Waikato led the way in tractor sales in New Zealand during 2014, in a year when sales approached record highs.
A total of 4061 tractors were purchased between January and December, including 3419 of at least 40 horsepower (hp), the most common measure for farm tractors. Sales are up from 3065 40hp tractors bought in 2013.
Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) president Ian Massicks says the figures show continued commitment by farmers to buy from local machinery dealers rather than taking the risk of purchasing online from an overseas supplier.
“Farmers recognise the huge value of a relationship with a New Zealand machinery supplier and the advantages of having a comprehensive maintenance contract,” he says.
“Many farmers have 24/7 arrangements with their local dealer – because they know the value of someone who can give that extra mile of service on a Sunday afternoon when you need the baler fixed and going before it starts raining.”
Massicks say the combination of the record dairy payouts last year and good growing conditions were key to farmers investing in new equipment.
“The July to September sales figures were the highest in a decade,” says Massicks.
“They then continued steadily for the remainder of the year although stopping short of the 2005 record when 3515 tractors of at least 40hp were purchased.
“We expect 2015 to be a good year too although there might be some reduction due to forecast lower dairy payouts.”
Some 614 of the 684 tractors purchased in the Waikato were over 40hp, followed by Southland with 418 tractors over 40HP from a total of 430.
Otago had the next highest number of tractor purchases with 249 40hp-plus from 291 sales.
Auckland saw the highest number of tractors of below 40hp, with 136 out of a total of 292 sales.
A total of 210 tractors were purchased countrywide in January 2015, with 161 at least 40HP. Waikato again led the way with 25 purchases. 23 of them at least 40 HP, followed by Southland with 20, 19 of them 40HP or over.
