Heavy duty row crop tractor unit sales continued to increase in the U.S., while overall farm tractor unit sales in the U.S. and Canada declined in August, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

In the U.S., 100+ horsepower 2WD tractors and 4WD tractors were the only segments to grow year-over-year. Both those segments along with self-propelled combines remain positive for the year. The biggest overall growth among tractors happened in 4WD units, growing more than 20% in August.

“North American row-crop farmers continue to add and adopt new technology to their equipment fleets to help reduce costs and improve yields,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president, industry sectors and product leadership at AEM. “The appeal of the newer equipment centers on improved fuel efficiency, better GPS technology and improved automation features, which is why farmers are continuing to make these investments.”

Overall unit sales of U.S. tractors are down 4.6% compared to sales in August 2022, while combine sales declined slightly by 2.4%. Canadian tractor sales improved their pace versus the previous month, falling just over 6%, with combines declining more than 17%.

In Canada, 100+ horsepower 2WD tractors were the lone growth segment, up more than 5%, staying positive year-to-date along with 4WD tractors and combines.

Year to date, tractor sales improved their pace, with declines falling to just over 8% in the U.S., while combines remain up nearly 32%. Canadian tractor unit sales had a similar improvement, now down just over 14%, with combines up more than 33%.

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