U.S. tractor sales in September showed a split market as smaller equipment held steady but demand for large tractors and combines continued to decline. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, sales of mid-sized tractors between 40–100 horsepower jumped, while small utility models also saw modest gains. But notably, sales of high-horsepower and four-wheel-drive tractors dropped sharply, along with combine sales. Year-to-date figures show overall tractor sales down 8% from 2024 and combine sales nearly 40% lower, with inventories still high in many categories.
The downturn mirrors declining farmer confidence reported in Purdue University’s Ag Economy Barometer, where producers expressed concern over tighter margins, lower commodity prices, and high operating costs. Many farmers are delaying big-ticket purchases, focusing instead on maintenance and smaller equipment upgrades.
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