How to Buy Government Heavy Equipment at Auction (2026): Prices, Fees and Pickup

Government agencies sell a steady supply of used heavy equipment: road department loaders and graders, parks department tractors and mowers, water department backhoes and excavators, and military construction equipment. Public works machines are usually maintained in a municipal shop.

Where Government Heavy Equipment Is Sold

• GovDeals and Public Surplus. Most city, county and school district equipment. Buyer's premium is 7.5-12.5% on GovDeals and set by each seller on Public Surplus.
• Purple Wave. Midwest state and county fleet and equipment. Its buyer fee is set per lot and shown on the listing.
• GovPlanet. Military and federal equipment, run by Ritchie Bros. The buyer's fee is about 15% up to $10,000 and 10% above that, plus a card fee if you pay by card. Lots marked IronClad Assurance come with an inspection report.
• State surplus programs and local auction houses. See state surplus auctions, state by state.

Our fee comparison across 16 sites has the full premium schedule for each.

What Government Equipment Sells For

Winning bids at U.S. government auctions over the last 12 months:

"Median sale" is the middle winning bid. "Middle half" is the range the central 50% of sales fell in. Each row links to that machine's page, with recent sales and prices by state. Prices for a type of machine range widely with size and hours, so compare against the model's own page before you bid.

Inspecting a Machine

Most sellers allow inspection before the auction closes. For equipment, it is worth the trip.

• Hours. Check the hour meter and compare it to the listing. Ask whether the meter has been replaced.
• Cold start. Ask to hear it start cold. Watch for heavy smoke and listen for knocking.
• Hydraulics. Run every function. Look for leaking cylinders, cracked hoses and drifting booms.
• Undercarriage and tires. Tracks, rollers and big tires are expensive to replace.
• Structure. Look for cracks and weld repairs on the boom, loader arms and frame.
• Attachments. Check what is included. Buckets, forks and plows are often listed separately.

If you can't inspect, the photos and description are all you have. Every lot is sold as-is.

Payment and Pickup

• Payment. Most sellers want payment within a few business days. Large invoices often require a wire or certified funds.
• Pickup windows are short. GovPlanet allows 8 business days before storage fees start. GovDeals and Public Surplus sellers typically allow 5 to 15 business days.
• Loading. Don't assume the seller will load the machine for you. Ask before you bid, and bring a trailer rated for the machine's weight, or book a hauler.
• ID and paperwork. Bring photo ID and your paid invoice. Some government sites also ask for proof of insurance from your hauler.
• Military equipment may need an End Use Certificate before release. See buying surplus military vehicles.

Our true cost calculator adds the premium, tax and transport to a bid. Live equipment is on the heavy equipment auctions page and in equipment auctions near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public buy government heavy equipment?

Yes. Government equipment auctions are open to the public. You do not need a contractor's license or a business.

Where do cities sell their used equipment?

Mostly on GovDeals, Public Surplus and Purple Wave, plus state surplus programs and local auction houses. GovAuctions.app lists them in one search.

How much does a used backhoe cost at a government auction?

Over the last 12 months the median backhoe at a U.S. government auction sold for $7,834, and the middle half sold for $1,186 to $18,915. Buyer's premium, tax and transport come on top.

Is government heavy equipment a good deal?

It can be. Public works machines are usually maintained in a municipal shop. The risks are as-is sales, short pickup windows and transport costs. Inspect in person when you can.