In Nevada’s booming construction sector—fueled by real estate, infrastructure, and tech development—having the right heavy equipment isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Whether you're based in Las Vegas, Reno, or a rural part of the state, your construction business needs reliable access to excavators, loaders, cranes, and other essential gear to stay productive and competitive.
But these tools don’t come cheap. That’s where smart financing comes in.
This guide explores the best equipment financing options for Nevada construction businesses, from loans and leases to SBA-backed programs and tax-saving strategies.
Construction equipment is expensive, but necessary—and buying it outright can strain your cash flow. Instead, financing helps you:
Acquire equipment without large upfront costs
Maintain working capital for payroll, materials, and bids
Access the latest tech for productivity and safety
Replace or upgrade older machinery faster
Stay agile in Nevada’s competitive bid-driven market
🛠️ In construction, time is money. The right financing strategy ensures you’re never delayed by unavailable or outdated equipment.
An equipment loan provides a lump sum to purchase new or used machinery. The equipment itself serves as collateral, which reduces lender risk.
Fixed monthly payments
2–7 year terms
Often lower interest than unsecured business loans
Own the equipment outright after final payment
Excavators, skid steers, bulldozers
Cranes, backhoes, graders
Dump trucks and work trucks
Concrete mixers, scaffolding, generators
Bank of Nevada
Western Alliance Bank
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
First Foundation Bank
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Identify equipment needs and vendor quotes
Choose loan vs. lease based on project duration
Compare lenders and prequalify
Gather business financials and tax returns
Submit application and equipment specs
Finalize loan terms and sign documents
Receive funds or direct vendor payment
Leasing is ideal if you need equipment temporarily or want to upgrade frequently. At lease-end, you can return, renew, or buy the equipment.
| Feature | Leasing | Buying |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Renter | You own it after loan payoff |
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher (down payment required) |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Long-Term Cost | Higher over time | Often lower overall |
| Ideal Use Case | Short-term projects or rapid upgrades | Long-term use and asset building |
Balboa Capital
Crest Capital
Trust Capital USA
National Funding
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t offer equipment loans directly, but guarantees loans issued by banks—making it easier to qualify and secure favorable terms.
Can be used for equipment, vehicles, and working capital
Up to $5 million
Terms: Up to 10 years
Rates: Prime + 2.25%–4.75%
Designed for long-life assets like machinery or commercial real estate
Structure: 50% lender, 40% CDC (Certified Development Company), 10% borrower
Lower down payment
Fixed, long-term interest rates
🧱 In Nevada, many mid-sized contractors use SBA 504 loans to buy construction equipment while preserving liquidity for payroll and bids.
📍 Contact Nevada SBA District Office or Nevada State Development Corporation for local SBA and CDC support.
Business: Silver Earth Excavation (based in Sparks, NV)
Need: $350,000 for two loaders, a grader, and a site truck
Solution:
$200,000 SBA 504 loan through NSDC
$100,000 equipment lease for a specialized loader
$50,000 business line of credit for fuel and supplies
Result:
Took on 3 new municipal projects within 8 months
Reduced subcontractor reliance by 60%
Doubled annual revenue in 18 months
Buy or finance new or used equipment and deduct the full purchase price (up to $1,220,000 in 2024) in the same tax year.
Claim additional deductions for qualifying equipment even if Section 179 cap is reached. Bonus depreciation is 60% in 2024 and phases down in coming years.
Tip: Financing lets you write off the entire equipment cost even if you haven't paid in full.
📊 Talk to your CPA or tax advisor before structuring your deal to maximize deductions.
While loans and leases cover the equipment itself, a business line of credit can help with related costs:
Delivery and installation
Initial fuel and servicing
Insurance and licensing
Unexpected project changes
U.S. Bank
BlueVine
OnDeck
Bank of Nevada
Free loan prep and financial planning
Construction business templates and guidance
Free business mentoring
Help choosing between leasing and financing
lasvegas.score.org
Member access to financing resources and lender referrals
Nevada SBA District Office (opens in new tab)
Nevada State Development Corporation – SBA 504 Loans (opens in new tab)
IRS Section 179 Deduction Info (opens in new tab)
Nevada SBDC (opens in new tab)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Preserves cash flow and working capital | Long-term lease costs may exceed asset value |
| SBA loans offer long terms and low interest | Loan application process can take several weeks |
| Nevada has local lenders and equipment specialists | Financing requires strong credit and documentation |
| Section 179 allows for major tax deductions | Asset depreciation may vary based on use and wear |
In Nevada’s fast-growing construction industry, you can’t afford to wait on equipment—or burn cash on outright purchases that limit your flexibility.
Whether you're a general contractor in Reno or a sitework specialist in Las Vegas, the right mix of equipment loans, SBA financing, and strategic leasing can help you scale with confidence, improve your bid capacity, and keep your crews moving.
Need help financing your construction equipment in Nevada?
Connect with an SBA-approved lender, apply for leasing options, or get free guidance from the Nevada SBDC to build your business smarter.