Retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment fell back again in September, according to CEA figures, after showing an improvement in August. Sales in September were just over 2,400 units, which was nearly 15% below sales in the same month last year.
As a result, sales in Q3 were also below last year’s levels at -9%, but this was an improvement on the shortfalls in the first two quarters of the year which were over 20% below last years’ level of sales. Sales are still nearly 25% below last year’s levels in the first three quarters of the year, despite showing some improvements in recent months.
This is consistent, says the CEA, with feedback from some members who are highlighting that the market is remaining cautious ahead of the budget and potential rate cuts In terms of equipment types, telehandlers (for construction) (-12%) continue to be the best performing product this year, ahead of wheeled loaders, which are 21% behind sales last year. The four highest volume products account for between 85% to 90% of total sales. Within this, crawler excavators are the weakest so far, showing a 26% shortfall in sales this year.
