Machinery supply is proving a challenge in some regions as Australian farmers prepare for a mammoth harvest.
Months of strike action at the Fremantle Port has led to delays in the delivery of new equipment to Western Australian farmers.
On Friday it was revealed the federal government would utilise its powers under the Fair Work Act to seek an end to the industrial action on grounds of serious economic damage.
Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia executive director Gary Northover said while some dealerships reported adequate supplies of harvesters, a fortnight ago ships carrying harvesters and other agricultural machinery were turned away at Fremantle.
Mr Northover said Wallenius Wilhelmsen is one carrier which has been forced to divert at least three shipments to other ports recently.
"The TMA has been highlighting similar problems with wharf disruptions for two years now and while diverting ships is a short-term solution, it will no doubt add pressure to eastern states capacity, which has its own COVID challenges," Mr Northover said.
"Meanwhile, machinery sales continue to power on with tractor sales running 30 per cent ahead of last year with the month of September another outstanding one across the nation."
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Mr Northover said sales of harvesters were very strong at present, up 33pc on last year.
He said NSW tractor sales have been on a positive run for nearly 18 months and were up 32pc for the month and were 50pc ahead for the year-to-date.
Queensland sales remain strong, up 46pc for the month and 28pc year-to-date while Victoria was up 10pc and 16pc, respectively.
Tractor sales in Western Australia recorded a 45pc rise for the month and were 35pc ahead for the year.
Sales into the Northern Territory enjoyed a whopping 125pc increase for the month, South Australia was up 12pc and Tasmania finished 25pc ahead.
Mr Northover said all performance reporting categories enjoyed strong rises for the year, however the under 30 kilowatt (40 horsepower) range was up just 13pc for the month due to ongoing supply challenges but remains 17pc ahead of last year.
The 30 to 75kw (40-100hp) range was up 38pc for the month and up 3pc for the year-to-date.
The 75 to 150kw (100-200hp) category was up 12pc and 24pc, respectively, while the large 150kw-plus (200hp) range recorded a strong rise, up 92pc and 69pc.
Mr Northover said baler sales were down and remain 4pc behind last year's outstanding season, while out-front mower sales remain strong, up 11pc for the year-to-date.
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