Ploughing 2026 machinery launches reveal changing investment priority

A total of 1920 new tractors was registered in the Republic during the first eight months of 2026, 6% more than in the corresponding period last year.

However, 1948 imported used tractors received their first Irish registration over the same period.

Used imports have therefore exceeded new registrations, albeit by only 28 machines, showing the continuing pressure on farmers to balance investment against cost.

Ireland is importing a lot of second hand machines (Image: Alf Harvey)

That tension will be visible at the National Ploughing Championships at Screggan, Co Offaly, from September 15 to 17.

Organisers report an increase in machinery exhibitors and the arrival of several companies attending for the first time.

They have not, however, published a machinery-only exhibitor total.

The official exhibitor list includes Irish machinery and farm equipment businesses such as Abbey Machinery, McHale, Dairymaster, Easyfix, Herdwatch, Hi-Spec Engineering, JFC, KEENAN, Major Equipment, Mastek Engineering and Pearson Milking Technology.

Rather than simply filling stands with existing models, some manufacturers are using the event for significant product launches.

Abbey Machinery will introduce three additions to its slurry and feeding ranges, led by a 5,600-gallon tri-axle tanker fitted with a 12-metre band spreader.

The new tanker has a wider dished end and shorter barrel than might be expected for its capacity, producing a more compact profile aimed at contractors and larger farms requiring high output without an unnecessarily long machine.

Abbey will also launch a 2500-gallon stepped-axle tanker, its largest model yet using that configuration.

A lower tank height and centre of gravity are intended to improve stability, including on sloping ground, while 800/65 R32 tyres are designed to spread weight and reduce ground pressure.

The third introduction is the VF4000 tri-auger diet feeder.

With a capacity of 40 cubic metres, it is intended for larger livestock businesses requiring greater batch-feeding capacity.

Abbey will display the new models alongside its existing slurry, feeding and grassland ranges.

The launches provide clear evidence of where one part of the market is moving.

Contractors and expanding livestock units want greater capacity, but manufacturers are also under pressure to control machine dimensions, compaction and stability.

McHale will launch the second generation of its Pro Glide mower range, ten years after the machines were first introduced.

The Mayo manufacturer is bringing the F3100-II front mower and R3100-II rear mower to Screggan ahead of the 2027 season.

Both use a new three-metre, seven-disc X-Edge cutterbar designed and manufactured at McHale’s factory in Co Mayo.

The ploughing offers farmers a chance to see new kit and unwind (Image: Alf Harvey)

The front mower retains independent suspension allowing 500mm of vertical travel and 17 degrees of lateral movement.

The rear machine incorporates mechanical break-back protection intended to allow the cutterbar to move away from an obstruction.

Separate from the mower manufacturer, McHale Plant Sales will show equipment extending well beyond conventional agricultural machinery.

Its display is expected to include the agricultural-specification Komatsu WA170M-11 wheel loader, aimed at larger farms for feeding and harvesting duties.

The company also plans Irish debuts for Komatsu tracked and wheeled skid-steer loaders, alongside a Fuchs timber handler, a 14-tonne Komatsu 855 forestry forwarder and Prinoth excavator mulchers.

That diversification reflects the increasingly blurred line between agricultural, construction and forestry equipment, particularly among contractors whose work is no longer confined to conventional farming operations.

The tractor figures support the move towards greater capacity, but also show that buyers are being selective.

The average new tractor registered in August produced 141hp.

The 121hp to 140hp and 161hp to 200hp bands each accounted for 23% of registrations during the month, while the largest machines reached 335hp.

Yet higher tractor registrations have not translated into growth across every machinery category.

New telescopic loader registrations fell by 9% in August compared with the corresponding month of 2025, while wheeled loader registrations dropped by 33%.

Lower-priced Chinese machines accounted for half of the new wheeled loader market.

Screggan will have no shortage of large machines or claims about higher output.

The more revealing measure of confidence, however, lies in what farmers are prepared to buy.

New tractor registrations are ahead, but used imports are higher still and demand is uneven across machinery categories.

Irish farmers and contractors are investing, but the figures do not suggest indiscriminate spending.

They point to a market demanding more capacity where it can be justified, while continuing to search hard for value.