The large tractor business is picking up on both sides of the border, according to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
In Canada, unit sales of 100+ horsepower agricultural tractors grew 2.7 per cent compared to 2023, and unit sales of 4-wheel drive ag tractors jumped 27.3 per cent and are up 10.8 per cent year-to-date.
South of the border, for the second straight month, unit sales of 100+ horsepower ag tractors jumped 3.2 per cent compared to last year, following February’s increase of 2.8 per cent compared to 2023 (see graph at bottom).
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For smaller 2-wheel-drive tractors, the news wasn’t as positive. Sales of tractors under 40 HP were down 18.4 per cent compared to 2023 in Canada, and tractors between 40 and 100 HP were down 12 per cent over 2023. Combined, all 2-wheel-drive tractor sales are down 13.2 per cent compared to 2023.
And the U.S. numbers show a similar trend, with tractors under 40 HP down 15.8 per cent compared to 2023 and between 40 and 100 HP down 6.9 per cent compared to 2023. Combined, all 2-wheel-drive tractor sales are down 12.1 per cent compared to 2023.
“Seeing the continued growth in 100+ horsepower tractor sales is a welcome sight as 2024 progresses, despite the softness in other tractor sizes,” said AEM Senior Vice President Curt Blades. “As we start the planting season, we remain optimistic for the future of the ag equipment market.”
