Jon Kinzenbaw to Sell 100+ Antique Tractors From His Private Collection in Iowa

Jon and Marcia Kinzenbaw, of eastern Iowa, are beginning to downsize their extensive collection of antique tractors, with an online auction scheduled Nov. 4. A lifelong inventor and builder, Jon Kinzenbaw has been an avid collector for decades, but this is the first time any of this collection has been offered for sale.

Many of these tractors have been stored indoors, include like-new tires, and have been started regularly. Offerings range from pre-World War II iron to mid-20th century icons.

About 35 non-running-parts tractors and several lots of original tires will be sold as well. The catalog also includes about 20 late-model items from the Kinze factory and a fleet of side-by-sides. The no-reserve auction includes more than 200 lots in total. The full sale catalog is available here.

An open house to preview auction items is scheduled Monday, Oct. 27, through Thursday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at 2148 PP Avenue in Williamsburg, Iowa, about 30 miles west of Iowa City. Tours of the larger Kinzenbaw tractor collection will not be available at those times.

Sullivan Auctioneers, a BigIron company, is handling the sale on behalf of the family. Auctioneer Matt Sullivan explained: “We’ve been in the auction business for 46 years. My family has sold a lot of cool things, and even sold Jon some of these tractors, so this is kind of a fun story to tell.” 

The sale has drawn interest from coast to coast, Sullivan said. He added he expects collectors and “farmers that always wanted to have a tractor that they grew up with” to participate.

Sale Details

• Bidding closes Nov. 4.
• All items are in Williamsburg, Iowa, about 30 miles east of Iowa City. 
• Load out is scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 5, to Friday, Nov. 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shipping options are available.

Diverse Catalog

The catalog boasts a diversity of brands rarely seen at a collector’s auction. Red, orange, green, gray, and blue iron are up for sale. At least 14 manufacturers, ranging from staples such as John Deere and International, to lesser-known brands, such as Ota and Honeybee, are on the list.

Ryan Roossinck, digital marketing specialist for Tractor Zoom, previewed the auction during an exclusive video shoot with Successful Farming. “This is definitely the largest auction lineup I’ve ever gotten the chance to look over prior to auction day,” said Roossinck, who has been following antique tractor sales for a decade.

Sullivan echoed, “One hundred-fifty tractors that are that nice on one auction, that’s a lot.”

Roossinck said he was surprised as he toured Kinzenbaw’s property. “Prior to seeing the collection, I was under the impression that Jon’s collection was predominantly John Deere, and that’s not the case,” he said. “You’ll see a very wide variety of makes and models on this sale. It’s definitely among the more diverse sales I’ve previewed. Jon’s got a keen eye for quality.”

In addition to the range of brands and models, condition varies across the catalog, too. Restored and original machines are to be sold. “There’s something for everybody,” Sullivan said.

“I was surprised to see how many tractors were in their original work clothes,” Roossinck said. “Most of the photos I’d seen of Jon’s collection showed restored tractors. There are a lot of collectors that really value that originality and they’re willing to pay for it.”

Brand Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at some of the brands and models hitting the auction block Nov. 4:

International

There are 52 classic red tractors, including several Farmall Super Ms from the mid 1950s.

Sullivan said the IH Farmall 1206 2WD tractor is among his favorites. The 1966 tractor boasts turbo diesel, with 6,813 hours showing.

John Deere

More than 20 pieces of John Deere iron are in the Kinzenbaw catalog. Models range from a couple of 2WD models from 1937, to a 2011 X700 Ultimate Lawn Mower with 388 hours showing. Three John Deere combines are also destined for the auction block.

Sullivan said a John Deere 4020 “that’s a hydraulic front-wheel assist, with the biggest tires on I’ve ever seen” stands out. It has just two hours showing on the time counter.

A 1937 John Deere B appears to be the oldest tractor in the sale. With over 303,000 produced, the company built more of the model B than any other tractor. 

“Unstyled John Deere Bs, like this one, were tested at 11.80 drawbar hp, and 16.01 hp on the belt,” Roossinck explained.

The one selling Nov. 4 is an unstyled model, with a hand crank. “These engines are typically referred to as ‘all-fuel’ and they’ll burn gas, kerosene, or other low-octane fuels that were common back then,” Roossinck said. “They don’t run all that great on moonshine, but you can get them to run on it!”

New front and rear tires are included.

Allis-Chalmers

The auction catalog features 10 vintage Allis-Chalmers machines, including a 1947 grader equipped with a 10-foot moldboard blade. This gas machine has a 5-speed transmission and new tires.

Massey Ferguson

A Massey Ferguson 1130 narrow-front, open-station tractor caught Sullivan’s attention. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen one,” he said.

The diesel machine has 4,220 hours showing. It is equipped with two hydraulic outlets, 540 PTO, and a 3-point. The listing notes the front and rear tires are unused.

Kinze

A handful of equipment from the Kinze factory and Blue Equipment dealership, including grain carts, planters, and Mach-Till units, have been added. All are less than 5 years old. 

Can-Am

Seven Can-Am UTVs have been consigned by Ryan and Susie Veach, the Kinzenbaws’ son-in-law and daughter. All the vehicles are 5 years old or newer and are equipped with winches. Outlander and Defenders are available. The 2022 Defenders include doors, heat, and air-conditioning, power windows, turn signals, radios, and an LED light bar.

Oddballs

A 1981 Kawasaki KZ1000 Police Issued Motorcycle is to be sold. The bike includes hard saddle bags and shows 14,413 miles.

An Argo 8-wheel amphibious ATV is listed. It’s powered by a 23 hp V-Twin engine and has a 2-speed transmission. The ATV is also equipped with a winch and roll bar.

Three old John Deere combines are listed. The 55 model from 1963 includes a 12-foot grain platform and corn head.

How an Online Timed Auction Works

In an online auction, the order of the sale and times of specific lots closing are set. Registered potential buyers can place bids any time before the closing deadline.

“If you know you want that 1206 tractor, there’s a countdown” Sullivan said. “You know that in one hour and 22 minutes, that tractor is going to sell. If you want to watch all day, you can, and if you don’t and there’s just a couple particular items you’re interested in, you can set a time or reminder.” 

If multiple bidders are actively bidding when an item is set to close, extended bidding goes into effect. When the timer runs out and no further bids are placed, the highest bid wins.

Sullivan also explained you have the opportunity to bid on all similar items. For example, several John Deere 4020s are on the sale. “If you don’t get the first one, or it brings more than you want, you’ll still have a shot at number two, three, and four,” he said.