Alan Kirsten, Agriview, who collects the tractor sales data on behalf of the Tractor and Machinery Association, said the last time the nation saw figures close to the 2020 level was in 1981.

"In 1981 there were 15,700 sales and the 2020 result was up 23.6 per cent on 2019," Kirsten said.

"Dealer's orders are still very strong for this year but delivery of stock is an issue as a result of component manufacturer shut downs overseas due to COVID."

Last year saw 13,640 tractors delivered in Australia with demand strong across all horsepower categories except for the 150kW-plus sector where sales slipped 8.3 per cent.

Tractors up to 30kW saw 3298 sales, up almost 36 per cent on last year while tractors of 30-75kW enjoyed a 27 per cent jump in demand with 4489 sales for the year.

The 75-150kW tractor segment was up 26 per cent with 4415 deliveries. The 150kW-plus sector recorded 1438 sales.

Queensland and New South Wales tractor sales jumped 17.5 per cent and 40.1 per cent respectively.

Harvester sales were up 25 per cent to 672 with New South Wales accounting for 204 units - the biggest number delivered to any state. Western Australian harvester sales were down 26 per cent to 185 units.

Sales of hay balers (large square, small square and round balers) were up 35 per cent.