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Top Tractor Brands: The Best in the Industry

Are you in the market for a newer tractor?

From farming and agriculture to construction and landscaping, tractors are workhorses for many industries.

With so many brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we unveil the top tractor brands in the United Kingdom by market share and offer some pointers to help you decide which brand to buy.

So, whether you are a seasoned farmer or a first-time buyer, we are positive that you will learn something new if you read on.

Best Selling Tractor Brands In The UK

Farmers are still investing in new machinery (which is a positive sign), but the data below shows that they seem to be sticking more and more with the brands they know and trust.

The data in the following tables cover tractors under 50hp and above.

BrandTractors Registered In UK 2020Market Share In 2020
John Deere3,15726.5%
New Holland2,12917.8%
Massey Ferguson1,58113.2%
Case IH1,1009.2%
Fendt8987.5%
Kubota7846.6%
Valtra6545.5%
Claas4493.8%
Same Deutz-Fahr2081.7%
JCB1871.6%
McCormick1030.9%
Landini510.4%
Others6345.3%
Total11,935
BrandTractors Registered In UK 2021Market Share In 2021
John Deere3,55825.3%
New Holland2,68219.1%
Massey Ferguson1,53010.9%
Case IH1,3559.6%
Fendt9116.5%
Kubota9476.7%
Valtra6464.6%
Claas5574.0%
Same Deutz-Fahr2571.8%
JCB2611.9%
McCormick1310.9%
Landi690.5%
Others1,1678.3%
Total14,071
BrandTractors Registered In UK 2022Market Share In 2022
John Deere3,96030.4%
New Holland2,12216.3%
Massey Ferguson1,37910.6%
Case IH1,2689.7%
Fendt8456.5%
Kubota9567.3%
Valtra6715.2%
Claas4703.6%
Same Deutz-Fahr1761.4%
JCB2742.1%
McCormick990.8%
Landi300.2%
Others7675.9%
Total13,017
Source: https://aea.uk.com/
John Deere tractor brand

John Deere, have consistently been at the top of the list, and are getting bigger. They went from about 26% of the market in 2020 to a whopping 30% in 2022. That’s nearly a third of the tractors on the market!

New Holland has been holding steady in second place, but they’ve had a bit of a decline. They had a great year in 2021, securing 19% of the market, but then dipped slightly to 16% in 2022.

Massey Ferguson, Case IH, and Fendt have been fighting it out for the next few spots. Massey Ferguson has seen a bit of a slide, dropping from 13% to about 10% over the three years. Case IH has been pretty steady, around 9-10%, while Fendt’s been holding onto their 6-7% share.

One brand that’s been quietly creeping up is Kubota. They’ve gone from 6.6% in 2020 to 7.3% in 2022.

On the flip side, some of the smaller players have had a tough time. Brands like Same Deutz-Fahr, McCormick, and Landini have seen their market share shrink a bit.

However, it is encouraging to note that the number of tractors purchased and registered in the UK has remained relatively steady across all brands.

It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming years.

More Horsepower

New Holland tractor

However, there was a sizable shift in one factor – engine HP.

The total horsepower of all the best tractor brands registered in the UK had been hovering around 2 million per year.

But in 2023, farmers were buying more powerful machines. So, even though we didn’t see more tractors overall in the last year, the total horsepower was the highest since 2012.

The average tractor had about 90 horsepower in 1990. Fast-forward to 2023, and the horsepower is almost double, at 174 horsepower on average.

Tractor Manufacturer – Things To Consider

When it comes to choosing a brand of tractor, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, assess your specific needs and requirements. Will you be using the tractor for farming, construction, forestry, landscaping, or a combination of these?

The intended use of the tractor will heavily influence the features and specifications you should look for.

Another crucial factor is the size and power of the tractor. Depending on the tasks you need to perform, you’ll want to ensure that the tractor has sufficient horsepower, torque and lift capacity to handle your workload efficiently.

Consider the size of your land or job site and the attachments you’ll be using to help determine the correct size of the tractor. (Don’t be like Jeremy Clarkson and buy the biggest one because the “biggest must be best”).

Reliability and durability are also essential when choosing a tractor brand. You want a machine that can withstand the beatings of heavy-duty use and continue to perform at its best for years to come. Research the brand’s reputation for quality and check the availability of replacement parts (and cost) and maintenance services in your local area.

Fuel efficiency is another area to consider, as it can have a large impact your operating costs. Look for tractor models that offer advanced engine technology (and possibly fully electric engines) and efficient fuel consumption to save you money in the long run.

Additionally, consider the tractor’s emissions and environmental impact, as this may be a concern for some. If you have to complete farm carbon audits, you will know an efficient farm tractor helps with the score.

Finally, and this is the big one—the overall cost of the tractor, including the purchase price, financing options, and ongoing maintenance and repair expenses, should be carefully considered. Determine your budget and look for a brand that offers the best value for your money, balancing features, performance, and affordability.

