{"id":17808,"date":"2025-07-07T21:33:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T21:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=17808"},"modified":"2025-07-07T21:33:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T21:33:00","slug":"how-to-finance-used-equipment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=17808","title":{"rendered":"How to Finance Used Equipment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether it\u2019s a crane for your construction business or an oven for your restaurant \u2014 buying new equipment can be a drain on your budget. If you\u2019re looking to save a little money, you might consider getting used equipment instead of buying new.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Used equipment financing is a type of <\/span>small-business loan<\/span> for buying pre-owned equipment, machinery or tools. This financing allows you to access the equipment you need without bearing the full upfront cost of buying it new \u2014 making it a more cost-effective option for some businesses. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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We\u2019ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.<\/p>\n

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Can you get financing for used equipment?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Yes, you can get financing for used equipment purchases. Many lenders that issue <\/span>equipment loans<\/span> offer options for both new and used purchases. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Because used equipment financing is typically secured by the machinery itself, however, some lenders may be more hesitant to offer loans for older equipment. Used equipment tends to have a shorter remaining lifespan and a greater susceptibility to damage, which increases the lender\u2019s risk. As a result, these loans often come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms compared with new equipment financing.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Additionally, lenders may only finance certain types of used equipment, such as <\/span>construction or heavy machinery<\/span>, but exclude computers or similar technology. They also may put limits on the age of the equipment they will finance \u2014 for example, some companies won\u2019t finance equipment older than 10 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Pros and cons of used equipment financing<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Pros<\/span><\/p>\n
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Lower overall cost compared with buying new equipment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Smaller loan amounts can be easier to qualify for, especially if you\u2019re a new business or have bad credit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Used equipment depreciates more slowly since initial years of depreciation have passed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Used equipment can be more readily available from vendors than new equipment, which may have to be ordered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cons<\/span><\/p>\n
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May have higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms compared to new equipment financing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Lenders may have restrictions on the age or type of equipment that can be financed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Used equipment can have a shorter lifespan and may need more frequent repairs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

How to get used equipment financing<\/span><\/h2>\n
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The process of financing used equipment isn\u2019t all that different from financing new equipment. Follow these steps to get started:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

1. Evaluate your financing needs<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Determine exactly what type of equipment you need and how you plan to use it in your operations. Consider how much the equipment might cost and what your budget looks like.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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To make sure you can afford any potential debt, use an <\/span>equipment loan calculator<\/span>. This tool can help you estimate payments and interest costs so that you can see what works best for your financial situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2. Find the equipment you want to buy<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Most lenders will want you to include an equipment quote as part of your application. Look for reputable vendors or suppliers that offer the equipment you need, such as established dealers, manufacturers or third-party sellers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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As you compare vendors, ask each company for detailed information about the equipment, including the selling price, the model or serial number, ownership history and maintenance records. You\u2019ll want to verify that the equipment is in good condition, either by seeing it in-person or hiring a third-party inspection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In addition to the selling price, you should also factor in additional costs such as transportation, installation, maintenance and insurance \u2014 as these can affect your financing needs and overall budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

3. Review your business\u2019s qualification requirements<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Knowing where your business stands ahead of time can help save you time when comparing loan options. Although <\/span>business loan requirements<\/span> vary, most lenders will consider similar criteria, including annual revenue, personal credit score and time in business. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Even if you\u2019re a startup or have bad credit, you may still be able to qualify for used equipment financing. Because the equipment itself serves as collateral, some lenders can be more lenient with their requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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You should also consider whether you can offer a <\/span>down payment<\/span> \u2014 and if you can \u2014 how much. Although down payments aren\u2019t always required, providing one can increase your chances of qualifying, as well as help you access better rates and terms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

4. Compare used equipment financing companies<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Research and compare several used equipment financing companies to determine which is the right fit for your business. Make sure that the company can finance the type of used equipment you want to purchase, as well as consider its repayment terms, interest rates, fees, funding speed and application process.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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You might start your search with these options:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Product<\/span><\/th>\nMax loan amount<\/span><\/th>\nMin. credit score<\/span><\/th>\nLearn more<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
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SBA 7(a) loan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

$5,000,000<\/td>\n650<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Triton<\/p>\n

Triton Capital – Equipment financing<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

$250,000<\/td>\n580<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"National<\/p>\n

National Funding – Equipment financing<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

$150,000<\/td>\n600<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"eLease<\/p>\n

eLease – Equipment financing<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Undisclosed<\/td>\n550<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Bank<\/p>\n

Bank of America – Equipment loan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

$750,000<\/td>\n700<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Keep in mind that <\/span>banks<\/span> and <\/span>SBA lenders<\/span> will likely offer the most competitive rates and terms \u2014 but will have strict qualification requirements and be slow to fund. For faster or more flexible funding, you might consider <\/span>online lenders<\/span>. Specialized equipment lenders, like CAG Truck Capital or AgDirect, can be a good option if you want to work with experts knowledgeable about the specific type of equipment you want to buy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

5. Prepare and submit your application<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The application process will vary largely based on the type of lender you choose. Bank and SBA lenders, for instance, typically require extensive documentation and may require you to visit a branch to apply. Online lenders, on the other hand, often use automated technology to streamline the application process, with minimal documentation required.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In any case, you should be prepared to provide the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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