In February 2026, the agricultural machinery market experienced a notable shift, with tractor sales declining while combines maintained their momentum. According to the latest report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), sales of 4WD tractors surged by 11.3% compared to the same month last year, indicating a strong preference for these models among farmers.
However, total tractor sales in the U.S. fell by 12.2%, while combine sales dropped by 12.6%. In Canada, tractor sales decreased by 14.4%, although combine sales remained steady with 89 units sold, matching last year's figures.
Curt Blades, AEM's senior vice president of industry sectors and product leadership, noted, "Farmers are concentrating on managing their input costs while striving for greater productivity. Although equipment purchases often reflect broader income cycles in agriculture, the long-term prospects for fleet modernization and the adoption of advanced technologies are promising."
In the U.S., February saw a total of 9,804 tractors sold, down from 11,167 the previous year. Year-to-date figures indicate 18,587 tractors have been sold, marking an 8.7% decrease from 20,365 in the same timeframe last year. The inventory at the beginning of February stood at 90,647 units.
Sales data reveals the following trends across different horsepower categories:
- 2WD tractors under 40 hp: 6,014 units sold (down 11.5%)
- 2WD tractors between 40-100 hp: 2,738 units sold (down 9.5%)
- 2WD tractors over 100 hp: 904 units sold (down 25.8%)
- 4WD tractors: 148 units sold (up 11.3%)
- Combine sales: 159 units sold (down 12.6%)
In Canada, tractor sales reflected similar trends. Total sales dropped 14.4% in February, with 1,217 units sold compared to 1,421 units in February 2025. Year-to-date tractor sales are down 3.3%, totaling 2,639 units sold through February.
When analyzing the Canadian tractor market by horsepower:
- Sub-40 hp tractors: 689 units sold (down 17%)
- 40-100 hp tractors: 258 units sold (down 3%)
- 100+ hp tractors: 180 units sold (down 10%)
- 4WD tractors: 90 units sold (down 28%)
Despite the decline in tractor sales, the stability in combine sales and the continued interest in 4WD tractors suggest a potential for innovation and adaptation within the agricultural sector.
