Tractor sales stabilise; balers on the up

While tractor sales continued to lag behind last year’s stellar results, the numbers have been climbing slowly and steadily to a healthier point in March compared to the past few months.

According to the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA)’s March 2019 machinery sales report, tractor sales for that month were down 13 per cent against the same month last year. As a result, the organisation is forecasting about 10,500 tractors to be sold this year, down from the all-time high of about 12,500 recorded last year.

Around the country, drought affected regions continue to struggle while other states are picking up pace. Tractor sales in New South Wales were down 20 per cent on last year, now 25 per cent behind for the year. Victorian sales were again down, this time 16 per cent for the month and 11 per cent year-to-date.

Queensland also saw another dip, this time 10 per cent for the month, leaving that state six per cent behind for the year.

Elsewhere, WA had a booming month, with sales shooting up 23 per cent for the month, now sitting six per cent ahead of last year.

South Australia dipped a 26 per cent, while Tasmania now sits 14 per cent ahead of last year. Tractor sales in the NT went up by 21 per cent.

“Dealers around the country are reporting that inventory levels are plentiful and that now is a great time to buy,” said TMA executive director, Gary Northover.

“Despite the general tightening of bank finance, support is still available at the right price further enhancing buyers’ prospects.”

There is slight improvement in the over-200hp range for March, leaving the category sitting just a little bit behind on year-to-date figures, nine per cent to be exact. Sales in the 100hp to 200hp range fell considerably, down 22 per cent for the month and now 18 per cent behind for the year.

At the lower horsepower end, the 40hp to 100hp range sits 11 per cent behind last year following a 19 per cent decline in March. The under-40hp market dropped 20 per cent in March and now sits 13 per cent behind for the year.

Following a quiet 2018, baler sales have soared in recent months and are continuing to do so, now up 120 per cent on the same time last year.

It was a completely different scenario for combine harvesters as dealers continue to struggle to get them out of their yards. “Advice from many dealers is that the forward ordering of new machines has been less than promising,” Northover said. ”Good stock levels remain available around the country so if demand improves, dealers will be ready to deal.”

Last but not least, sales of out front mowers weren’t exactly rosy either, with sales now sitting around 19 per cent behind on a yearly basis.