The Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers reported yesterday that sales of mid-range (40-100 horsepower) and compact tractors (under 40 horsepower) continue to offer dealers some relief from the persistent decline of high horsepower equipment.

North American mid-range tractor sales increased 7.5% year-over-year (U.S. +9.3%, –10.3% Canada), while compact tractor sales jumped 17.1% in April (+17.3% U.S., +9.7% Canada). 

Meanwhile, U.S. and Canada large ag equipment declines continue, with 4WD tractor sales down 42.3% year-over-year (down 23.7% last month), row-crop tractors down 16.6% (down 19.3% last month). The falloff in combine sales slowed somewhat, down 33.3% vs. down 47.7% in March.