Tractor Sales Decline Across North America in February While Combine Demand Remains Strong
Sales of agricultural tractors and combines in the United States and Canada delivered a mixed performance in February, highlighting how farmers are adapting their purchasing decisions amid shifting commodity markets, input costs, and economic conditions.
While tractor sales softened across most horsepower ranges, combine sales continued to reflect steady or growing demand for harvesting efficiency and advanced technology.
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. tractor sales declined in nearly every category compared to February 2025, whereas combine sales showed year to date improvement.
“Farmers remain focused on managing input costs while maximizing productivity,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president of industry sectors and product leadership at AEM. “While equipment purchases tend to follow broader farm income cycles, the long term outlook for modernizing fleets and adopting advanced technologies remains strong.”
U.S. tractor sales declined across all major horsepower categories in February, reflecting cautious capital spending as producers weigh interest rate pressures and fluctuating commodity prices.
Total Tractor Market
- 12.2% decline in total U.S. tractor sales
- 9,804 units sold (vs. 11,167 units in February 2025)
Tractors by Horsepower
- Under 40 HP:
- Down 11.5%
- 6,014 units sold (vs. 6,792 last year)
- 40–100 HP:
- Down 9.5%
- 2,738 units sold (vs. 3,024 last year)
- 100+ HP:
- Down 25.8%, the steepest decline
- 904 units sold (vs. 1,218 last year)
Four-Wheel Drive Tractors
- • Up 11.3%
- • 148 units sold (vs. 133 last year)
This was the only tractor category to post monthly growth.
Year-to-Date U.S. Tractor Sales
- 18,587 units, down 8.7% from 20,365 in 2025
Combine Sales
- February combines: Down 12.6% (159 units vs. 182 last year)
- Year to date combines: Up 15.4% (322 units vs. 279 in 2025)
Despite February’s decline, strong year to date combine sales underscore ongoing investment in harvesting capacity and precision technology.
Canadian Equipment Sales
Canadian equipment sales in February showed similar patterns to the U.S., with tractor sales lower year over year while combine sales continued to accelerate.
Total Tractor Market
- 14.4% decline in February
- 1,217 units sold (vs. 1,421 in February 2025)
Year to Date Tractor Sales
- 2,639 units, down 3.3% from 2,730 last year
Tractors by Horsepower
- Under 40 HP: o Down 17.0% (689 units)
- 40–100 HP: o Down 3.0% (258 units)
- • 100+ HP: o Down 10.0% (180 units)
Four-Wheel Drive Tractors
- Down 28.0% (90 units vs. 125 last year)
Combine Sales
- February: 89 units, matching last year’s total
- Year to date: 204 units, up 85.5% from 110 last year
Canada also began February with 11,843 tractors and 417 combines in inventory, indicating relatively strong supply levels.
Industry Outlook: Technology Investment Remains Strong
Equipment sales naturally trend alongside farm income cycles, but long term demand for productivity enhancing machinery remains robust. Farmers continue to prioritize investments in:
- Precision agriculture systems
- Automation and autonomy tools
- Advanced combine and harvesting technology
- Telematics and fleet management solutions
Even as producers navigate cost pressures and market uncertainty, the emphasis on efficiency, sustainability, and operational resilience continues to steer purchasing decisions.
With North American farmers facing evolving production challenges—from labour availability to variable weather—equipment that improves output and operational control remains a strategic priority heading into the next production cycle.
Photo Credit: CASE IH AF 11