Financing heavy equipment can be a challenge, especially for small businesses or those just starting out. Many construction and industry companies rely on heavy equipment to get the job done, but the upfront costs can be steep.
The average cost of a heavy equipment unit can range from $50,000 to over $500,000, making it a significant investment. This is why financing options are crucial for businesses that need to purchase or lease equipment.
There are various financing options available, including loans, leases, and financing programs specifically designed for the construction and industry sectors. These options can help businesses spread out the cost of equipment over time, making it more manageable.
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Heavy Equipment Financing Options
Heavy equipment financing can be a complex process, but don't worry, I've got you covered. There are alternative financing options available, such as subprime lenders that specialize in working with businesses that have poor credit.
Having a co-signer or guarantor can also improve your approval chances, as they can vouch for your creditworthiness. Some lenders may also consider a substantial down payment to offset the risk and increase your chances of approval.
If you're looking for a loan, you can expect to own the equipment immediately, but the value will depreciate over time. You can usually deduct the interest you pay on the loan from your taxes, but the equipment's value will be less than what you paid for it in total.
National Funding offers financing options with low upfront costs, including no down payment required and financing options for various credit profiles. However, their maximum loan amount is capped at $150,000, and they have a high annual revenue requirement of $250,000.
Charter Capital offers a range of financing options, including flexible terms, competitive rates, and a streamlined approval process. They work with businesses of all sizes to help them secure the heavy equipment loans they need.
To get a heavy equipment loan, you'll need to assess your needs and budget, get the essential documents ready, research and choose the best lender, submit your application, and review the terms and finalize the deal.
Securing financing with bad credit can be challenging, but it's not impossible. You can increase your chances by considering alternative financing options, such as subprime lenders, or by offering a substantial down payment.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind when exploring heavy equipment financing options:
Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of any financing option before making a decision.
Leasing and Ownership
Leasing and ownership are two distinct concepts in heavy equipment financing. Leasing is akin to renting the equipment for an extended timeframe, allowing you to use the equipment without the full upfront cost of purchasing it.
There are different types of leases to consider, including operating leases and capital leases. Operating leases are short-term leases that don't usually transfer ownership, while capital leases are long-term leases that usually result in the transfer of ownership at the end of the lease term.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences between leasing and owning heavy equipment:
Leasing can offer lower monthly payments and the ability to keep your equipment up-to-date, but it may be more expensive in the long run if you intend to keep the equipment after the lease term ends.
Ownership Transfer
With leasing, you may have the option to return the equipment, purchase it, or renew the lease at the end of the term. This is a key difference from financing, where you own the equipment outright after making the final payment.
You can trade in equipment with leasing, which can be a great way to upgrade to newer models or more efficient machines. In contrast, equipment that becomes outdated may be less valuable.
Here are some key points to consider regarding ownership transfer with leasing and financing:
As you can see, leasing offers more flexibility when it comes to ownership transfer, while financing provides a clear path to owning the equipment outright.
Leasing
Leasing offers lower upfront costs and allows you to keep your equipment up-to-date. However, it may be more expensive in the long run if you intend to keep the equipment after the lease term ends.
You can lease equipment for a short-term or long-term period, depending on your business needs. Operating Leases are ideal for equipment that depreciates quickly or requires frequent upgrades, while Capital Leases usually result in the transfer of ownership at the end of the lease term.
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Leasing can be a good option if you need the latest equipment and prefer lower monthly payments. You can also write off monthly payments on your taxes, which can help save money.
There are different types of leases to consider, including Lease-to-Own Options, which allow you to buy the equipment at a reduced price at the end of the term. Some leases may also have a purchase option, giving you the flexibility to own the equipment if you choose to.
Here are some key differences between leasing and owning equipment:
Ultimately, leasing is like renting equipment for an extended period, while owning gives you full control and equity in the equipment. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider your business needs before making a decision.
Financing Process
The financing process for heavy equipment is straightforward, but it's essential to understand the steps involved. You'll typically start with an initial consultation with a financing representative to discuss your equipment needs and financing options.
To get a heavy equipment loan, you'll need to assess your needs and budget, including the lifespan of the equipment, how often you'll use it, and the return on investment you expect. This will help you determine the right equipment for your business.
The application process usually involves submitting financial statements, tax returns, and bank statements to the lender. You'll also need to research and choose the best lender for your needs, considering factors like interest rates, repayment schedules, and associated fees.
Here are the general steps involved in the financing process:
- Initial consultation to discuss equipment needs and financing options
- Application submission with necessary documentation
- Approval and review of financing terms
- Funding disbursement to purchase the equipment
- Repayment of the loan or lease according to agreed terms
Remember to review the terms of the loan carefully before finalizing the deal, ensuring you understand the interest rates, repayment schedule, and any associated fees.
U.S. Bank: SBA
U.S. Bank offers equipment financing up to $2,500,000, but if you don't meet the requirements, you may be able to work with the lender to secure an SBA loan instead.
U.S. Bank has a streamlined application process as an SBA Preferred Lender, which may make it faster and easier to get an SBA loan.
The application process involves submitting a detailed business plan, financial statements, and other supporting documents to qualify for an SBA loan.
To qualify for an SBA loan, your construction business must meet the SBA's size standards, be for-profit, and operate within the U.S.
The application-only process at U.S. Bank can only be used for transactions up to $200,000.