Tractor Brands By Colour

Case IH tractor brand

Have you noticed how some tractors are so recognisable just by their colours. It’s not by accident; it’s a clever marketing tactic.

Tractor companies use these distinctive hues as a kind of visual shorthand—they are their brand identity and recognition.

Think about it – when you see that iconic John Deere green in a field, you know exactly what you’re looking at, even from a distance.

Farmers often develop strong brand loyalty, and the distinctive tractor colours help reinforce that connection. So next time you see a bright red Massey Ferguson or a blue New Holland, remember – that colour choice is no coincidence.

When you read through the table of brand/tractor colours below, you will probably instantly visualise one of the tractors you have seen or owned before.

BrandTractor ColourCountry of Origin
John DeereGreenUSA
Case IHRedUSA
New HollandBlueItaly/USA
Massey FergusonRedUSA/UK
KubotaOrangeJapan
FendtGreenGermany
ClaasGreenGermany
Deutz-FahrGreenGermany
ValtraRedFinland
McCormickRedItaly
ChallengerYellowUSA
KiotiOrangeSouth Korea
MahindraRedIndia
LamborghiniGreenItaly
JCBYellowUK
SteyrRedAustria
SameRedItaly
ZetorRedCzech Republic
BransonOrangeSouth Korea
Antonio CarraroRedItaly

UK Tractor Brands

Massey Fergusson brand

While the golden age of British tractor manufacturing may have passed, the United Kingdom’s influence on the agricultural machinery industry remains strong. There are some tractor brands that have weathered the times and continue to fly the Union Jack across the globe (in one guise or another).

Here’s a list of those UK tractor brands:

  1. JCB (J.C. Bamford Excavators Ltd.) – https://www.jcb.com
  2. David Brown (now part of Case IH) – https://www.caseih.com
  3. Massey Ferguson (merger with Ferguson-Brown Company) – https://www.masseyferguson.com
  4. McCormick (now owned by Argo Tractors) – https://mccormick.it/en/

Take JCB, for example. They’re still going strong, building tractors and all sorts of construction equipment that you see in the UK and all over the world.

Sadly, the following iconic UK tractor brands exist only in memories, photographs, and as restored vintage machines.

  1. Leyland Tractors
  2. Marshall, Sons & Co
  3. Nuffield (part of Morris Motors)
  4. Allis-Chalmers (UK division)
  5. Fordson (part of Ford)
  6. Track Marshall (merger of John Fowler + Marshall, Sons & Co)
  7. Roadless
  8. Muir-Hill
  9. Matbro (now part of JCB)
  10. Bray

While many of these old tractor brands aren’t around anymore, or they’ve been swallowed up by bigger companies, they did leave their mark on British farming.

Many farmers consider them like old friends, and some tractors are still alive in museums or hidden away in barns.

Innovations & Advancements From Manufacturers

As already touched on in this guide, the tractor industry is constantly evolving, with manufacturers continuously introducing new technologies and advancements to improve the performance, efficiency, and user experience of their products.

Precision farming technology is one of the most significant advancements in the tractor industry. Manufacturers like John Deere, Case IH, and New Holland have integrated advanced GPS, telematics, and data analytics systems into their tractor models. These tools enable precise guidance, variable-rate application of inputs (read our guide on farm inputs), and real-time monitoring of field conditions, helping to maximise yields and reduce resource waste.

Hybrid and electric powertrain technologies are also becoming more popular. Brands like Kubota and John Deere have introduced hybrid and all-electric tractor models, which offer reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and quieter operation, making them well-suited for use in urban and environmentally sensitive areas. As the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly equipment grows, these alternative powertrain technologies are expected to become increasingly prevalent.

Advancements in operator comfort and ergonomics are also transforming the tractor experience. Manufacturers are incorporating features such as adjustable seating, intuitive controls, and improved cabin design to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue for the operator during long hours in the fields.

Connectivity and automation are other areas of innovation in the tractor industry. Tractor models are now equipped with advanced telematics systems, allowing for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and even autonomous operation in certain applications. This connectivity enables improved fleet management and predictive maintenance.

As the tractor industry continues to evolve, manufacturers are also exploring advancements in materials, such as the use of lightweight and durable composites and the integration of advanced safety features, including collision avoidance systems and advanced lighting technologies. These innovations aim to improve the overall performance, reliability, and safety of operators.

See Yourself In A Newer Tractor

At Evangate FS, we help farmers and contractors arrange financing for used and the latest-model tractors. As an independent broker, our team can secure funding for all brands. What is more, we can typically find better deals with lower monthly fees than the main dealers.

We can arrange every type of tractor finance, from leasing to HP to refinancing assets to free up funds for a new machine.

So, if you are looking to add the latest tractor model to your fleet or replace an old workhorse with something newer, please contact us.

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