MILWAUKEE, Wis. — For October, U.S. retail sales of 4-wheel tractors rebounded and sales dipped for the smaller 2WD tractors under 40 horsepower and 40-100 horsepower; however, the pace of year-to-date sales remained the same with production agriculture machines still in double-digit decline, according to the latest data from the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the leading trade group for off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

October U.S. sales of 4WD tractors (year over year) gained 19.7% (compared to minus 17.9% September year over year), and year-to-date sales improved to a minus 24.4% (compared to minus 32.4% for September year-to-date numbers).

U.S. retail sales for 2WD tractors under 40 horsepower gained 7.3% for October (compared to plus 16.8% September year over year), and their October year-to-date sales were the only machines in positive territory with 11.2% growth. October sales of 2WD tractors 40-100 horsepower were down 1.6% year-over-year (compared to plus 3.9% September year over year), and down 4.1% October year to date.

U.S. sales of 2WD 100+ horsepower tractors dropped 21.3% for October, and were down 22.5% October year to date. And October U.S. combine sales declined 34.9% with October year-to-date sales dropping 25.5%.

“Starting the last quarter of 2016, we continue to face a challenging environment with a slower global economy, overall slumping commodity prices, and weak exports negatively affecting equipment sales," says Charlie O’Brien, AEM senior vice president.

“While we saw a significant bump in the sales of 4WD farm tractors this month, the uptick is unlikely to signal a change in the overall trends. The increase in sales during the October period is quite seasonal and while this year was no exception, the 4WD tractor October numbers are still far below pre-downturn years,” O’Brien added.

About the Report/View the Full Report

Data from AEM’s Ag Tractor and Combine Report is provided monthly and is derived from AEM member companies through our proprietary statistical reporting programs. The analysis of the data is provided by AEM’s Market Intelligence department. Visit www.aem.org/agreports to view the reports, as well as reports from Russia and Canada.