Best Construction and Heavy Equipment
Financing Loans

Construction and heavy equipment loans help businesses get the gear they need without having to put all the cash down upfront.

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Best construction and heavy equipment financing lenders at a glance

Bank of America: Best construction and heavy equipment loan for a variety of equipment loan options

From $25,000

6.25%

60 months

Not disclosed

2 years

Pros
  • Can be used for a wide range of equipment, including heavy commercial vehicles
  • Bank of America Preferred Rewards customers may qualify for interest rate discounts
  • Offers loans, leases and lines of credit
Cons
  • Origination fee of 0.50% of the amount financed
  • Slow times to funding (10 days) once your application is approved
  • Strict requirements to qualify: at least two years in business and minimum annual revenue of $250,000

Why we picked it

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Bank of America stands out for its versatile equipment financing options and customer-oriented benefits. With no maximum loan amount, it caters to a broad spectrum of business needs. One of Bank of America’s most compelling features is its flexibility in financing various equipment, from general machinery to heavy-duty commercial vehicles. What’s more, the bank offers traditional loans, leases and lines of credit, providing businesses with multiple pathways to finance essential equipment.

Read our Bank of America review.

Wells Fargo: Best construction and heavy equipment loan for construction businesses

From $100,000

Not disclosed

Not disclosed

680

Two years

Pros
  • Flexible financing, including balloon or seasonal payments and sale and leaseback transactions
  • Customers can buy new and used commercial and industrial equipment directly from Wells Fargo
  • Available in all 50 U.S. states and Canada
Cons
  • High minimum loan/lease amount means financing is only available on major purchases
  • Doesn’t publicly disclose rates or loan terms
  • Wells Fargo has been the subject of numerous criminal and civil investigations involving unethical practices

Why we picked it

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With loan amounts starting at $100,000, Wells Fargo is a reliable choice for well-established construction businesses. What truly sets the bank apart is its understanding of the varied cash flow patterns in construction. By providing flexible financing options, including balloon or seasonal payments and even sale and equipment leaseback transactions, it caters to the construction industry’s unique needs.Additionally, Wells Fargo isn’t just a lender — its Equipment Seller department allows businesses to purchase both new and used equipment and industrial gear.

Read our Wells Fargo review.

Taycor Financial: Best construction and heavy equipment loan for startup businesses

$500 to $5,000,000

Not disclosed

84

550

None

Pros
  • No tax returns required for loans up to $400,000
  • Application can be completed entirely online
  • Requests for loans up to $150,000 can be approved within hours based on a one-page application
Cons
  • Requires first and last payment in advance on equipment leases
  • Larger and more complex financing needs require additional documentation, including tax returns, financial statements and bank statements
  • May charge origination fees and documentation fees on some transactions

Why we picked it

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Getting financing can be tricky for startups and early-stage construction businesses, as many lenders require you to be in business for at least two years to qualify for a loan or lease. But Taycor Financial is an ally for startup businesses, offering funding for companies that have been in business for less than two years.It also offers loan amounts as low as $500. What’s especially noteworthy is their leniency on credit profiles, accepting credit scores as low as 550. They also offer quick business loans on financing requests up to $150,000, and no tax return requirements on loans up to $400,000.

Read our Taycor Financial review.

Commercial Fleet Financing: Best construction and heavy equipment loan for the trucking industry

$10,000 to $1,000,000

Not disclosed

60

640

Not disclosed

Pros
  • Financing may be available to customers with prior liens, judgments or bankruptcies
  • May be a good option for a quick business loan: able to approve a completed application in as little as two hours
  • No down payment required for customers with excellent credit
Cons
  • Doesn’t publicly disclose interest rates
  • Borrowers with past credit problems will need to come up with a down payment
  • May require copies of bank statements, tax returns, and equipment order

Why we picked it

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Commercial Fleet Financing is known for offering semi-truck and trailer financing, but also offers construction equipment financing. With loans ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 and generous term lengths of up to nine years, they can tailor funding to the unique demands of the construction industry. They understand the challenges business owners face in this sector, as even those with prior liens, judgments, and bankruptcies may qualify for financing. However, a down payment may be required in these situations.

Read our Commercial Fleet Financing review.

U.S. Small Business Administration: Best construction and heavy equipment loan for long repayment terms

Up to $5,500,000

Varies by month and loan term

120, 240 or 300

N/A

Two years

Pros
  • Can also be used to purchase or improve buildings and land
  • Extended loan terms allow you to repay loans over up to 25 years
  • Interest rates are capped by the SBA, which keeps them affordable
Cons
  • Only available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) — not directly from the SBA
  • You have to meet the SBA’s size standards
  • CDCs or the SBA may charge fees that increase the total cost of borrowing

Why we picked it

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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers large loans with competitive interest rates. With loan amounts up to $5,500,000, the SBA’s 504 loan program can finance equipment and also help construction businesses finance the acquisition and improvement of buildings and land. However, where the 504 program really shines is its repayment structure. Offering terms of 120, 240 or 300 months, businesses can spread out their financial obligations and ease cash flow pressures.

