MILWAUKEE (Oct. 10, 2018) — Headed into the last quarter of 2018, U.S. sales of tractors and combines were in the plus column overall, according to the latest report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

U.S. sales of self-propelled combines gained 9% in September compared to last year, and U.S. sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors grew 52% month-over-month. For January-September, U.S. combine sales topped 21% and 4-wheel-drive tractor sales increased 18.5%.

For September, total U.S. sales for 2-wheel-drive tractors gained 1%, led by a 28.5% increase in 100-plus HP tractors, followed by 2-% growth for under-40 HP tractors, and a 7-% drop for 40-100 HP tractors.

January-September year-to-date growth totaled 7.5% for 2-wheel-drive tractors: under-40 HP tractors gained 10%; 40-100 HP tractors grew 1.5%; and 100-plus HP tractors increased 9%.

“We’re monitoring the recently announced trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Exports are vital for the economic stability and growth of U.S. farming and manufacturing, and this is a positive step with two of our key export partners,” said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president AG services.

Here is a link to the full report online.