Last Updated on November 25, 2023
From weekly garbage pickups to emergency rescues, Vermont employs an array of vehicles and equipment on both the state and local levels. All to serve the populace. Once these items have been used enough or when they get replaced by something newer, the populace again benefits. These items become government surplus, and that surplus is put on auction for people like you to buy.
Yes, you can buy something as unusual as a fire truck, a police cruiser, or something more simple, like a lawn mower, and you didn’t even know it!
Here’s what else you should know about the impressive items sold in Vermont government auctions.
Where to find Vermont Government Auctions?
There are at least two options for finding Vermont government auctions. The most obvious place is the state’s website, which provides information on state fleet vehicles and other various items up for sale. You can even sign up for an email list to get info on properties and items as they’re added to the surplus listing.
If you’re looking for an alternative, perhaps to see what’s also in neighboring states, then you should look at Municibid. Here you can filter items by type or expand your search to other states across the nation. You can even view previously completed auctions.
Who can buy at Vermont Government Auctions?
Most sellers in Vermont state, county, and city municipalities, sell their items without providing any means of delivery. That responsibility is given to the bidder. For this reason, Vermont government auctions will appeal mostly to those in the state and surrounding areas. If transportation isn’t an issue, then the only other major criteria to note is that you must be an adult to partake.
Impressive Items Sold in Vermont Government Auctions
1985 Ford F800 Fire Truck
Sold Price: $5,400
Halifax Fire Company parted ways with one 1985 Ford F800 fire truck. The vehicle came equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, a 429-4V gasoline engine, a hose, and a 750 gallon water tank. In total, it has logged 9,400 hours of use. As the seller notes, the truck runs but will likely require a new battery.
Fire trucks come in a variety of types, and likewise, can take on a variety of uses once retired. Buyers have converted them for tailgating, turned them into mobile bars, and used them as private work vehicles. They pack plenty of power and plenty of storage space for tools and personnel.
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1989 GMC Topkick
Sold Price: $21,000
This 1989 GMC Topkick was sold with a liquid injector system, making it a great addition to a work fleet lineup for a construction company. The seller, the Town of Saint Johnsbury, noted the “truck’s excellent condition” with no rust or leaks, and a total of 6,157 logged hours. However, the truck has not been inspected in 5 years. When buying from government auctions, despite the great deals, inspecting vehicles in-person is always recommended. Bring a professional mechanic if you can. That way, you can catch any wear and tear that the seller forgot or chose not to mention. Plus, you can ask questions in real-time. Even better, we have a handy government surplus vehicle guide to take you through the process.
1994 Ford 6640 SL
Sold Price: $15,100
From construction to landscaping, all sorts of tractors get used by municipalities, including this 1994 Ford 6640 SL. The Town of Pittsford sold it along with an Alamo boom mower. The vehicle itself is useful for landscaping and the mower only adds to that fact. When private businesses buy from auctions, they spend less money than they would buying directly from the manufacturer, even for used models.
2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty XL Truck
Sold Price: $30,000
While tractors are useful, the same can be said about trucks. One 2012 Ford F-450 was sold along with a snow plow and a dump truck bed. This vehicle could easily be used for a landscaping company, construction, or snowmoving. Sometimes people buy municipal trucks and just keep them as commuters. Whatever the case, decals indicating prior use have to be removed before being able to legally drive them on the road. The same applies when buying something like a fire truck or police car.
2008 Supreme 900T Enviro Mixer
Sold Price: $3,633
A 2008 Supreme 900T Enviro Mixer was sold by the Chittenden Solid Waste District, proving that even the most unexpected items can make their way to government auctions. An extra auger is included in the machine along with modifications to the hydraulic system. There are no known issues with the mixer, which brings up the question of why it is being sold. Municipalities replace vehicles and equipment once a certain threshold of usage has been reached, but also when something new has been acquired. If you’re ever unsure about the condition, perform an in-person inspection.
2005 Ford F-350
Sold Price: $7,200
Another truck making the list is this 2005 Ford F-350 with only about 15K miles. The seller notes that it recently failed state inspection because of rust, but otherwise, the engine and transmission seem to be in good condition. One perk of buying from online auctions, aside from the affordable prices, is that if you are a DIY kind of person, you can acquire all sorts of projects to fix up. That includes vehicles, and from there, you could choose to resell.
40-Yard Closed Top Roll-Off Container
Sold Price: $6,000
Like the mixer on this list, buying a 40-yard closed top roll-off container may seem strange, but this would be perfect for a construction company. Or perfect if you run an organization that collects trash. This item is again a reminder that sellers expect you to provide your own transportation for item pickup. Always keep that in mind before placing the initial bid.
2012 International CES
Sold Price: $4,100
If work trucks are on the list, then why not a school bus? The Town of Ludlow sold a 2012 International CES to one lucky bidder. The original cost was $98,546, but it was auctioned off for just $4,100! It can seat 48 adults or 72 students. Depending on your wants, school buses can be converted into recreational vehicles or fleet vehicles. Like a fire truck, they offer plenty of space for people and supplies.
2013 Ford Explorer Police
Sold Price: $2,800
Municipalities get plenty of usage out of police cars, and at some point, each of them has to be replaced. The Windham County Sheriff’s Office sold a police variation of the 2013 Ford Explorer from their fleet. Vehicles like this are often sold “as is,” which means any repairs that are required will be the responsibility of the bidder after the purchase. The decals for example, would need to be removed, but the sheriff’s office said that in this case they will be removed before sale. However, that doesn’t apply to anything else that requires attention on the truck.
Complete Soil/Mulch/Stone Bagging Setup
Sold Price: $8,100
Another item coming from the Chittenden Solid Waste District is a complete soil/mulch/stone bagging station. Included in the setup is a hopper, conveyor, bag sealer, bagger, and more. If you run a landscaping company, this is the kind of item you want!
Conclusion
Now that you know more about what’s happening with Vermont government auctions, what’s stopping you from placing your first bid? Municibid has cars, trucks, landscaping equipment, and so much more. Place your first bid today!