Rise in big tractor sales
TRACTOR sales in Australia jumped again in April following a solid start to the year in the first quarter, where delivery figures hit record levels.
Data released this week by the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia showed a hefty increase in sales of 200hp-plus tractors for the month and a surge in demand from the west.
Alan Kirsten, of industry analyst Agriview, said the seasonal push from the broadacre sector was the key to the month's happy results.
"At this time of year, you would expect sales to be active in that part of the market - it's the delivery of all the broadacre machinery to go in for the planting season," he said.
"Around the states, Queensland was up 9% on last year, due to a 40% lift in the over-100hp market."
New Holland sales and marketing director Simon Vigour agreed the larger-horsepower tractor market had been a definite strength of late.
"The buoyancy of the tractor industry has led to high demand and a strong order book across the company's wide range of products," Mr Vigour said.
