There was quite a surge in the sales of four-wheel drive tractors in the just ended third quarter. According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), 100+hp 2WD tractors and 4WD tractors grew year-over-year here in the U.S. Both segments, along with self-propelled combines remain positive for the year.
But the biggest overall growth among tractors was in 4WD units, which grew more than 113 percent in September.
“With the technology in today’s equipment, it’s no surprise to see the 4WD segment continuing to grow as farmers look to increase their yields,” said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president, industry sectors and product leadership. “This segment has been strong all year, as farmers are continuing to invest in productivity gains for their operations.”
Despite the growth in 4WD units, overall sales of U.S. tractors were down 4.3 percent compared to sales in September 2022. Year to date at the end of the third quarter this year, combine sales overall were positive, up more than 25 percent, while tractors altogether are down just over 8 percent in the U.S.
The full report can be read here and on the AEM website.