MOUNT AUBURN, Ill. – On March 2, auctioneer Cory Craig concluded its online-only Gene Hardy farm and equipment auction. It was a splendid smaller event with just 21 lots presented on HiBid. But it offered some excellent buys for bidders seeking additions to their farms or homesteads.

The highest bid of $24,400 went for a 2001 Ford Challenger by Damon Motorhome, which had only 37,000 original miles. This well-maintained 36-foot Class-A RV was always stored indoors and featured a powerful V-10 engine paired with an automatic transmission. It included two slide-outs, a full kitchen with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and dinette, as well as a living room with furniture and a flat-screen TV. The RV also boasted a bedroom with a queen-size bed and TV, plus a full bathroom. Outside, it offered basement storage, an Onan 5,500-watt gas generator, roof-mounted A/C units, an awning, and a rear ladder.

Taking second place was a one-owner 2003 Jeep Wrangler X, which sold for $15,000. The vehicle, with only 16,000 miles, was garage-kept and in excellent condition. It featured an inline 6-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, a soft top, and 15-inch tires.

While the vehicles led the bidding, a solid selection of farm equipment also captured attention, including several vintage tractors. The highest-selling tractor, a David Brown Case 990, pulled in $3,125. It had 4,300 hours on its diesel engine and came equipped with power steering, a 3-point hitch, PTO, rear hydraulics, and front weights. Like much of the equipment in the sale, it was in running condition and had always been stored indoors.

The remaining tractors in the sale were all Minneapolis-Moline models. The highest bid, at $1,600, won a 1953 Minneapolis-Moline narrow front, which had unrecorded hours. This running, indoor-stored unit featured a propane engine and like-new 13.6-38 rear tires. Next, a 1947 Minneapolis-Moline R, also in running condition and indoor kept, brought $1,050. It came with a gas engine, PTO, fenders, and like-new 11.2-36 Firestone tires. Just behind it, a 1950 Minneapolis-Moline Z narrow front fetched $1,000. This garage-kept machine had been restored with Robert Van Sickle paint and included a propane engine, PTO, fenders, and like-new 13.6-38 Goodyear tires. Finally, a Minneapolis-Moline U narrow front, of an unknown year, grabbed only $580. The only non-running unit in the bunch, it featured a gas engine, PTO, fenders, and 13-38 Goodyear tires.

Bidders also had a chance to pick up some deals on tractor tires. Two sets of 18.4-38 duals were up for grabs, with a 10-hole bolt-on set (minus hubs) bringing in $295, and a clamp-on set landing only $102.

Next in line were two utility vehicles that generated some good interest, including the $3,250 offered for a one-owner, garage-kept 1999 HuntVE 4x4 UTV. The well-maintained four-passenger model was powered by a 36-volt electric motor and featured an electric winch, running boards, a charger, and new batteries. A bid of $2,275 scored a 1996 Honda TRX 300 FW 4x4 with an electric starter and good tires.

Other farm equipment highlights included a 2001 Benson 28-foot aluminum dump trailer, which reached $20,300. The trailer was equipped with an air ride, an air tailgate, an electric roll tarp (which required replacement), and 24.5 tires. A pull-type IH 2-bottom plow with cutters, although cosmetically worn and stored outdoors, still pulled $93. Meanwhile, a Howe Beam Scale with a 15-ton capacity was far less popular, securing only $10.

A few automotive items also made their way into the auction. Among them was a Demco Excali-Bar tow bar, complete with all its accessories, left for $118. Additionally, a Bennett Model 3013 gas pump, requiring a glass replacement in one door, fetched $82.

For those who preferred leg power over gas power, a Sun Slider 5-seat pedal boat got a tidy $355. Two Schwinn 6-speed bicycles were also available. The men’s model snagged $34, while the ladies’ rolled off for just $14.

For information on Corey Craig’s upcoming auctions, visit corycraig.com.