Australian tractor sales have experienced another record year in 2022, with over 19,000 units sold, totaling $2.3 billion in value. This represents a 3 per cent increase on last year, from which had already experienced a 25 per cent lift from 2020.

According to the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA), the positive result was fuelled by strong demand for agricultural commodities, as evidenced by this year’s record grain harvest, supported by the Government’s Temporary Full Expensing Program.

It wasn’t just tractors that experienced a big year with Combine Harvester sales again up strongly with a total of 1,145 units sold. This represents a rise of 6% on 2021.

Looking at the figures in detail, all states except for South Australia recorded rises, led by Western Australia which finished the year 31 per cent ahead.

This result was followed by Queensland with 14 per cent, the Northern Territory with 11 per cent, Victoria with 2 per cent, and Tasmania with 1.5 per cent. New South Wales remained in line with last year’s result, and South Australia recorded a 6 per cent decline.

Not only did most states finish 2022 on a high, but the majority of performance categories also saw strong rises.

The under 40hp (30kw) range was up 12 per cent, the 40-100hp (30-75kw) range was up 2 per cent, the 100-200hp (75-150kw) category finished 2 per cent behind, and the large 200hp (150kw) plus range finished 3 per cent ahead.

“The outlook for 2023 remains positive even with the Temporary Full Expensing Program ending in June,” wrote the TMA.

“The biggest issue for the industry remains getting machines. Some Brands now have lead times out to 2024 for larger product in particular and remain reluctant to quote prices due to the ongoing volatility in the supply chain.”

Challenges in the hay market continue with production down across the nation. This has led to baler sales being down 33% in December and down on last year by the same margin. Finally, sales of Out – Front Mowers have experienced a “down” year, behind by 21%.

Source: Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia | Another Record Year for Tractor Sales

23 January 2022