New tractor sales slump while second-hand kit sells well

Registrations of larger tractors have fallen by more than one-third during the first half of 2025, as farm businesses try to keep a control on costs.

Tight margins for arable farmers have limited investment in new kit, with just 553 tractors over 240hp being registered between January and June this year, down from almost 900 in the same period last year.

New tractor registrations were down across all power bands, with sales of smaller models also reportedly struggling.

See also: First-half tractor registrations down 25% on average

Figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) show that tractors of between 160hp and 200hp accounted for more than a quarter of all registrations, but numbers were still down by 16% for the category on the year.

Stephen Howarth, AEA agricultural economist, said: “There have been fewer tractors registered so far this year across virtually the whole of the power range.

“However, the fastest declines have been for the biggest machines.”

Tractor registrations were also down across all UK regions in the first half of 2025.

Mr Howarth added that the smallest decreases occurred in southern England and Northern Ireland, while the Midlands and the north of England experienced sharp declines.

Second-hand market

Trade for second-hand machinery has been strong in comparison, with auctioneers reporting robust demand throughout the first half of the year.

Joe Page, director at East Anglia-based auctioneer Cheffins, said: “We have seen a consistent flow of sales throughout the first half of the year, both in terms of on-farm on behalf of farmers, timed online sales, and a steady level of consignments into the monthly sale.

“Demand for kit is high, and prices have remained healthy, particularly as the prices of new machinery are now reaching the realms of unaffordable for many.”