Aerial and lifting equipment ranges from a $30K used boom lift to a $1.5M all-terrain crane. The programs are different at each end, and the inspection, certification, and insurance requirements scale with the ticket. We know which lender wants which.
What we finance
What matters on lifting equipment
- Inspection and certification. Used cranes need a current annual inspection; lenders will ask for it. Aerial lifts need the annual ANSI inspection. Have the paperwork ready.
- Hours and cycles. Rental-fleet lifts with high hours still finance if the inspection is clean. Cranes are judged on age, boom condition, and service history more than hours.
- Insurance. Physical damage plus liability, often with higher limits on cranes. Riggers coverage if you are lifting for others.
- Titled versus not. Boom trucks and bucket trucks are titled vehicles; lifts and RT cranes are UCC filings on the serial number.
Structures
Longer terms, out to 84 months, are normal on cranes because of value retention. Rental companies buying lifts in bulk can get master-line approvals and add units as they come in. Tree services buying a bucket truck plus a chipper get one payment for the pair. Sale-leasebacks on owned cranes are a common way to fund the next one.
Who we work with
Crane and rigging companies, steel erectors, roofing and siding contractors, sign companies, tree services, utility contractors, equipment rental yards, HVAC and mechanical contractors, and general contractors bringing lifting in-house.
What a payment can look like
Rough ranges so you can budget before you call a dealer.
| Amount financed | Term | Strong credit | Average credit | Challenged or start-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,000 | 48 mo | $1,118/mo | $1,205/mo | $1,320/mo |
| $135,000 | 60 mo | $2,796/mo | $3,065/mo | $3,421/mo |
| $325,000 | 72 mo | $5,842/mo | $6,507/mo | $7,394/mo |
| $750,000 | 84 mo | $12,029/mo | $13,603/mo | $15,719/mo |
Illustrative estimates only, not offers or quotes. Real payments depend on the funding program, credit, time in business, down payment, equipment age, and documentation fees. Seeing your actual options starts with a soft credit inquiry. Run your own numbers in the payment calculator.
Questions we get
Can I finance a used boom lift with high hours?
Yes, if the annual inspection is current and the machine is sound. Rental-fleet lifts with 5,000-plus hours are common files.
What documents does a used crane need?
The current annual inspection, service history, serial number, load chart, photos, and the seller invoice or bill of sale. Bigger cranes may get a third-party inspection.
Can a tree service finance a bucket truck as a start-up?
Yes. Experience in the trade, a personal guarantee, and 10 to 20 percent down. Bundling the chipper is fine.
Do you finance cranes over $1M?
Yes, through programs that take full financials. Plan on two to three years of tax returns, interim statements, and a bit more time to close.
