Tractor sales make a subdued start to 2026

The large-capacity categories have provided the backbone for a steady start to 2026 tractor sales in Australia, which are down seven per cent on the same period in 2025.

With January being a relatively quiet month on the sales front, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA), approximately 500 units were sold, with the 100-200hp and 200hp categories exploding – up by 8.4 and 42.2 per cent respectively.

That’s in complete contrast to December 2025 when the under 40hp and 40-100hp tractors did most of the heavy lifting, but in January they lost ground to the tune of 28.7 and 14 per cent.

Across the different jurisdictions, only Tasmania, the Northern Territory and Western Australia were in positive territory compared to the same period in 2025, while the others all fell.

According to the TMA, the tractor industry is not expecting a return to boom times, but the consensus is that rock bottom has been reached and that gradual improvements can now be anticipated.

Machinery suppliers continue to struggle with price increases from European and American suppliers and, while shipping rates have improved, they too remain a challenge.

Tariffs remain a worry, too, impacting supply chains and denting demand.

Meanwhile, combine harvesters had a ‘month off’ and balers were again strong in January, up 89 per cent.

Out-front mowers and self-propelled sprayers were down by six and 50 per cent respectively compared to January 2025.