May 2022 tractor, combine sales dip below five-year average

For the first time since March 2020, U.S. tractor and combine sales fell below the five-year average last month. Canadian sales were able to remain above the average, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

U.S. total farm tractor sales fell 14.5% in May compared to 2021. Self-propelled combine sales also dropped to 315 units sold or 12.7%. For the third month in a row, the only sector that grew was the 100+ horsepower 2WD segment, which was up 13.9%. Mid-range tractors between 40 and 100 horsepower fell 16.4%, and the sub-40 hp segment was down 15.9%. 4WD tractors were down 30.4%. Both farm tractor and combine total sales were down 14.2% year-to-date.

Despite 2WD units in the 40 to 100 hp and 100+hp ranges (up 21.8%), and 4WD tractors growing, Canadian unit sales fell 11.3%. Total 2WD unit sales were down 11.6%, which was due to a fall in sub-40 hp machines. 

Combine harvesters fell 28.4% to 78 units sold. Year-to-date farm tractor unit sales are down a 8.6/5 in Canada, while harvesters are down 28.1%.

“Supply chain remains the primary issue in the ag equipment market right now,” says Curt Blades, senior vice president, industry sectors & product leadership at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. “Another thing to keep in mind, especially when comparing numbers year-over-year, is 2021 sales were significantly above historic trends.”

The full reports can be found in the Market Data section of AEM's website and selecting Ag Tractor and Combine Reports or by clicking here for the U.S. report and here for Canada.