Combine Sales Still Lag: Manufacturer Trade Group Provides Commentary 

U.S. retail sales of tractors under 40HP and 40-100HP continued to lead the way in September, and while sales of larger tractors rebounded from last month, year-to-date sales were still down, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the leading trade group for off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

U.S. retail sales for 2WD tractors under 40HP gained 16.8 percent in September (compared to last year), with year-to-date sales up 11.7 percent. September sales of 2WD tractors 40-100HP were up 3.9 percent year-over-year, but year-to-date sales were still down – minus 4.3 percent.

Sales of 2WD 100+HP tractors in the U.S. dropped 7.3 percent for September, compared to minus 27.0 percent for August, with September year-to-date sales down 22.7 percent. September sales of 4WD tractors declined 17.9 percent (compared to minus 48.1 percent for August), with September year-to-date sales down 32.4 percent.

U.S. combine sales declined 34.6 percent for September and recorded a 24.2-percent drop for September year-to-date sales.

“While our current ag downturn is the result of lower commodity prices putting pressure on farm income, weak exports due to a strong U.S. dollar, and overall global economic malaise, we cannot underestimate the impact of inventories at the manufacturer and dealership level. A recent co-run survey by AEM and EDA, Equipment Dealers Association provides some insight on the issue from the manufacturer and dealer perspectives,” states AEM Senior Vice President Charlie O’Brien.

About the Report/View the Full Report

Data from AEM’s Ag Tractor and Combine Report is provided monthly and is derived from AEM member companies through our proprietary statistical reporting programs. The analysis of the data is provided by AEM’s Market Intelligence department. Visit www.aem.org/agreports to view the reports, as well as reports from Russia and Canada.

 About the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) - www.aem.org

AEM is the North American-based international trade group providing innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. AEM membership comprises more than 900 companies, including 450 in the agriculture sector, and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors worldwide. AEM is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with offices in the world capitals of Washington, D.C.; Ottawa, Canada; and Beijing, China.