Combine sales exceed 1000 units

All agricultural machinery categories, except balers, have had another stellar month of sales in November, with combine harvesters setting a new record, the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) has reported.

Sales of combine harvesters were double that of the same month last year, effectively taking the tally this year to over 1000, a number not seen in ten years.

Tractor sales were equally stellar, recording a 21 per cent increase on the same month last year. This brings the year-to-date figure 28 per cent above last year with the total sales number approaching 18,000 units for the year.

All states recorded double digit percentage increases in tractor sales, with Northern Territory leading the way with a 78 per cent jump compared to the same time last year.

Next one down was South Australia with a respectable 52 per cent increase YOY, to sit 17 per cent ahead YTD. Western Australia recorded a solid 23 per cent lift for the month in support of a big harvest season, now 36 per cent ahead for the year.

Sales in New South Wales were up 16 per cent for the month and are now 43 per cent ahead YTD. Queensland had a 19 per cent jump on the same time last year, now up 25 per cent YTD, while Victoria was also 19 per cent up YOY and is 16 per cent up YTD.

Finally, Tasmania had a 23 per cent increase in sales compared to last year.

All horsepower categories enjoyed strong rises for the year, with the over 200hp range again enjoying the largest increase of 51 per cent YOY, now sitting 64 per cent ahead of last year.

The under 40hp range recorded a 15 per cent increase in November, despite ongoing supply challenges, and remains 16 per cent ahead of last year. 

The 40 to 100hp range was up a strong 13 per cent, now 28 per cent up YTD, while the 100 to 200hp category was up 33 per cent to sit 25 per cent ahead YTD.

Balers was the only machinery category to record a decrease in sales as numbers stabilise from previous record years. Baler sales now sits 33 per cent behind last year.

Finally, sales of out-front mowers remain steady YTD.

“The industry continues to thrive in the face of a range of challenges not previously seen,” Northover said.

“Supply of product is now a worldwide problem and whilst 2021 has been outstanding, the forward outlook will be heavily impacted by dealer’s ability to get stock.”

The TMA Quarterly Business Sentiment survey was also released recently, revealing a marked change in sentiment. There has been a two-fold increase in the sentiment that turnover will decrease, going from 16 per cent in August to 33 per cent now.

However, the majority of respondents (50 per cent), still believe that turnover will remain unchanged.