NEW tractor sales in June have reached record levels, underscoring how the machinery industry continues to shrug the global financial crisis.
With just under 1850 units delivered across Australia, this, according to machinery analyst Agriview's Alan Kirsten, is the highest June result in 22 years.
As well, he says this is the highest result for any month since December 1987.
"Sales increased across all power segments and all states," Mr Kirsten said.
Interestingly, the biggest growth occurred in the 60-90 pto kW market segment where sales lifted 74 percent, which translates into just over 460 tractors sold.
Mr Kirsten says a similar picture is emerging for the June quarter with sales of 4280 tractors to date.
"This is both the highest June quarter sales and highest quarter sales of any quarter since the June quarter of 1985," he said.
All this means that after six months the market is up 18 percent, with an additional 1100 tractors sold this year compared to the first half of last year.
This is the best first half performance in 25 years, according to Agriview.
Meanwhile, combine harvesters sales also have increased dramatically in the first six months of the year.
With just over 160 machines delivered to farmers, this is said to be double the volume of last year's sales over the same timescale.
It's a similar picture for balers. After six months, sales are up 55 percent, only sagging slightly in Queensland although the Sunshine State's sales are said to be level pegging at last year's volumes.
The Federal Government's June investment allowance initiative, also its recently-announced 50 percent investment tax break for businesses with turnovers less than $2m, look to be playing their part in helping to sustain industry sales.
As well, improved seasonal prospects in many parts of the country appear to be contributing to a feeling of well-being – one that is being matched by sales of utes and vans which reportedly also are at bumper levels.