Tractor sales slump sticks around in September

Tractor sales declined again during September across Australia, but it was a strong month for delivery of combine harvesters, according to data released on Wednesday.

The Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia reported that sales of agricultural tractors experienced further declines in the month of September with sales of about 800 units reported - 18% less than the same month last year, which brings the year-to-date position to 26% behind (15% behind in dollar terms) the corresponding period.

Sales of combine harvesters were considered strong in September, ahead of the grain harvest, with 350 new deliveries this year to date. 

Baler sales enjoyed another upturn, with the onset of haymaking, this time up 23% for the month, but remain 5% behind year to date. However sales of out-front mowers were down by about 1% in the month.

READ LAST MONTH'S ARTICLE: Ag machinery market correction hits after boom

"As we reported last, dealers are reporting a healthy level of enquiry from the market, but this is yet to transfer into robust sales," the report read.

Looking at the state-by-state picture all states were down, Queensland was behind by 12% against the same month last year to be 23% behind year to date, Victoria was also down, this month by 33% to be 24% below last year. 

NSW was down 20% and remains 34% behind for the year while Western Australia was the only bright spot reporting a rise of 27% to be down 12% compared with the same time last year. 

South Australia had another decline, off a whopping 46%, now down 31% YTD, Tasmania was off 30% for the month with sales in the NT finishing 29% down.

Sales in each of the reporting categories were also well off this month.

The small under 40 hp (30kw) category was down by 14% to be 23% behind year to date. The 40 to 100hp (30-75kw) range was down, this time by 16% and is now behind 37% year to date and the 100 to 200hp (75-150 kw) category reported a drop of 23% for the month and remains 25% down YTD. The 200 hp (150kw) plus range was 19% down compared to the same month last year and is now 12% behind year to date.