Last week, we reported how data from the AEA showed how UK tractor registrations continued to run ahead of last year's level in the third quarter of 2026 but the rate of increase slowed, compared with those seen earlier in the year.
Now, the Association has released information looking at how trends varied across the power range and between different parts of the country.
Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said, "Most power bands recorded some year-on-year growth across the year to date, with the exception of the smallest (51-100hp) and largest (over 320hp) machines. The latter might partly reflect some buyers trading down to slightly lower-powered machines, as the 241-320hp range saw some of the best growth.
"The picture was slightly different in the third quarter, although the top and bottom of the power range still saw year-on-year declines. However, the growth in the 241-320hp range had largely ended, with the annual rise in registrations mainly occurring in the 120-200hp range. This means that, having been higher than last year during the first half of 2026, the average power of machines registered in the third quarter was slightly lower than during July to September 2025."
The AEA analysis also confirmed how across the year to date, the number of tractors registered was higher in almost every part of the UK.
Stephen explained the data, saying, "The only exception was the South East of England, although growth was limited in the East Midlands and East of England. Further north and west there were solid rises, with the best growth rates in England recorded in the West Midlands and Yorkshire. Scotland and Wales recorded year-on-year increases of 17% and 22%, respectively, but the best performing part of the UK was Northern Ireland. Here, registrations were up by more than half, compared with January to September 2025. The pattern remained similar in the third quarter, although East Anglia and the North West of England joined the South East in registering fewer tractors this year than last."
