New tractor sales continue to perform poorly when compared to 2016 levels, it has been reported, following the disclosure of the latest figures for registrations in May.
Sales numbers for the month of May were once again low compared to 2016, with 199 new tractors registered this May, as opposed to 225 during the same month last year, according to data released by the FTMTA (Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association).
The overall number of registrations during the first five months is now at 1,102 tractors, a 13% fall year-on-year.
Another continuing trend is the preference for bigger, more powerful machines. 87% of newly-registered tractors have more than 100hp under the bonnet.
Image source: Shane Casey
Continuing on from April’s report, the same counties comprise the top five locations for tractor sales – namely Cork, Tipperary, Wexford, Galway and Kilkenny in descending order, with sales of 144, 104, 74, 64 and 60 units respectively.
Image source: Shane Casey
Other machinery
Telehandler sales are doing well this year, with 27 new machines purchased during the month of May – well up on last year’s figure of 16 for the same month. This brings total new telehandler registrations up to 166 this year, which is up well on last year’s figure of 153 – a jump of around 8.5%.
Wheeled loaders are also doing well this month, with 28 machines sold in May – which is more than half of the total new wheeled loader sales for 2017 (49). This 2017 figure is up six machines on the same period last year.
Image source: Shane Casey
UK tractor sales
In contrast to the Irish scene, according to the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association), UK tractor sales continue to rise – with a year-on-year increase of 4.1% for the month of May. In addition, the total for the first five months of 2017 is up 16.7% compared to the same period of 2016.
