Boom times for tractor sales

August was another outstanding month for tractor sales across the nation with a rise of 40 per cent on the same month last year, according to the latest Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia update.

This saw the year-to-date figure 30 per cent above last year with a running rate well in excess of 16,000 tractors a year, TMAA executive director Gary Northover said in the update.

“While there remains considerable supply challenges and long lead times, the current demand is being fed by aggressive ordering by dealers back in 2020 in anticipation of strong ongoing activity,” Mr Northover said.

“Sales have been strong in all states fuelled by the expectations of a bumper season coming up, supported by various company tax incentive programs.”

NSW, which has been on a positive run for nearly 18 months, was up 44 per cent for the month and is now 52 per cent ahead YTD.

Queensland was again strong, up 38 per cent and up 26 per cent YTD, while Victoria was up 18 per cent and is 17 per cent up YTD.

The update said sales in Western Australia recorded a 64 per cent lift for the month in preparation for what promises to be a bumper harvest season and is now 34 per cent ahead for the year.

South Australia was likewise extremely busy, up 83 per cent for the month, and Tasmania finished 60 per cent ahead. Sales into the Northern Territory enjoyed a 125 per cent increase.

All performance reporting categories enjoyed strong rises for the year, however the under 40 hp (30 kW) range was up just six per cent in August due to ongoing supply challenges, but remains 18 per cent ahead of last year.

The 40 to 100 hp (30-75 kW) range was again up strongly 23 per cent in the month, now 31 per cent up YTD; the 100 to 200 hp (75-150 kW) category was up 72 per cent to be 26 per cent ahead YTD; and the large 200 hp (150 kW) and above range had another strong rise of 144 per cent and now sits 67 per cent ahead of last year.

Baler sales were down in August and remain 13 per cent behind last year’s outstanding season. And sales of out-front mowers are up 11 per cent YTD.

“As we have been highlighting for some months now, the industry is coping with a range of extremes on the supply side at present,” Mr Northover said.

“Machine deliveries continue to be pushed out, particularly in the smaller ranges and price rises for raw materials are beginning to impact the finished product.

“New challenges continue to emerge, with items ranging from