Sales of Agricultural tractors have begun to show signs of steadying across the nation and whilst down on the recent record run, continue to represent a reasonably healthy level of activity.
This of course does exclude those drought affected regions of NSW, Northern Victoria and Southern Queensland.
Sales for the month were down 13% against the same month last year and are now down that amount-13% on a year to date basis. As a result, a forecast sales level of around 10,500 tractors is anticipated this year, down from the 12,500 unit levels of the past few years.
Dealers around the country are reporting that inventory levels are plentiful and that now is a great time to buy. Despite the general tightening of bank finance, support is still available at the right price further enhancing buyers prospects.
We saw slight improvement in the large over 200hp range in the month, leaving the Year to Date number down 9%. The 100hp – 200hp range fell away considerably, down 22% for the month and now 18% behind for the year.
At the lower end, the 40 – 100hp range sits 11% behind last year following a 19% decline in March and the under 40 hp market has started the year slowly, off another 20% in March and now 13% behind for the year.
Around the nation, the New South Wales market continues to struggle with March sales down 20% on last year, now 25% behind for the year. Victorian sales were again down, this time 16% for the month, 11% year to date and Queensland saw another dip, this time 10% for the month leaving that state 6% behind for the year.
Elsewhere, WA had a booming month, sales up 23% for the month now sitting 6% ahead of last year.
South Australia dipped a further 26% , Tasmania now sits 14% ahead of last year and sales to the NT are 21% up.
Combine Harvester Sales continue to struggle with advice from many dealers that the forward ordering of new machines has been less than promising. Good stock levels remain available around the country so if demand improves, dealers will be ready to deal.
Baler sales continue to boom after a quite 2018, now 120% up on the same time last year.
Finally, sales of Out Front Mowers were down for the month, now sitting around 19% down on a yearly basis.
Lastly planning is well underway for the annual TMA Conference. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday July 16th at Hyatt Place Melbourne at Essendon Fields and will present a focus on better understanding the customer of tomorrow. This event is a must for all manufacturers, dealers and suppliers to industry and promises to be a highlight of the year. Ticketing and Sponsorship details will be released soon and can be found on the TMA website www.tma.asn.au
Gary Northover
Executive Director