Equipment & vehicle funding

Equipment Financing: Get the Machinery, Trucks and Tech That Grow Revenue Without Draining Cash

Put revenue-producing equipment to work now and pay for it while it earns.

Alta Business Loans Editorial Team Updated October 24, 2026 2-minute read

Construction crew operating heavy equipment acquired through equipment financing

Businesses are investing again. U.S. equipment and software investment is projected to grow 6.2% in 2026, and more than a quarter of small business financing applicants sought money to repair or replace capital assets last year, according to the Federal Reserve. Equipment financing lets you add capacity today and keep your cash working.

6.2% projected growth in U.S. equipment and software investment in 2026 Source: Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, 2026 Economic Outlook

How equipment financing works

You pick the asset, the lender typically pays the vendor and you make scheduled payments. Because the equipment secures the deal, approvals often lean on the value of the asset as much as your credit, and many businesses keep more cash on hand for payroll and growth.

Loan, lease or SBA: choose your structure

Structure	Best for	Watch for
Equipment loan	Long-life assets you plan to keep	Down payment, total interest, lien
Equipment finance agreement	Fixed payments on a defined purchase	Total of payments and payoff terms
Equipment lease	Tech or vehicles you replace often	Residual value, buyout and return terms
SBA 7(a) or 504	Large purchases with long terms	More paperwork and longer timelines

What you can finance

Construction machinery, trucks and trailers, manufacturing lines, restaurant kitchens, medical and dental equipment, farm equipment, technology and software. Used equipment can qualify too, depending on age, condition and resale value.

Get approved faster

Get a written vendor quote with the full installed cost.
Have recent business bank statements ready.
Show how the asset adds revenue or cuts costs.
Match the term to the equipment's useful life so you are not paying for it after it is retired.

Pro move: compare the cash price, amount financed and total of payments. A lower monthly payment can hide a balloon or a longer term.

Your next move

Get the equipment. Keep your cash.

Tell us what you are buying and get equipment financing options matched to the asset, your cash flow and your timeline.

Get My Funding Options →

One secure application · Under 10 minutes · No hard credit pull to check your options

Equipment financing FAQs

How does equipment financing work?

A lender funds the purchase of a specific business asset, often paying the vendor directly. You make scheduled payments, and the equipment typically serves as collateral until the obligation is paid.

What kinds of equipment can be financed?

Construction and manufacturing machinery, commercial vehicles, restaurant and medical equipment, agricultural equipment, technology and software are common. Eligibility depends on the asset, vendor and your business profile.

Should I lease or buy equipment?

Buying with a loan builds ownership and fits assets you will use for years. Leasing can lower upfront cost and fits equipment that quickly becomes outdated. Tax treatment depends on the agreement, so check with your tax advisor.

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes. Used equipment can qualify when its age, condition, remaining useful life and resale value meet the lender's requirements. An inspection or larger down payment may be requested.

Sources

Educational content only, not financial, legal, accounting or tax advice, and not a financing offer. Alta Business Loans is a business funding brokerage, not a direct lender. The lender funding a transaction independently determines eligibility, approval, rates, terms and funding availability. Data cited is current as of the publication date and may change.