EOFY push sees confidence bounce for sales of 200 horsepower tractors and out front mowers as balers remain strong
What began as a gloomy outlook brightened considerably in June for tractor sales in what can only be described as a modest bounce in confidence.
The Australian agricultural tractor sales market continues to demonstrate a wide variation in activity.
Check out the sales data from May here
Many parts of the country are in fact unaffected by drought and as a result machine demand has remained strong, particularly in the West. It is the drought affected regions of NSW and northern Victoria that continue to struggle.
All in all, tractor sales were down 1.5 per cent for the month and remain exactly 10 per cent behind last year.
It appears that the combination of a federal Coalition government re-election, reduced interest rates and some suitable rainfall has led to an end of financial year push from many customers. Fortunately, dealers are well stocked and have generally been able to deliver to this demand.
Sales in the 200 horsepower (150kw) and above range led the charge in June, up 9 per cent for the month and now 1 per cent ahead of last year.
The 100 to 200hp (75-150kw) segment was steady but remains 14 per cent behind last year.
The 40 to 100hp (30-75kw) range was down 4 per cent now sitting 12 per cent behind last year and it was a similar story in the lower under 40hp (30kw) range, down 2 per cent and 10 per cent on a yearly basis.
Across the states, it continues to be a mixed bag at present with Western Australia a particular standout.
Sales there were up again, this time by 14 per cent for the month and remain around 10 per cent ahead of last year.
Queensland was another state that recorded a positive result with a 9 per cent lift for the month but remaining 10 per cent behind for the year.
Sales continue to be a challenge in Victoria, now 7 per cent behind for the year whilst NSW continues to struggle, 20 per cent behind last year after another 9 per cent drop in June.
Elsewhere, sales in South Australia are down 20 per cent for the year, Tasmania is up 7 per cent and the NT is in line with last year.
Combine harvester sales continue to struggle with the decline in Northern NSW grain production having an impact. Full Year estimates remain in the range of 550 units to occur. This is down from the mid 800’s level of the past few years.
Baler sales continue to perform well as the demand for hay is still strong. Overall, Balers are now 20 per cent up on last year.
Finally, sales of out front mowers bounced another 25 per cent in the month, now sitting around 12 per cent down on a yearly basis.
Only one week to go until this year’s annual TMA Conference. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday 16 July at Hyatt Place Melbourne at Essendon Fields and will present a focus on better understanding the customer of tomorrow.
This event is a must for all manufacturers, dealers and suppliers to the industry and promises to be a highlight of the year. Tickets are now available and can be found on the TMA website here.