New tractor deliveries were up in March, helping push year-to-date volumes ahead of last year, although the market remains volatile, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Deliveries for the first quarter to March 31 reached 649 units, up 5% on the same period last year, following a weaker start to 2026.
March deliveries totalled 318 units, well ahead of 232 units in March last year, offsetting softer results in January and February.
TAMA general manager Phil Holden says the rebound highlights the current market which is “harder to pick than winning lotto numbers”.
“With YTD deliveries sitting 5% ahead of last year at 649 units, this was welcome and somewhat surprising news given the previous two months performance were lagging behind last year. It highlights just how tough and unpredictable it is in the market right now,” Holden says.
Despite a positive outlook for the primary sector, Holden says this has yet to translate into consistent demand for new tractors and machinery.
“After the positive 2025 year end, 2026 has been variable so far. This makes it really challenging for TAMA members to manage their stock holdings and forward order projections,” he says.
Holden says strong dairy sector performance and recent shareholder returns could support demand, although weather conditions are also likely to influence purchasing decisions.
“The wild weather being experienced across the country at the moment, will no doubt be having a big impact on farmers’ and growers’ activity and occupying their minds which will also clearly drive any purchasing decisions,” he says.
March growth was driven by strong performance in the 100–150 horsepower and 150–200 horsepower segments, which were up 47.4% and 145.8% respectively compared with the same month last year.
Regional results were mixed, with North Island deliveries down 4.7% year-to-date, while the South Island recorded growth of 23.7%.
Sales in the 150–200 horsepower category, totalling 62 units, were a key driver of South Island performance, up 93.8% on the previous year.
On a rolling 12-month basis, the March result represents a significant spike, and Holden says the industry will be watching closely to see if the momentum continues.
“TAMA members will be hoping that this lift in deliveries continues and does not result in a reversal of the trend next month,” he says.
