Tractor sales plummet in April 

Tractor sales in Australia took a tumble in April 2025, with less than 800 sold as the market was down 13 per cent compared to the same period last year and is now in the red by nine per cent year to date (YTD). 

According to the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia report, contributing factors for the lacklustre April included an extended Easter break incorporating Anzac Day which impacted delivery schedules, the federal election – which often equates with a pause in purchasing – and the continued dry conditions in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. 

The positive news is that underlying order inquiry rates remain solid, which gives rise to a level of market optimism despite continued uncertainty over the impact of American-levied trade tariffs.  

Across the nation in April, there was a massive gulf between the best performing area (Western Australia up by 21 per cent) and the worst performing (Victoria down by 33 per cent). 

Queensland (down by 7.5 per cent), New South Wales (down by 13 per cent), Tasmania (down by 13 per cent), Northern Territory (down by 13 per cent) and South Australia (down by 14 per cent) also felt the sting of a bruising April. 

Western Australia is the only state ahead YTD, up by three per cent.  

Sales of all machinery categories fell in April, with the results as follows: 

Combine Harvester sales remain subdued, with the 2025 total set to be around the 700 mark – well below recent highs seen during the ATO’s instant asset write off period. 

Baler sales continue to struggle, down another 40 per cent for the month and 34 per cent YTD, and out-front mower demand is also falling.