I’ll be straight. I went to Tampa Machinery Auction because I needed gear fast. If you’re curious about how this yard came under new ownership, the story of JJ Kane Auctions acquiring Tampa Machinery Auction is chronicled in detail right here. If you want another perspective on the very same auction yard, check out this walk-through which captures all the dust and deals right here. My skid steer was tired. My generator was on its last leg. And hurricane season creeps up here, so power stuff sells quick. You know what? I was a little nervous. Auctions feel wild the first time. But I went anyway, coffee in hand and a budget in my head.
For a deeper dive into auction strategies and local equipment deals, swing by TBOBlogs and arm yourself with a few extra tricks before you hit the yard.
Why I Went (and what I hoped to find)
I run small jobs. Driveways. Pads. Light demo. I wanted a clean skid steer, a trailer, and maybe a welder. I also wanted a bargain. That’s the dream, right? Save cash but still get good iron.
Preview Day: Kick the Tires, Literally
I showed up on preview day. Big yard. Loud. Diesel smell in the air. Gravel under my boots. It felt like a flea market for machines. Only bigger.
I brought a flashlight, a magnet, and a jump pack. I checked a 2012 Bobcat S185. Hours were high, but it started cold with a puff and then settled. No scary knocks. Hydraulics felt tight. I saw a small oil weep. Not a deal breaker.
Then I looked at a 7×20 equipment trailer. Decent wood deck. Brakes worked when we tested with a house battery. One light was out. I wrote that down.
A Miller Bobcat welder/generator caught my eye. Carb was a little crusty. But the engine ran smooth after a minute. No weird smoke. I liked it.
Staff didn’t hover. But when I asked, a ringman pointed out a leak on a Kubota mini ex. I liked that. No sales pitch. Just facts.
Auction Morning: Organized Chaos (the good kind)
It was busy. Two rings running at once. Heavy stuff in one ring. Tools and smaller gear in the other. The auctioneers talk fast. But the screen shows the bid. And the ring guys repeat numbers so you don’t get lost.
I set hard caps. That saved me. It’s easy to wave your hand when the crowd gets loud. And then boom—you’ve overpaid.
- The Bobcat S185 hammered at $15,750. I won it.
- The 7×20 trailer went for $3,900. I won that too.
- The Miller Bobcat welder/genny sold at $1,650. Yep, I bought it.
I didn’t win the Deere mini ex. It climbed fast. I let it go. Felt painful. But smart.
The Fine Print: Fees and Payment
Here’s the thing. The hammer price isn’t the end. My sale had a buyer’s premium. It was 5% in person. I’ve seen 10% for online at other times. Sales tax was added, unless you have your resale paper. For a titled trailer, there was a title fee. I paid by wire. The office folks gave me a total and the bank info. It was clear and quick.
Out-the-door hurt a bit more than I thought. Not shocking. Just plan for it.
Load-Out: Forklifts, Dust, and a Wait
Load-out took some time. Forklift crew was steady and careful, but the line was long. Florida sun was cooking by late morning. Bring water. And patience. The yard guys chained the bucket and set my pallet like pros. We checked all my tie-downs before I pulled out. Navigating back through Tampa’s stop-and-go lanes reminded me why locals swap war stories about I-275; if you’re new here, my candid breakdown of daily gridlock is right here. Small thing. But it matters.
The Good Stuff I Noticed
- Real deals exist. Not every lot. But they’re there if you inspect.
- Staff knew the flow. No fuss. No fake hype. They kept it moving.
- The crowd was mixed. Contractors, farmers, weekend folks. Good vibe.
- Food truck sold breakfast burritos. That helped the nerves.
The Not-So-Fun Parts
- It’s loud and dusty. Wear boots and bring earplugs if you need them.
- Multiple rings can make you miss a lot you marked. I ran back and forth and still missed two lots I wanted.
- As-is is real. My Bobcat needed a new starter two weeks later. Not a huge fix, but still money and time.
- Titles can take a bit. Mine took about two weeks. Not bad, but plan ahead if you need the trailer right now.
If all that wrench-turning and diesel rumble leaves your shoulders knotted up, you might find yourself hunting for a solid massage spot after the auction; the most detailed Brevard County guide I’ve come across is Rubmaps Rockledge where uncensored reviews, operating hours, and service notes help you decide whether a post-auction detour east is worth it for some much-needed relief.
Real Results: What I Fixed, What I Saved
- Bobcat S185: I changed the starter, two hoses, and filters. About $580 parts. Greased every fitting. Now it runs clean. Still a used machine, but it pulls its weight.
- 7×20 trailer: I replaced lights, added two new tires, and packed bearings. About $420 total. Feels solid.
- Miller Bobcat welder: I cleaned the carb and swapped plugs. $35. It now starts first pull. I use it for fence repair and storm calls. On the clean-up side, I’ve also tested out professional haulers; if you’re curious about whether hiring help beats a dump run, see my full review of a Tampa junk removal service.
I ran the numbers. Even with fees and fixes, I still came out ahead of dealer prices by a good chunk. Not a fairy tale. Just math.
Tips I Wish Someone Told Me
- Bring a jump pack, gloves, grease gun, and paper towels.
- Watch for blow-by. Check for milky oil. Listen to cold starts.
- Set a max bid and stick to it. Seriously.
- Track lots in your phone. Two rings will scramble your brain.
- Ask the office about fees before you bid.
- If you bid online, there can be a tiny delay. Bid early, not at the last millisecond.
- Bring cash for snacks and straps. Sounds small. Matters later.
Who This Auction Fits
If you’re a contractor, farmer, or a serious DIY person, you’ll feel at home. If you want a narrow, perfect item with a warranty and a bow on top, this might stress you out. It’s risk and reward. And a little sweat.
On the subject of bold, no-looking-back decisions, I’m reminded of a totally different kind of spontaneity—the French call it a “plan Q.” If the idea of making quick, commitment-free plans intrigues you, check out this straightforward primer that unpacks the term, offers safety pointers, and shows where such casual meet-ups fit in today’s dating landscape.
One Small Gripe, Then a Praise
I wish they staggered a couple key lots so heavy equipment didn’t clash with hot tool lots. I missed a sweet air compressor because I was guarding the Bobcat. But, they kept the pace fair, and the ring crew checked bidders so it didn’t feel sloppy.
Final Take
Would I go back? Yes. I already circled next month in my calendar. I like the hunt. I like the straight talk. And I like that I can leave with gear that earns money the same week.
It’s not perfect. It is honest. And sometimes, that’s the best deal on the yard.