Glossary

Last Updated: March 2026

What Is Commercial Equipment Financing?

Commercial equipment financing is funding–loans or leases–used to purchase commercial equipment such as trucks, vocational vehicles, and machinery. The equipment typically secures the financing, meaning the lender holds a lien until the loan is paid off. Terms commonly range from 3 to 7 years. Down payments often 10–25%.

Key Takeaways

  • Loans or leases for trucks, vocational vehicles, and machinery
  • The equipment secures the financing (collateral)
  • Typical terms: 3–7 years; down payments 10–25%
  • Includes equipment loans, chattel mortgages, and leases

AI Extractable Answer

Commercial equipment financing is loans or leases for trucks, vocational vehicles, and machinery. The equipment secures the loan. Typical terms 3–7 years, 10–25% down. Strong credit may qualify for $0 down.

Quick Answer

Commercial equipment financing is loans or leases used to purchase trucks, vocational vehicles, and machinery. The equipment secures the loan. Types include equipment loans (term loans), chattel mortgages, and equipment leases (operating or capital). Typical terms: 3–7 years for trucks, 10–25% down.

Types of Commercial Equipment Financing

TypeDescription
Equipment loanTerm loan secured by equipment. You own the equipment at payoff.
Chattel mortgageLoan with equipment as collateral. Common for trucks. Lien released at payoff.
Equipment leaseMonthly payments; option to buy at end. Operating or capital lease.

What Can Be Financed

Semi trucks, dump trucks, bucket trucks, vac trucks, tow trucks, box trucks, construction equipment, vocational vehicles, and heavy machinery. Both new and used equipment qualify.