The latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Ag Tractor and Combine Report shows that, while U.S. retail sales of tractors under 40HP and 40-100HP continued to lead the way in September and larger tractor sales rebounded from last month, year-to-date tractor sales are still down.

The report also noted that September U.S. retail sales for 2WD tractors under 40HP gained 16.8 percent from last year, with year-to-date sales up 11.7 percent. September sales of 2WD tractors 40-100HP were also up, showing an increase of 3.9 percent year-over-year, but year-to-date sales were still down by 4.3 percent.

Sales of 2WD 100+HP tractors in the U.S. dropped 7.3 percent for September, and September year-to-date sales were down 22.7 percent. 4WD tractors sales declined 17.9 percent, with September year-to-date sales down 32.4 percent.

September U.S. combine sales were down 34.6 percent and saw a 24.2-percent drop for September year-to-date sales.

“While our current ag downturn is the result of lower commodity prices putting pressure on farm income, weak exports due to a strong U.S. dollar, and overall global economic malaise, we cannot underestimate the impact of inventories at the manufacturer and dealership level,” said AEM Senior Vice President Charlie O’Brien. “A recent co-run survey by AEM and the Equipment Dealers Association (EDA) provides some insight on the issue from the manufacturer and dealer perspectives.”