioned government programs is looking less likely to occur with each month,” Northover said.

“The general strength of the agricultural market combined with such things as the ongoing restocking of fleets following the droughts and bushfires, along with the growth in tree changers becoming hobby farmers is leading to the view that we may say a continuation of these buoyant conditions beyond initial expectations.

“There is still a way to go, and we will watch with interest.”