Leasing Options for Snow Removal and Salt Spreading Equipment

For contractors, municipalities, and property maintenance companies, snow removal season brings both opportunity and expense. Investing in snowplows, salt spreaders, skid steers, and other winter equipment can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you want to expand your fleet or upgrade gear without tying up capital, leasing options provide an affordable and flexible solution.

Why Lease Snow Removal Equipment?

• Lower Upfront Costs – Get the equipment you need without a massive cash outlay.

• Seasonal Flexibility – Pay for equipment only during winter months with seasonal leases.

• Access to New Technology – Upgrade to newer, more efficient plows and spreaders every few years.

• Preserve Cash Flow – Keep working capital free for payroll, fuel, and emergency repairs.

• Tax Benefits – Lease payments may qualify as deductible business expenses.

Equipment Commonly Leased

✔ Snowplow Trucks – For highways, municipal roads, and large commercial lots.
✔ Skid Steers with Plow Attachments – Versatile for tight areas and sidewalks.
✔ Salt Spreaders – Tailgate or V-box spreaders for efficient de-icing.
✔ Front-End Loaders – Move large volumes of snow quickly.
✔ Snow Blowers & Pushers – For smaller lots, sidewalks, or residential use.

Types of Leasing Options

1. Operating Lease

• Lowest monthly payments.

• Return the equipment at lease-end.

• Ideal for contractors who want to upgrade every season.

2. Capital Lease (Lease-to-Own)

• Higher monthly payments.

• Ownership transfers at the end of the lease.

• Best for businesses with consistent, long-term snow removal contracts.

3. Seasonal Leases

• Pay during peak winter months and pause payments in off-season.

• Designed to match cash flow with snow season demand.

Example Lease Cost Breakdown

A contractor needs:

• 1 Snowplow Truck: $75,000

• 2 Salt Spreaders: $20,000

Total Investment: $95,000

With a 5-year capital lease, payments might be around $1,950/month.
Considering contracts often bring in $10,000–$20,000/month during peak season, leasing makes expansion affordable.

Tips for Choosing the Right Lease

✔ Calculate  ROI by comparing lease payments to projected contract revenue.
✔ Choose seasonal leases if most of your income is winter-based.
✔ Bundle multiple pieces of equipment into one lease for better terms.
✔ Read the fine print—check for hidden fees, maintenance requirements, and early return penalties.

Final Thoughts

Leasing snow removal and salt spreading equipment is a smart move for businesses that want to stay competitive, scale operations, and manage cash flow effectively. Whether you need a single salt spreader or a fleet of snowplow trucks, the right lease structure ensures you’re prepared for winter without overextending your budget.