U.S. Bank doesn't disclose minimum credit score, time in business, or annual revenue requirements, so you'll need to apply online or contact the lender directly to determine if your business qualifies.
As an SBA Preferred Lender, U.S. Bank's application process may be faster than other lenders, which can be a big perk, especially since SBA loans can take two or three months to process with other lenders.
U.S. Bank offers flexible payment structures, allowing you to schedule payments on a monthly, quarterly, or semiannual basis.
Here's a summary of the SBA loan requirements at U.S. Bank:
Eligibility and Application
To be eligible for heavy equipment financing, your construction business must meet the SBA's size standards, be for-profit, and operate within the U.S. You'll need to submit a detailed business plan, financial statements, and other supporting documents as part of the application process.
Some lenders may have specific requirements, such as a minimum credit score, time in business, or annual revenue. For example, OnDeck requires a minimum credit score of 625, a minimum time in business of 1 year, and a minimum annual revenue of $100,000.
The application process typically involves submitting financial statements, tax returns, business plans, and information about the equipment you want to finance. The specific requirements will vary by financing company and the type of financing.
Here's a breakdown of the typical documents required for financing:
- Financial statements
- Tax returns
- Business plans
- Information about the equipment you want to finance
Keep in mind that some lenders may have additional requirements, so it's essential to review their specific requirements before applying.
How We Chose
When researching lenders, we looked at more than a dozen options to find the best fit for your heavy equipment financing needs.
We prioritized lenders with a minimum credit score requirement of 680 or lower, which means you may have more options even with a less-than-perfect credit history.
To ensure you get the best rates and terms, we looked for lenders with competitive fixed rates, fewer fees, and greater options for repayment terms, loan amounts, and APR discounts.
We also considered each lender's reputation and business practices, favoring those that report to all major credit bureaus and offer reliable customer service.
To give you a better idea of what to look for, here are the key criteria we used to choose the best heavy equipment financing companies:
Financing Costs and Benefits
Financing costs can be a major concern for businesses looking to acquire heavy equipment. National Funding offers financing up to $150,000 with terms of up to 120 months.
One of the benefits of National Funding is that it doesn't require a down payment, making it a relatively low-cost option. However, it's worth noting that the lender doesn't publicly disclose its interest rates.
To qualify for National Funding's financing, you'll need to meet its criteria, which includes having at least 6 months of business experience and annual revenue of $250,000. The lender is also willing to work with borrowers who have a variety of credit profiles.
Here are some general terms and interest rates to keep in mind:
Keep in mind that terms and interest rates can vary based on the lender, your credit score, the type of equipment, and the financing option you choose. Leasing rates can often include lower monthly payments compared to loans.
SBA loans, on the other hand, typically offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, but can be difficult to qualify for due to stringent requirements and a lengthy application process.
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Heavy Equipment Types
Having the right heavy equipment can make all the difference in landing contracts and completing jobs efficiently. Loaders are perfect for scooping, lifting, and transporting loose materials.
Bulldozers are ideal for earthmoving, land clearing, grading, or demolition tasks. They're powerful pushing machines that can handle heavy-duty work.
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Excavators
Excavators are a crucial tool for any business that deals with construction, contracting, landscaping, demolition, and material handling. They open up doors for taking on more business.
A reliable excavator can help your business expand its operations and capabilities. Commercial Fleet Financing can help you lease construction equipment or explore heavy equipment loans to get new or used excavators in your hands quickly and easily.
Having a fleet of excavators can lead to increased productivity and efficiency. This is especially true for businesses that need to dig foundations, trenches, and holes for various projects.
Excavators are versatile machines that can be used for a variety of tasks. Whether you need to dig, lift, or move heavy materials, an excavator can get the job done.
With the right financing options, you can upgrade your existing excavators or add new ones to your fleet. This can help you stay competitive in the market and take on more projects.
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Meet Safety Standards
Meet Safety Standards is a crucial aspect of operating heavy equipment. It's essential to prioritize the safety of your crew and the job site.
Leasing new equipment with added safety features is a great way to ensure your crew's safety. This can include features such as improved visibility, enhanced braking systems, and reinforced structures.
Replacing worn out equipment is also vital. Equipment that's become a safety hazard at the job site needs to be taken out of commission immediately.
Here are some key safety features to look for when leasing new equipment:
- Improved visibility
- Enhanced braking systems
- Reinforced structures
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need to finance heavy equipment?
A credit score of 650 or higher is typically required to finance heavy equipment, significantly improving your chances of approval and favorable terms.
What are typical terms for equipment financing?
Typical equipment financing terms include a fixed interest rate, loan terms between 1-5 years, and a down payment requirement of 10-20% of the loan amount. Understanding these terms can help you make an informed decision when financing equipment for your business.
Can you finance heavy equipment with bad credit?
Yes, you can finance heavy equipment with bad credit, as the equipment itself serves as collateral. Contact us to learn more about our flexible financing options and how we can help you get the equipment you need.
Sources
- https://www.lendingtree.com/business/heavy-equipment-financing/
- https://www.nationalfunding.com/industries/leasing-financing/heavy-equipment/
- https://charteraz.com/2024/08/27/how-to-finance-heavy-equipment/
- https://commercialfleetfinancing.com/construction-equipment-financing/heavy-equipment-financing/
- https://www.smarterfinanceusa.com/blog/heavy-equipment-finance-companies
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