Despite supply shortages wreaking havoc across the sector, the agricultural machinery market continues to power on with tractor sales running 30 per cent ahead of last year.

The latest figures, released by the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia, show that the month of September was another outstanding one across the nation, with all states and territories experiencing growth.

New South Wales has recorded positive results for nearly 18 months now, up 32 per cent for the month and now 50 per cent year-to-date. Sales in Queensland recorded another strong rise with a 46 per cent lift for the month, now up 28 per cent YTD. Victoria was up 10 per cent, finishing 16 per cent YTD.

Western Australia was again strong, up 46 per cent, now ahead 35 per cent for the year. South Australia was up 12 per cent for the month and Tasmania finished 25 per cent ahead. Sales in the Northern Territory enjoyed a 125 per cent rise.

All performance reporting categories have experienced strong rises for the year, however, the under 40 hp (30kw) range was only up 13 per cent in August due to ongoing supply challenges but remains 17 per cent ahead of last year.

The 40 to 100hp (30-75kw) range was again up strongly 38 per cent in the month, now just 3 per cent YTD. The 100 to 200hp (75-150kw) category was up 12 per cent to now 25 per cent YTD. The large 200 hp (150kw) PLUS range had another strong rise up 92 per cent for the month and now sits 69 per cent ahead of last year.

Baler sales were down again and remain 4 per cent behind last year’s outstanding season, however, sales of combine harvesters and out-front mowers are still strong, up 33 per cent and 11 per cent respectively.

Source: TMA | Supply challenges complicated by wharf disputes 

15 October 2021