Upcoming Auctions

Auctioneer: Jeff Pittman CAI, AMM Contact info: 816-262-8753 or [email protected]

Dear Prospective Buyers, After a lifetime of farming 260 acres in DeGraff, Ohio, Dick and Deb Kratz have made the decision to slow down and spend more time with family. This online auction represents the harvest equipment portion of their retirement - and We can tell you without hesitation, this is one of the finest collections of well-maintained farm equipment We have had the privilege to offer at auction. As we prepared this auction and reviewed the equipment and documentation, one thing became immediately clear: Dick's reputation for meticulous maintenance is well-earned. Deb jokes that he's "OCD with his equipment," but what that really means for buyers is you're looking at machinery that's been treated like gold. Dick has built his reputation on one simple philosophy: replace parts before they break, not after. While most farmers run equipment until something fails, Dick has always been proactive - changing components at the first sign of wear, performing maintenance ahead of schedule, and keeping meticulous service records that document every single repair and upgrade. When you review the extensive maintenance documentation we've attached to each piece of equipment, you'll see exactly what I mean. Here's what makes this auction truly special: every single piece of equipment has been stored inside and has never left this farm. That 1999 John Deere 9510 Combine with just 2,185 engine hours and 1,460 separator hours? It's been shedded its entire life. The 2007 Peterbilt with only 246,000 miles - incredibly low for a grain truck of this age? Never seen road salt, always garaged. The Wilson grain trailer? Bought new in 2012 and looks like it could have rolled off the lot yesterday. This isn't equipment that's been bought, used hard, and traded in. This is equipment that's been invested in, maintained religiously, and cared for with pride. Look at the maintenance records - Dick didn't just change oil and filters. He rebuilt motors, replaced bearings before they failed, upgraded to better components, sandblasted and repainted equipment, and kept detailed notes on every single thing he did. The Super B grain dryer? Completely disassembled, sandblasted, and repainted. The Westfield auger? All new flighting, all new bearings, new hopper components. The Great Plains drill? New Keeton seed firmers, new hydraulic hoses, new idler rollers - all done between 2020-2023 even though the equipment was still running fine. That's Dick's approach: fix it before it needs fixing. This is the kind of equipment you can put to work immediately with complete confidence. No surprises, no hidden issues, no deferred maintenance waiting to bite you. Everything works, everything's documented, and everything's been stored properly. Whether you're a farmer looking to upgrade your operation, a young farmer just getting started who wants reliable equipment, or a dealer looking for premium iron, you won't find cleaner, better-maintained equipment at any auction this year. Dick and Deb are ready to enjoy retirement, spend time with family, and relax after decades of hard work. Their loss is your opportunity. We encourage every serious buyer to review the photos, read through the maintenance records, and see for yourself the level of care that's gone into every piece. Then register at www.vasbid.com and be ready when this auction closes on Wednesday, November 19th at 2:00 PM. As always, We are available to answer any questions about the equipment or the auction process. Call 937-492-1078.