The number of tractors over 241hp registered in the UK in the first three months of this year increased by nearly 40%, compared with the first quarter of 2023.

Earlier this week we reported that UK agricultural tractor registrations recorded by the AEA in the opening three months of this year of 2,891 were 14% lower than in the same period last year (see link at bottom).

Now the AEA has released figures breaking the numbers down into different power bands. Accounting for 452 of the 2,891 tractors registered from January to March (325 in Q1, 2023), the largest growth was for tractors above 241hp. The 241-320hp bracket accounted for 319 of the 452 units (62% higher than a year ago) and the 320hp+ power band was up nearly 4.0% to 133 units.

At the lower end of the power scale (but over 50hp), there were nearly a fifth fewer tractors registered, with a similar rate of decline across most broad power bands. Accounting for 763 units (26% of the total), 161-200hp tractors were the most popular in the first three months, although this number is 22% lower than the 979 units recorded in the same period a year ago.

Regional trends

The AEA figures show that there were fewer tractors registered in the opening three months of this year than in same period of 2023 across the whole of the UK.

Source: AEA Economics Department

The sharpest declines were in the south and west of England, with a 29% drop in the south-west particularly significant. In the first three months of last year, 545 tractors were registered in the south-west, the highest number in the UK. This year it is down to second spot with 385 units from January to March.

Despite the small 5.6% drop in the eastern half of England, this region headed the registration rankings with 476 units and a 16.5% share of the total market. Registrations were also down in Scotland (-10%), Wales (-4%) and Northern Ireland (-1%).

Fewer new tractors registered in the UK – Profi

More tractor power on UK farms – Profi

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