Following an encouraging first quarter in which new +50hp tractor registrations were broadly in line with previous years, it was back down to earth with a bump as sales recorded by the AEA for the month of April fell sharply compared with the same month’s figures from last year.
The AEA’s research reports 862 units were registered in April 2020, compared with 1744 in April 2019 – a reduction of more than half, and the lowest April total since the year 2000.
However, to put these seemingly disappointing figures into some perspective, sales in April 2019 were thought by many to be artificially high, driven in part by the original planned date for the UK to leave the EU.
In addition, the AEA says that the low sales figure for April this year may well have been affected by slight delays in processing registrations at the Department for Transport due to coronavirus. Furthermore, the temporary closure by leading manufacturers of a number of major factories across Europe is almost certain to have had an impact on dealers stocks and ultimately sales.
Overall, sales for the first four months of 2020 amount to 3,677 units; 23% down on the same period last year.
It seems that many farmers are hesitating to make substantial investment decisions. Whilst the industry is rising admirably to the challenges presented by the coronavirus outbreak there remains some uncertainty about prospects over the short and medium term. Other factors that may be affecting confidence include continued concerns about the impact of Brexit on the industry and the ongoing passage of the Agriculture Bill through parliament which recently saw the defeat of an Amendment that would have seen low standard food imports banned from entering the UK.
As a result, an increasing number of farmers are looking at the second-hand tractor market or ways to extend the life, versatility and value of their existing machines. If you’re one of those farmers, we can offer a number of ways for you to enhance the capability of your existing tractor and add to its part-ex value when the time does come for you to invest in a new machine.
Adding a front loader, for example, can transform your tractor’s productivity and in some cases remove the need for a second machine. STOLL front loaders are available from Lynx for most tractor makes and models of virtually any age. Other retrofit implements from Lynx designed to expand tractor capability include front linkages, PTOs, rubber track systems and pick-up hitches, whilst our reversible cooling fans, weight packages and tractor engine tuning technology can improve performance and reduce fuel costs.
Call us to discuss how we can help you to get more from your existing tractor and for details of your nearest Lynx dealer.
