Sales of agricultural tractors have exceeded 15,800 units sold for the financial year ended June, an increase of 29 per cent from the previous year.

Figures revealed by the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) revealed that all states and territories experienced an increase from the corresponding result in 2020, with New South Wales leading the group, up 10 per cent for June and 57 per cent for the year. Queensland witnessed a 4 per cent increase for the month, ahead 25 per cent for the year. Victoria was down 2 per cent for June however, experienced an 18 per cent increase overall.

Sales in Western Australia dipped 9 per cent in June but finished the year 34 per cent ahead, while sales in South Australia reported a 13 per cent decrease for the month, to be up 10 per cent for the year. Tasmania finished the year with a 24 per cent increase, and the Northern Territory enjoyed an 11 per cent yearly rise in sales.

All performance categories enjoyed strong rises for the year, with under 40 horsepower (hp) (30kw) range up 27 per cent, the 40 to 100hp (30-75kw) range up 34 per cent, and the 100 to 200hp (75-100kw) category up 20 per cent. The large 200hp (150kw) PLUS range had another strong rise up 57 per cent for the financial year.

“This is an outstanding result for the industry and whilst there is cause for celebration, perhaps the focus of this celebration should equally be on the job done by Manufacturers, Importers, Dealers and Suppliers to industry in getting this job done in such extreme conditions,” writes Gary Northover, TMA Executive Director.

“Delivering such a result against a backdrop of lockdowns, social distancing restrictions, supply challenges, staff shortages and climatic extremes is a credit to the industry.”

Baler sales have drifted off their recent highs, still ending the year up 23 per cent, Out-Front Mowers experienced a 33 per cent rise, and sales of Combine Harvesters finished the year strongly, up 50 per cent on the previous June.

The Federal Government’s Temporary Full Expensing program which essentially replaces the Instant Asset Write Off scheme will continue to support demand. The TMA also claims that farming conditions and demand for products are in a good place with locations such as Western Australia looking prosperous. Offsetting these positives to some degree is the ongoing supply challenges due to both the factory capabilities and the previously reported shipping challenges.

“Looking forward, whilst it is hard to see the levels of the past year being repeated, there is no doubt that demand is still hot,” continues Mr Northover.

Source: TMA | Tractor Sales finish the year on a high

27 July 2021