Unit sales of 4WD ag tractors experienced a notable upswing in both the United Staets and Canada in September, closing the third quarter of 2023 in a strong position, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
In the United States, 100+hp 2WD tractors, and 4WD tractors grew year-over-year. Both segments, along with self-propelled combines remain positive for the year. The biggest overall growth among tractors happened in 4WD units, growing more than 113 percent in September. In Canada, 4WD sales finished the month in a similar position, up more than 91 percent.
"With the technology in today's equipment, it's no surprise to see the 4WD segment continuing to grow as farmers look to increase their yields," said Curt Blades, senior vice president, industry sectors and product leadership at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. "This segment has been strong all year, as farmers are continuing to invest in productivity gains for their operations."
Overall unit sales of U.S. tractors are down 4.3 percent compared to sales in September 2022, with 100+hp 2WD units being the only other growth segment, while combine sales finished nearly flat, only selling 8 fewer units than the previous year. Canadian tractor sales fell nearly 14 percent, with combines declining more than 37 percent.
Year to date at the end of the third quarter of 2023, combine sales overall are positive, up more than 25 percent, while tractors altogether are down just over 8 percent in the United States. Year-to-date Canadian tractor unit sales didn't change pace much versus the previous month, now down just over 14 percent, while combines are up 16.5 percent.
The full reports can be found in the Market Data section of the AEM website under Ag Tractor and Combine Reports or visit https://www.aem.org/market-data/statistics/us-ag-tractor-and-combine-reports/
