U.S. Ag Machinery Sales Continue Downward Trend in April

U.S. sales of tractors in all classes dropped 12.3%, while Canadian sales of agricultural tractors grew 3.4% in April 2025 compared to April 2024, according to numbers from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

“The April report of slow tractor and combine sales is reflective of the overall softness in the ag economy. Increased input prices, high interest rates, and global trade concerns are leading to farmers taking more of a cautious approach to their capital investments,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president of AEM. “With planting season underway, we remain optimistic the ag economy will improve, leading to a strengthening of the ag equipment market.”

Tractor Sales

Total farm tractor sales for April 2025 were 22,201, down 12.3% compared to 25,317 sold in April 2024. Year-to-date, AEM reports 58,964 total farm tractors were sold this year, down 13.3% from 68,018 in 2024. Total farm tractor inventory began at 118,033 in April.

Tractor sales are broken down by horsepower range as follows:

Sales for 2WD sub-40-hp tractors in April 2025 were down 10.4% from 2024, with 15,387 sales this year, and 17,177 last year. Year-to-date, AEM reports 38,244 tractors sold in this category, down 11.8% from 43,374 at the same time last year. Two-wheel drive sub-40-hp tractor inventory began at 75,928 in April.

Sales for 2WD 40–100-hp tractors in April were down 7.3%, with 4,633 sales in 2025, and 5,000 in 2024. Year to date, AEM reports 14,131 tractors sold in this category, down 10% from 15,706 at the same time last year. Two-wheel drive 40-100-hp tractor inventory began at 31,650 in April. 

Sales for 2WD 100-plus-hp tractors in April were down 28.5%, with 1,888 sales this year, compared to 2,639 last year. Year-to-date, AEM reports 5,760 tractors sold in this category, down 24.3% from 7,613 last year. Two-wheel drive 100-plus-hp tractor inventory began at 9,684 in April.

Sales for 4WD tractors were down 41.5% in April, with 293 sales this year, and 501 last year. Year-to-date, AEM reports 829 tractors sold in this category, down 37.4% from 1,325 last year. Four-wheel drive tractor inventory began at 771 in April. 

Combine sales

Sales for self-propelled combines were down 31.9% in April with 414 sales this year compared to 608 last year. Year-to-date, AEM reports 936 combines were sold this year, down 48.3% from 1,809 last year. Self-propelled combine inventory began at 1,153 in April.