Large tractor sales forging ahead

There were approximately 800 tractors sold across the nation in February, which was 18 per cent less than the same month last year, the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) reported.

“This continues the trend of recent months as activity returns to more normal levels after the hectic years of 2021/22,” said TMA executive director, Gary Northover.

“Of interest is the ongoing boost in sales for large horsepower tractors which has pushed the Retail Turnover to a level which is now 50 per cent ahead of the same time last year.”

Sales of the 200hp and over range were up again last month, this time by a whopping 130 per cent on the same month last year to sit 140 per cent ahead on a year-to-date (YTD) basis.

The small under 40hp category was down by 40 per cent for the month to be 38 per cent behind YTD and the 40 to 100hp range was also down 31 per cent and is now behind 31 per cent YTD. Lastly, the 100 to 200hp category was down 29 per cent to be 23 per cent off for the year.

Across the states, Western Australia reported another lift in February of three per cent to be 12 per cent up on the same time last year. Queensland was down 10 per cent against the same month last year to be 12 per cent behind YTD, while NSW was down 19 per cent YOY and 25 per cent behind for the year.

Victoria was off 31 per cent YOY to be 22 per cent below last year and South Australia was down 32 per cent YOY and 16 per cent behind YTD.

Tasmania was off 16 per cent for the month while sales in the NT was 10 per cent down.

Sales of combine harvesters are yet to be finalised, and baler sales finished in line with the same month last year and are now 20 per cent up YTD.

Finally, sales of out-front mowers were thriving, up in February by around 54 per cent YOY.