The Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers is calling U.S. sales of farm tractors and combines “mostly positive” in releasing  March 2019 sales data.

Total 2WD tractor sales for the U.S. in March experienced a 0.3% drop compared to March of 2018. However, under 40 horsepower tractors and 100-plus horsepower equipment both saw growth since March 2018 with a 0.2% and 4.8% change respectively. These increased sales were overshadowed by the 3.3% drop that 40-100 horsepower 2WD tractors recorded, though, resulting in the 0.3% year-over-year drop in total 2WD tractor sales in March 2019.

On the other hand, total U.S. sales for 4WD tractors in March experienced a 13.4% growth from 2018 and self-propelled combined sales saw a massive spike of 71.3% in sales.

Canada did not see as many positive numbers in March, with growth in only under 40 horsepower tractors (+13.1%), 40-100 horsepower tractors (+3.5%) and total 2WD tractors +0.8% growth)

“We saw positive and negatives to March’s sales numbers of ag tractors and combines,” said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president, Ag Services. “While U.S. total tractor sales were down 0.2%, trade uncertainties and implementation of the farm bill continue to weigh heavy on the minds of our members and their customers. We also remain concerned about Canada’s continued problematic sales numbers.”