What are construction and heavy equipment financing loans?

Construction and heavy equipment loans help businesses get the machinery and construction equipment they need.

Unlike traditional business loans, these are tailored to address the unique challenges and requirements of the construction sector.

Since heavy machinery — including cranes, bulldozers, and excavators — is so expensive, it’s often impractical, if not impossible, to purchase equipment outright.

Construction and heavy equipment financing helps your business to lease or buy equipment, converting a significant capital expenditure into manageable monthly payments.

Financing vs. leasing: Heavy equipment and construction loans

When acquiring equipment, businesses often have two options: equipment financing or equipment leasing. Financing, also called an equipment loan, allows you to purchase the equipment but pay for it in monthly installments. Once the loan is paid off, your business owns the equipment free and clear, and it becomes an asset on your company’s balance sheet.

On the other hand, leasing is akin to renting the equipment for an extended timeframe. At the end of the lease term, your business may have the option to return the equipment, purchase it (often at a reduced price) or renew the lease.

Heavy equipment financingHeavy equipment leasing
Monthly payments?HigherLower
Monthly payment costs?Fixed principal plus interest paymentsFixed lease payment
Depreciation is tax deductible?May be tax deductible*Not tax deductible
Can I trade in equipment or does it become outdated?May become outdatedCan trade in

*This is not tax advice. Consult with a CPA to determine the best options for you and your business.

How to get a construction and heavy equipment financing loans

Here’s how to get a business loan for construction or equipment:

  1. Assess your needs and budget. Before diving into the application process, take a moment to evaluate what kind of equipment you need and how it fits your business operations. Consider things like the lifespan of the equipment, how often you will use it and the return on investment you expect it to bring.
  2. Get the essential documents ready. Most lenders have requirements for business loans that include a range of documents to assess your financial health and the viability of the loan. Commonly requested documents include financial statements, tax returns and bank statements.
  3. Research and choose the best lender. Not all lenders are created equal. Research your options, including banks, credit unions and specialized equipment financing companies. Look for those that offer favorable terms, understand the construction industry and have positive reviews or customer testimonials.
  4. Submit your application. Once you’ve chosen a lender, begin the application process. This may involve filling out an online application or working directly with a loan officer at a local branch office. Be thorough and accurate in providing information, as discrepancies can delay or jeopardize your approval.
  5. Review terms and finalize the deal. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an offer detailing the loan’s terms, including business loan interest rates, repayment schedule and associated fees. Review these terms carefully. If everything appears satisfactory, sign the loan agreement.

Pros and cons of construction and heavy equipment financing loans

ProsCons

  Improved cash flow

  Access to advanced equipment

  Potential tax write-offs

  Higher overall costs due to interest

  Some lenders may require additional collateral

  Locked into a repayment schedule

How we chose the best construction and heavy equipment financing loans

We reviewed more than 15 lenders to determine the overall best six construction and heavy equipment financing loans. To make our list, lenders must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum time in business: We prioritized lenders who had worked with businesses in operation two years or less.
  • Minimum credit score: While the lenders on this list cater to a variety of credit profiles, we prioritized lenders who had a minimum credit score requirement of 680 or lower or had no credit score requirement.
  • Rates and terms: We prioritize lenders with more competitive fixed rates, fewer fees and greater options for repayment terms, loan amounts and APR discounts.
  • Repayment experience: For starters, we consider each lender’s reputation and business practices. We also favor lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide any unique perks to customers, like free wealth coaching.

Best construction and heavy equipment financing loans summary

Frequently asked questions

Heavy equipment financing allows businesses to purchase essential equipment without bearing the full cost upfront. The business gets a loan to buy the equipment and agrees to a structured repayment plan — typically involving monthly installments.

The credit score needed to finance a heavy equipment purchase varies based on the lender and the specific financing program. Generally, a higher credit score increases the likelihood of securing favorable loan terms and lower interest rates. Many lenders prefer borrowers to have a credit score of at least 640. However, even if you have a lower credit score, some lenders offer equipment loans for bad credit. If you have poor credit, lenders may be more open to considering your application if you make a down payment.

The length of time for a construction and heavy equipment loan varies depending on the lender. Many lenders offer loan terms of up to five years. However, the SBA’s 504 loan program provides loans for 10, 20 or 25 years.

Whether you should finance construction and heavy equipment depends on your business’s financial situation, operational needs and long-term goals. Financing can be a good choice for businesses that want to preserve cash flow and acquire state-of-the-art equipment without large upfront costs. On the flip side, financing can result in higher total costs after factoring in interest and potential fees. So, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of owning the equipment sooner against the commitment and costs associated with a financing agreement.