MILWAUKEE — Total U.S. sales of 2WD drive tractors for May gained 17% compared to May 2017, bolstered by gains of 20% in both the 100-plus horsepower and under-40 horsepower categories, according to the latest data from the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Total May year-to-date sales for 2WD tractors gained 5% compared to last year: 100-plus horsepower tractors flat at minus-1%, with 6% gains for under 40 horsepower and 3% growth for 40-100 horsepower size tractors. (See the chart below for more details.)

May U.S. sales of 4WD tractors faltered with a 6% decline compared to last year, resulting in May YTD growth of 2% compared to last year.

U.S. sales of self-propelled combines remained strong in May, with a 52% gain compared to May 2017 and year-to-date growth of 26.5%.

“There is an overall positive sentiment in the market supported by increasing consumer confidence and buoyant economy. We at Mahindra follow the industry growth and ride the wave with new products, new dealers and a passionate and energized work force. We expect 2018 to be a good year for tractor manufacturers,” said Mani Iyer, president, Mahindra USA.

“We are still looking at overall positive growth in equipment sales for 2018. We  have seen more optimism from producers, and tax reform has been a plus. The continued specter of trade retaliation or a trade war over steel and aluminum tariffs, however, still poses a challenge for farmers and manufacturers,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president, AG services.