Tractor and harvester sales for May compare poorly with sales in May 2014 and it is especially harvester sales that are 40% lower that attract attention.

Tractor sales of 355 units in May are significantly (9%) lower than the 392 units reported last May. For the year to date, sales are about 10% lower than sales last year. Harvester sales of 16 units in May are also significantly lower than the 36 units sold last May. For the year to date, harvester sales are almost 40% lower than harvester sales last year.

Market conditions have not changed significantly over the past month. Many farmers are still harvesting their summer crops. The “wait-and-see” attitude in the market is unchanged. Farmers will only know after the overall harvests what the yield and quality were. Nevertheless, the market remains surprisingly vibrant, yet extremely competitive.

According to industry estimates, tractor sales for 2015 will be about 10% lower than last year. Harvester sales are expected to be about 25% lower.

Sales for the industry announced by SALMA relate to the following companies: Argo Industrial (Landini, Kioti and McCormick), Bell Equipment (Bell), Dicla (Farmtrac and Chery), Eqstra Agri Equipment (Deutz Fahr and Same), John Deere South Africa (John Deere), Kempston Agri (Claas), Michigan Equipment (Tafe), New Holland South Africa (New Holland), Northmec (Case IH) and Valtrac (Valtra).

Source: SAAMA