August year-to-date growth totals for total U.S. sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors topped 8%, under 40 horsepower tractors gained 10.5% and 40-100 horsepower tractors grew 2.5%.

Total U.S. sales of 2WD tractors for May gained 17% compared to May 2017, bolstered by gains of 20% in both the 100-plus horsepower and under-40 horsepower categories, according to the latest data from the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers.

Sales of tractors for all horsepower ranges were higher in Canada than the U.S., particularly for tractors of 100 horsepower or higher.

John Deere released its September retail sales comment on Oct. 12. The report compares Deere’s sales and inventory levels to the industry as a whole.

Earlier in the year, ECHO Incorporated and Kubota Tractor Corporation joined forces to create a U.S. Dealer Alliance aimed at growing their combined sales with the commercial turf and consumer lawn/garden markets. The alliance makes ECHO, Shindaiwa and ECHO Bear Cat the preferred brands of handheld outdoor power equipment within the Kubota dealer network.