3 minute read
Market analysis
march madness
Tractor sales have experienced yet another good month, show figures from the Tractor & Machinery Association
Gary Northover is executive director of the Tractor & Machinery Association of Australia (TMA). He can be contacted on (03) 9813 8011 or at gary@tma.asn.au March delivered another stellar month for sales of agricultural tractors, with a 64 per cent rise on the same month last year. The last 12 months have now seen in excess of 15,000 tractors sold in this country, which is 40 per cent ahead of the previous 12-month period. A feature of March’s sales was the fact that all reporting categories enjoyed huge rises. The under 40hp (30kW) range was up 61 per cent for the month to be 68 per cent ahead year to date (YTD). The 40 to 100hp (30–75kw) range was again up a strong 70 per cent in the month (68 per cent YTD) and the 100 to 200hp (75–150kW) category was up 58 per cent (53 per cent YTD). The large 200hp (150kW) plus range enjoyed another strong rise, up 72 per cent, and is now 92 per cent ahead for the year. Activity in the month was strong in all states, with New South Wales again the standout; up 98 per cent on the same time last year and now 105 per cent ahead for the YTD. Victoria reported another solid month, up 47 per cent and now sitting 45 per cent ahead for the year, while Queensland was again up 64 per cent to be 63 per cent up YTD. Western Australian sales picked up 70 per cent to be 72 per cent ahead for the year, sales in South Australia reported a 14 per cent increase for the month and, finally, Tasmania finished the month 65 per cent ahead. As we have been reporting for some months now, the combination of the federal government’s Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme, along with the outstanding weather conditions, have been driving demand. Offsetting these positives is the matter of supply. The effects of COVID-19 restrictions in source countries and the lift in demand for machinery worldwide has put strain on local deliveries. The big question being asked is: “How long can the good times last?” With the Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme due to expire on June 30, we expect a continuation of the strong demand for machines to remain at least until then. Beyond this we are anticipating a ‘tapering off’, the depth and duration of which is still largely unknown. That said, the industry remains very healthy. The order intake season for combine harvesters is now well underway and dealers are reporting increased demand. The past 12-month period has seen sales go past the 650 unit mark, which is up from 530 for the previous 12 months. Baler sales dipped for the first time in some time but are still up 39 per cent on an annualised basis and sales of out-front mowers also slowed but remain 35 per cent ahead of the same time last year.
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