In the latest instalment of our series of articles looking at other countries’ farm machinery industries, Graham Fuller take a look at Australia

The Australian tractor market is one of the most “over-subscribed” in the world. When the country celebrated 100 years of the modern farm workhorse in 2004, there were some 40 different brands offering an estimated 700 different models.

What are the best-selling tractor brands?

Recognised brand names like John Deere, Case-IH, New Holland and Kubota dominate the Australian market, with new boys-on-the-block, such as Korea’s Daedong, hot on the big boys’ heels. India’s Mahindra and China’s East Wind have recently made significant inroads into the lifestyle market.

How many tractors are sold each year in Australia on average?

Despite the long-standing drought, currently easing, some 11,500 tractors are sold each year although the impact of the global financial crisis and federal government investment initiatives (now expired) will see it ease back to about 9500 units in 2010.

First quarter Australian tractor sales values have just come in at Aus$22.1 million (£13m) – about 1% up on the same period last year when they were worth Aus$21.9m (£12.6m). However, machinery analysts believe by the end of 2010 this will translate into a 10-15% downturn in sales.

Are there any areas where tractors sales have gone up?

As far as the dollar spend is concerned, the only mainland state to show any real growth during the early part of 2010 proved to be Victoria where the value of tractor sales increased by 11.5% from $42.9m (£24.3m) to $47.8m (£27.1m).

What part does the government play in purchasing decisions?

Tractor sales were last severely impacted in 2000 when the Federal Government introduced a Goods and Service Tax (VAT) resulting in just 6887 unit sales – the lowest level since 1993 when 6110 tractors were sold.

What is the average tractor hp?

For the last five or so years the 80 to 120 horsepower segment of the market has been operating at historically high levels with sales averaging 2494 units over the period – the high point being 2006 when 2,518 sales were made.

How many combine harvesters are sold?

Header (combine harvester) sales have been on a roller-coaster ride over the past decade, principally hit by the punishing drought. Sales were a tad shy of 1,000 units in 2009 with that figure last exceeded in 2002. The market dived to a low of 336 units in 2007 – the second lowest number ever recorded, the lowest being 219 in 1991.

What about balers?

The Australian baler market has been operating at historically high levels during the past decade with more than 1000 units sold each year. Round balers constitute the bulk of the market with sales averaging 750 units, followed by large rectangular balers (200 units), and small rectangular balers which have averaged about 100 sales a year.

Do farm tractors on the road have to have air brakes?

Australian farm tractors do not have to have air brakes, but their availability on 200hp-plus models is increasingly being taken up by, for instance, sugar cane farmers hauling large bins along highways where safety is a big issue.

Is there an annual roadworthiness test for tractors and is there a minimum age?

There is no yearly MOT-type test for farm tractors in Australia and drivers must be 18 years old if they venture on to a road.

How much is a litre of diesel?

A litre of diesel costs about Aus$1.45 (84p), including GST (VAT).