January tractor sales of 396 units were 18 percent down on the 483 units sold in January last year, the SA Agricultural Machinery Association (Saama) said on Thursday.
"Potential purchasers of agricultural equipment are still showing caution, despite it continuing to be a buyers' market," Saama said in a statement.
January combine harvester sales were significantly down on sales in January last year, it said.
Market demand was, however, still quite strong.
"Climatic conditions in most of the summer cropping areas have been quite good.
"Of the other fundamentals affecting the market, crop prices have declined significantly in recent months."
Saama said bank financing had appeared to have eased up slightly.
Industry forecasts for 2010 tractor sales were 5000 units, around 10 percent down on last year, Saama said.
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