Larger tractor sales surge
Sales of over-200hp tractors jumped by 44 per cent in May, according to TMAThe tractor market has weathered another tough month in May, with most tractor categories experiencing further slump in sales except for one– the over-200hp larger tractors.
The larger rigs recorded a 44 per cent jump in sales from April and now sits one per cent behind last year’s figures.
According to the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA), which releases monthly agricultural machinery sales reports, the seemingly impressive results should be taken with a grain of salt.
“Whilst the large end of the scale looks impressive, we shouldn’t get too excited as we attribute this to timing delays in deliveries from last month,” said TMA executive director, Gary Northover.
“Having said that, there is no doubt that the full year performance for the 200-plus range is strong due largely to another strong season in Western Australia.”
Across the horsepower segments, the under-40hp category recorded a 16.4 per cent drop in sales while the 40-100hp segment fell by 20.2 per cent from April’s figures. Both categories are now sitting 11.7 and 14.2 per cent respectively behind year-to-date numbers.
The worst performing category was the 100 to 200hp category, which fell by 21.7 per cent for the month to sit at 17.3 per cent behind last year’s figures.
Across the country, drought stricken states continued to struggle. Sales in NSW and Queensland were 7.2 per cent and 24 per cent down from April, while numbers in Victoria also dropped by 12 per cent. NSW in particular is now sitting far behind year-to-date figures - 23.4 per cent behind, to be exact. SA has also recorded a slight drop in sales after a few months of great results – 15 per cent down on April’s numbers.
The only states which recorded growth in sales were Tasmania and WA, up 10.3 per cent and 9.7 per cent respectively from April.
“The outlook for tractor sales remains fairly conservative and we predict an annual volume of around 10,500 tractors for the foreseeable future, down from the 12,000-plus levels of recent years,” Northover said.
Combine harvester sales remained flat and are also in for a tough time with estimates sitting in the range of 550 units, TMA reported. This is down from the mid-800 level of the past few years.
Baler sales, on the other hand, continued to soar- up another 25 per cent for the month and now a whopping 88 per cent up year-to-date.
Out-front mowers had another good run, with sales up another seven per cent for the month.
In other news, the TMA is scheduled to hold its annual conference on July 16 at the Hyatt Place Melbourne at Essendon Fields and will focus on better understanding the customer of tomorrow. More information can be found on tma.asn.au
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