U.S. Tractor Sales Improve in 2019; Combines Fall

MILWAUKEE, WI – December saw a return to positive overall results in U.S. sales of tractors and self-propelled combines, marking an upward end to a year that saw overall growth in the tractor and combine space. Total U.S. farm tractor sales for 2019 grew 3.6 percent (244,637 units), while self-propelled combines slipped almost 1 percent (4,807 units). December tractor sales climbed 1.1 percent year over year while combines fell by 12.3 percent, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Total U.S. sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors were roughly flat in the month of December: under 40 horsepower (HP) 2-wheel-drive tractors grew 5.2 percent, and sales of 40-100 HP tractors fell 8.7 percent. Overall, sales of 100-plus HP tractors led the segment with 6.4 percent growth. 4-wheel drive tractor sales for the month of December was a highlight with 27.8 percent sales growth.