U.S. tractor and combine sales increased last month, according to the
latest monthly measure by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The
association’s monthly report shows sales of all tractors in the U.S.
during May increased 17 percent compared to the same month last year. For
the five months in 2018, a total of 96,700 tractors were sold which
compares to 92,100 sold through May 2017, representing a five percent
increase for the year. Farmers purchased 20 percent more two drive
tractors under 40 horsepower in May, compared to last year, along with 20
percent more two-wheel-drive 100-plus horsepower tractors. However, sales
of four-wheel drive tractors were down six percent for the month. For the
year, two-wheel drive tractors under 40 horsepower are up six percent from
last year, and sales of four-wheel drive tractors are up two percent.
Combine sales were up 52 percent for the month. Sales of combines for the
year total 1,550 compared to 1,225 in 2017, a 27 percent increase.
