U.S. sales of self-propelled combines remained strong in May, with a 52% gain compared to May 2017 and year-to-date growth of 26.5%, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

Total U.S. sales of two-wheel-drive (2WD) tractors for May rose 17% compared to May 2017, bolstered by gains of 20% in both the 100 hp-plus and under-40 hp categories. Total May year-to-date sales for 2WD tractors gained 5% compared to last year: 100 hp-plus tractor sales were flat at -1%, while under-40 hp gained 6% and 40-100 hp size tractors rose 3%.

May U.S. sales of four-wheel-drive tractors faltered, with a 6% decline compared to last year, resulting year-to-date growth of 2% in May compared to last year.

Mahindra USA president Mani Iyer said, “There is an overall positive sentiment in the market supported by increasing consumer confidence and buoyant economy. We at Mahindra follow the industry growth and ride the wave with new products, new dealers and a passionate and energized workforce. We expect 2018 to be a good year for tractor manufacturers.”

“We are still looking at overall positive growth in equipment sales for 2018,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president, AG services. "We have seen more optimism from producers, and tax reform has been a plus. The continued specter of trade retaliation or a trade war over steel and aluminum tariffs, however, still poses a challenge for farmers and manufacturers."