As previously reported, overall 2018 registrations of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) were up by less than 1%, compared with 2017.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA said, "Growth in registrations was primarily at the top end of the power range. Over 600 more tractors over 180hp were registered in 2018 than in the previous year, an increase of 18%. Below that level, the number of machines declined, with most of the drop in the 140-180hp and under 100hp ranges; between 100 and 140hp there was little change. The 140-180hp range performed well in 2017, which may explain some of the fall in 2018, although some changes in specification moving models from one side of the 180hp boundary to the other may also have contributed."

Stephen continued, "Continuing the historic trend, the average power of tractors over 50hp registered during 2018 rose to 166.6hp, up from 162.2hp in 2017. The total power sold was just over 2 million hp, the first time we have reached this level since 2012.

"At regional level, the market was stronger in the North of England than in the South, although the best performing region was the East Midlands, where nearly 200 extra machines were registered. There were declines in the Southern regions and East Anglia, as well as in Scotland. Wales and Northern Ireland saw increased registrations, though, as well as those in the Northern regions of England."