Tractor and Combine Sales Down Overall in August

Sales for 4WD tractors in August saw a slight increase over last year, according to sales numbers from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

“While the increase in 4-wheel-drive tractors is modest, it's indicative of the industry's resilience and the ongoing need for agricultural equipment,” says Curt Blades, senior vice president at AEM. “The decline in the overall tractor market highlights the urgent need for a robust farm bill to support rural America and our agricultural community.” 

August continued the downward trend in overall tractor and combine sales, with every month in 2024 falling below the five year average (2019–2023). 

Tractor sales

Total farm tractor sales for August 2024 were 16,831, down 19.4% from last year with 20,888 sold in August 2023. Year to date, AEM reports 150,408 total farm tractors were sold as of August this year, down 12.7% from 172,332 this time last year. Total farm tractor inventory began at 129,174 in August.

Tractor sales are broken down by horsepower range as follows:

Sales for 2WD sub-40-hp tractors in August 2024 were down 21.8% from 2023, with 10,107 sales this year, and 12,927 last year. Year to date, AEM reports 96,046 tractors have been sold in this category, down 15% from 112,964 at the same time last year. 2WD sub-40-hp tractor inventory began at 78,944 in August.

Sales for 2WD 40- to 100-hp tractors in August were down 15.8%, with 4,652 sales this year, and 5,523 last year. Year to date, AEM reports 36,158 tractors have been sold in this category, down 9.4% from 39,917 at the same time last year. 2WD 40- to 100-hp tractor inventory began at 36,821 in August. 

Sales for 2WD 100-plus-hp tractors in August were down 17.9%, with 1,746 sales this year, compared to 2,127 last year. Year to date, AEM reports 15,539 tractors have been sold in this category, down 8.1% from 16,917 at the same time last year. 2WD 100-plus-hp tractor inventory began at 12,534 in August.

Sales for 4WD tractors were up 4.8% in August, with 326 sales this year, and 311 last year. Year to date, AEM reports 2,665 tractors have been sold in this category, up 5.2% from 2,534 at the same time last year. Four-wheel-drive tractor inventory began at 875 in July. 

Combine sales

Sales for self-propelled combines were down 19.6% in August with 619 sales this year compared to 770 last year. Year to date, AEM reports 3,933 combines have been sold as of August, down 17.9% from 4,792 at the same time last year. Self-propelled combine inventory began at 1,692 in August.