MILWAUKEE, WI – U.S. four-wheel-drive tractor sales increased in October, providing one positive signal in an equipment market that continues to show weakness across several major categories.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers reports 337 four-wheel-drive tractors were sold during October, up 7.7% from 313 a year earlier. Sales of two-wheel-drive tractors totaled 16,905 units, down 0.7%, while total farm tractor sales slipped 0.5%.
Larger two-wheel-drive tractors also showed some improvement. Sales of tractors above 100 horsepower rose 3.2% from October 2025, while tractors under 40 horsepower declined 0.6% and sales in the 40-to-100 horsepower category fell 2.4%.
Year-to-date numbers remain considerably weaker. Total tractor sales through October were down 11.6% from 2025, while four-wheel-drive tractor sales were down 19%. Self-propelled combine sales fell 9.6% in October and were down 9.1% year to date.
Equipment demand will remain an important indicator of producer confidence as farmers weigh commodity prices, operating costs, financing conditions and replacement needs heading into 2027.
Farm-Level Takeaway: October strength in larger tractors offers a positive signal, but year-to-date equipment sales continue to reflect cautious producer spending.