Top 10 Tractors from Jon Kinzenbaw’s Historic Auction and Where They’re Going

Jon Kinzenbaw’s historic antique tractor auction is over. More than 100 machines from his extensive collection are headed to new homes across the country. A lifelong builder and inventor, Kinzenbaw has been an avid collector for decades, amassing more than 600 tractors and filling two-story barns near Williamsburg, Iowa.

A Nov. 4 auction handled by Sullivan Auctioneers, a BigIron company, was the first time any of his collection had been offered for sale. Here’s a closer look at the 10 tractors that brought the most, and where they’re headed next.

1971 John Deere 4020 Monster Truck

A 1971 John Deere 4020 with massive flotation tires was among the most attention grabbing items in the sale catalog. Ryan Roossinck of Tractor Zoom made a trip to Williamsburg to see this one-of-a-kind tractor ahead of the auction and sat down for a conversation with Kinzenbaw.

“The base tractor started life as a 1971 4020 HFWD Wheatland — side console, synchro, no 3-point, just a couple of remotes, PTO, and a wide-swing drawbar,” Roossinck explained in an October Interesting Iron column. “Jon knew he had it but didn’t really have a plan for it until he spotted a set of old combine tires in the shop one day. That’s when the lightbulb came on.”

As part of his exclusive tour, Roossinck got a close up look at the tractor. “The sheet metal’s straight, the paint shines, and aside from a couple of small dings on the fenders, it’s about as nice as they come. Mechanically, it’s solid, too — runs like a sewing machine. Drop in a battery, and it’d be ready to roll,” he wrote.

On sale day, this tractor tied for the most expensive machine at the auction. It sold to someone in Ohio for $50,250 after 163 bids.

1969 Massey Ferguson 1130

Roossinck also spent some time closely looking over the 1969 Massey Ferguson 1130.

Kinzenbaw purchased this tractor about seven years ago at Mecum’s Gone Farmin’ sale in Davenport, Iowa. The narrow front and quality restoration grabbed his attention immediately.

“Since then, he’s only added about four hours to the meter. It now shows 4,220,” Roossinck wrote. “When Jon bought it, the tractor had a new clutch, radiator, seat cushions, and a fresh set of Firestones. Those Firestones still look brand new today. The paint is gorgeous, too.”

On sale day, this tractor tied the John Deere with big tires as the highest priced machine at the auction. A buyer in Wisconsin purchased it for $50,250 after 156 bids.

1970 John Deere 4020

When the bidding clock ran out after 172 bids, this tractor sold for $36,000 to a buyer in Texas.

1973 John Deere 4430

This tractor is headed across the river to Illinois. It sold after 109 bids for $34,750.

1972 John Deere 4020

This 4020 is Pennsylvania bound after 122 bids brought the sale price to $33,500.

1975 IH Farmall 1566

This model was the most expensive IH Farmall on the sale bringing $32,751 after 120 bids. It was purchased by someone in New York.

1973 John Deere 4430

This John Deere is staying in Iowa after 103 bids drove the final purchase price to $32,750.

1978 John Deere 4640

After 92 bids, this tractor is northbound to Wisconsin. It sold for $30,750.

1966 IH Farmall 1206

When the bidding clock ran out after 147 bids, this tractor sold for $30,000 to someone in Iowa.

1974 John Deere 4630

This tractor is headed west to Nebraska after 93 bids took the final sale price to $28,000.