Gains in larger and four-wheel-drive tractors offset smaller declines in the sub-40-hp range in the U.S., while Canadian farm tractor unit sales were positive across the board in July, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

U.S. total farm tractor sales fell 0.8% in July compared to 2020, while U.S. self-propelled combine sales jumped 19.2% to 657 units sold. The sub-40-hp reduced its decline, down only 4.4%, while the midsize 41- to 100-hp segment was nearly flat, down 0.4% or only 26 units. All other segments were positive, with the articulated four-wheel-drive segment leading the way for the third straight month by climbing a healthy 79.4% to 287 units sold. The 100-plus-hp two-wheel-drive segment also grew 37.8%. Year-to-date farm tractor sales remain up 13.7% and combines up 12.6%.

For Canada, July monthly tractor and combine sales were positive across all segments, including in the sub-40-hp segment up 0.2% or three units, with the biggest growth in four-wheel-drive units nearly doubling, up 93.8% to 62 units sold, while total farm tractor sales were up 14.8% and self-propelled combines up 59.8%.  

“The story of these row-crop and articulated four-wheel-drive sales is a reflection of farmer optimism throughout North America,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president of ag services at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. “We’re glad to see the smaller units start to return to pace, but these big units selling are often six-figure investments for farmers, and farmers don’t make these sorts of investments without serious consideration of future market conditions.”

The full reports can be found in the market data section of the AEM website under ag tractor and combine reports. 

U.S. reports can be found here.

Canadian reports can be found here.

AEM is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry in the U.S. supports 2.8 million jobs and contributes roughly $288 billion to the economy every year.  

—From an Association of Equipment Manufacturers news release