Key takeaways: When facing a large farm equipment dispersal for their family, our sellers knew several factors would determine success. A decades-long relationship between the sellers and auctioneers built the foundation for a positive auction, while strategic planning, dual auction rings, and month-long preparation ensured a smooth execution with exceptional results.

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The Challenge: A Lifetime of Collecting

When Lisa and Brian approached us about selling their Uncle Merle’s farm equipment at auction, they knew they had a massive undertaking ahead of them. Merle L. Hull had spent a lifetime collecting everything from John Deere tractors to construction and hay equipment. In fact, the shops were so full you could barely walk through them.

The family knew then that they needed an auction company with the experience and values to handle the job.

“We knew the massive size that the auction was going to be, and we knew the only one that could handle that size of an auction was KIKO,” explained Lisa, niece of Hull and a KIKO client.

The September 2025 auction in Carroll County, Ohio featured hundreds of lots, including unique John Deere tractors, construction equipment like backhoes and skid loaders, semis and one-ton pickup trucks, a 2014 Ford F550 4WD diesel, a 2021 New Holland round baler, trailers, and an overwhelming amount of shop tools and household items.

This wasn’t just an auction – it was the careful dispersal of a lifetime’s work and passion.

Strategic Execution Makes the Difference

With shops so packed that walking through was impossible, logistics were critical. When we first visited the property, we worked with our seller to develop a plan.

Months before the auction, KIKO crews hauled equipment out of buildings, washed tractors and dozers, and organized the sale order.

Kiko Auctioneers catch bids encircled by a large crowd of active participants.

Selling farm equipment online was not an option in this case due to weak internet service in the area. KIKO recommended a live onsite auction with two auction rings operating simultaneously throughout the day to keep the sale moving efficiently. Targeted advertising, social media marketing and signage drew bidders to the auction.

Building Trust Through Generations & Community

What made this auction stand out wasn’t just our operational capabilities – it was five decades of relationship building. Hull has been attending KIKO auctions for 50 years. Although selling a lifetime collection was a hard decision to make, it was the right one, as our sellers shared.

Additionally, it was a true community efforts as neighbors and extended family rallied together to help support and prepare for the farm auction.

“Your uncle should be very proud of you,” Auctioneer Randall Kiko noted when speaking with the sellers. “As we always say at KIKO, it’s not about you or what you want, it’s about doing what’s best for the seller. We appreciate you trusting KIKO to do what’s right for your family and your uncle.”

Kiko Auctioneer Rudy Kiko catches bids from auction attendees.

What This Means for Your Auction

The success of this farm equipment auction demonstrates several key principles that benefit any seller:

Trust matters. When you’re facing the emotional challenge of dispersing a lifetime of possessions, you need an auction company that puts your interests first. Our 50-year relationship with the Hull family created the foundation for success.

Experience handles complexity. Massive auctions require strategic planning, operational expertise, and the flexibility to adapt when challenges arise. Our multi-generational team brought decades of combined experience to solve problems and ensure success.

Ready to discuss your auction needs?

Whether you’re facing a farm dispersal, estate auction, or equipment sale, let our 80 years of experience and multi-generational expertise work for you. Contact KIKO Auctioneers, the best in Ohio auction services since 1945.