U.S. Tractor Sales Down 12.2% in February

Farmers continue to navigate evolving market conditions while investing in productivity-enhancing equipment

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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According to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of agricultural tractors declined across most horsepower categories in February compared to the same month last year, while combine sales posted modest growth. The declines were most significant in the under-100 horsepower categories, as higher horsepower tractors also experienced softer demand as producers continue to evaluate capital purchases amid changing commodity prices and interest rate pressures.

Why it matters

The report provides insights into retail sales trends across key equipment categories and helps manufacturers, dealers, and industry stakeholders monitor market conditions. While equipment sales fluctuate with farm income cycles, the agriculture industry continues to invest in technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability, and operational productivity.

The details

Total farm tractor sales in the United States declined 12.2% in February, with 9,804 units sold compared to 11,167 units in February 2025. Under 40 HP tractors declined 11.5%, 40-100 HP tractors decreased 9.5%, and 100+ HP tractors experienced the steepest monthly decline, falling 25.8%. Four-wheel drive tractors were the only segment to post growth, increasing 11.3%. Combine sales in the United States declined 12.6% in February, with 159 units sold compared to 182 units last year. However, year-to-date combine sales increased 15.4%, reflecting continued demand for harvesting efficiency and advanced technology.

  • In February 2026, U.S. agricultural tractor sales declined compared to February 2025.
  • Year-to-date tractor sales in the United States totaled 18,587 units, representing an 8.7% decline compared to 20,365 units sold during the first two months of 2025.
  • Combine sales in the United States declined 12.6% in February, with 159 units sold compared to 182 units last year. However, year-to-date combine sales increased 15.4%, reaching 322 units compared to 279 units during the same period in 2025.

The players

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)

An organization that provides insights into retail sales trends across key equipment categories and helps manufacturers, dealers, and industry stakeholders monitor market conditions.

Curt Blades

The senior vice president of industry sectors and product leadership at AEM.

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What they’re saying

“Farmers remain focused on managing input costs while maximizing productivity. While equipment purchases tend to follow broader farm income cycles, the long-term outlook for modernizing fleets and adopting advanced technologies remains strong.”

— Curt Blades, Senior Vice President of Industry Sectors and Product Leadership (AEM News Release)

The takeaway

The report highlights the challenges farmers face in navigating evolving market conditions, as they balance managing input costs with investing in productivity-enhancing equipment. While tractor sales have declined, the industry continues to see strong demand for advanced harvesting technologies and precision agriculture tools that can improve efficiency and sustainability.