Compact Utility Market Share Numbers - Anybody have Facts or Guesses?

smstonypoint · Jan 27, 2016

airbiscuit said:
I kind of read through older posts on the same topic. By interpolating a few different figures, I come up with annual US CUT sales of 65,000 - 70,000. That is lower than I would have thought. If Kubota has a 50% market share that leaves 35,000 for all the rest? Average of 700 per state?

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) reports US retail sales of tractors with less than 40 HP. The latest report (www.aem.org/AllDocuments/AEM/MI/Reports/15%2012%20USAG.pdf) shows YTD - December sales of 118,348 for 2015 and 109,565 for 2014.

Steve

Grandad4 · Jan 28, 2016

Last October Kubota issued a press release to announce it had sold 2,000,000 tractors in the U.S. since 1969. I seem to remember a similar announcement for 1,500,000 several years ago. Don't hold me to it, but I think it was maybe 5 years ago. That's about 100,000/yr for Kubota, if my memory is correct. If they have 50% market share, the 65-70,000/yr total sales estimate would be low.

Kubota News

whizdbiz2 · Jan 28, 2016

Thanks for posting the link, smstonypoint. I wonder how many of the group shown as 4WD tractor are under 40 hp ? I'm thinking a lot of them would be 4WD these days and many more of that group labeled 2WD in the under 40 hp category are really 4WD. I know these are estimates but it makes me wonder.

AxleHub · Jan 28, 2016

When I first started posting on TBN it was 2011. But I'd been looking at tractors for future planning already back in 2006. In 2011 the number of posters looking for 1st time buying advise was steady . . but it certainly wasn't remotely close to the volume we see today regarding searchers of opinions.

My point is not about the popularity of TBN . . but rather the rapid growth of new tractor owners. And with that comes the awareness existing tractor owners typically don't stop owning and replacing as well.

Finally the 3rd leg to this viewpoint is the new market need generated by a baby boom generation that is near or already in retirement and has available time and money to justify acquiring smaller but powerful tractors that are reliable - more capable - easier and more comfortable to operate - and easier to finance or acquire. We are seeing a market for scuts and cuts that is well supported by desire and growing user demand. It is rare to see used equipment discounted heavily and its easy to notice the dramatic growth in 3rd party implement and support companies and products to feed that expanding market.

smstonypoint · Jan 28, 2016

whizdbiz2 said:
Thanks for posting the link, smstonypoint. I wonder how many of the group shown as 4WD tractor are under 40 hp ? I'm thinking a lot of them would be 4WD these days and many more of that group labeled 2WD in the under 40 hp category are really 4WD. I know these are estimates but it makes me wonder.

As I understand it, the 4WD tractors are the large ag. tractors (with front- and rear-wheels of the same size???) and the 2WD tractors include front-wheel assist models.

Steve

ovrszd · Jan 28, 2016

smstonypoint said:
As I understand it, the 4WD tractors are the large ag. tractors (with front- and rear-wheels of the same size???) and the 2WD tractors include front-wheel assist models.

Steve

To be precise, that is correct. 4WD describes center pivot tractors with all 4 wheels/tires same size. No transfer case. No ability to turn off the front axle. FWA describes tractors as we know them here on TBN, large rears, smaller fronts, ability to select 2WD.

Just kind of surprises me they haven't created a 3rd category yet. FWA has been common in the AG world and our world for 20 years or more.

oldpilgrim · Jan 28, 2016

In 2011 the number of posters looking for 1st time buying advise was steady . . but it certainly wasn't remotely close to the volume we see today regarding searchers of opinions.

I'm thinking that the surge in the popularity of SCUTs, primarily large lawn tractors with fel's, has increased the traffic on this site.

jenkinsph · Jan 29, 2016

oldpilgrim said:
I'm thinking that the surge in the popularity of SCUTs, primarily large lawn tractors with fel's, has increased the traffic on this site.

I agree^^^
The costs for a new SCUT is affordable for a large segment of the population and it is a handy size for home owners who want a tractor.

jenkinsph · Jan 29, 2016

oldpilgrim said:
I'm thinking that the surge in the popularity of SCUTs, primarily large lawn tractors with fel's, has increased the traffic on this site.

I agree^^^
The costs for a new SCUT is affordable for a large segment of the population and it is a handy size for home owners who want a tractor.

AxleHub · Jan 29, 2016

One of the things that would be interesting to know and compare relates to the Kubota BX lineup.

We often hear how scuts are overgrown lawnmowers. Yet the product closest to that description is the BX1870 series. To my knowledge this is as small as it gets in name brand mainline scut choices by the various brands. Yet despite a good reputation and a capable product with the most resemblance to the lawnmower market and am attractive price point . . . It is certainly not the biggest seller for Kubota's BX lineup.

I wondrrbwhatbthe sales volume in 2015 was for the Bx1870-1 compared to the other bx choices or other brands closest in size like the Massey gc1705 or yamar 221 or ???