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A Helpful Crane Buying and Financing Guide

Buying a crane can be a significant investment, so it’s important to understand the process and make an informed decision. Here is a complete guide to buying and financing a crane:

  1. Determine Your Needs: Before buying a crane, you need to determine the type of crane you need for your current and future projects. There are many types of cranes available, including tower cranes, mobile cranes, crawler cranes, and overhead cranes. Each type of crane has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that is best suited for your short and long term needs.
     
  2. Choose a Crane Supplier: Once you have determined the type of crane you need, you should choose a reputable supplier. Look for a supplier that has experience in the industry and offers quality cranes. You can ask for referrals from other contractors or search online for reviews and ratings.
     
  3. Check the Crane’s Condition: Before finalizing the purchase, it’s important to check the crane’s condition thoroughly. You should inspect the crane’s structural integrity, mechanical components, electrical system, and safety features. If possible, you should also test the crane’s performance to ensure it’s in good working condition.
     
  4. Determine the Total Cost: In addition to the purchase price of the crane, you should also consider the cost of transportation, installation, maintenance, and insurance. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your budget.
     
  5. Choose a Financing Option: Once you have determined the total cost of the crane, you should consider your crane financing options. You can choose to pay for the crane in cash, obtain a loan from a bank or financial institution, or lease the crane.
     
  6. Cash Payment: If you have sufficient cash reserves, you may choose to pay for the crane upfront. This option provides the advantage of avoiding interest payments and owning the crane outright.
     
  7. Bank Loan: If you don’t have enough cash reserves, you may obtain a loan from a bank or financial institution. The loan amount and interest rate will depend on your credit score, business history, and collateral. You should compare the interest rates and terms of different lenders to choose the one that suits your needs.
     
  8. Lease: If you don’t want to commit to a long-term investment, you can choose to lease the crane. Leasing provides the advantage of lower monthly payments and flexibility to upgrade or return the crane at the end of the lease term. However, you won’t own the crane at the end of the lease, unless the lease has end of term purchase options.
     
  9. Finalize the Purchase: Once you have chosen the financing option, you should finalize the purchase. You should review and sign the purchase agreement, financing agreement, and any other legal documents. You should also make the necessary payments and obtain the necessary permits and insurance.
     
  10. Maintenance and Operation: After buying your crane, it’s important to maintain and operate it properly. You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance, hire qualified operators, and ensure the crane is operated safely and efficiently. This will help prolong the lifespan of the crane and minimize downtime and repair costs.

Should I Buy a New or Used Crane?

The decision to buy a new or used crane depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, the purpose of the crane, the expected usage, and the availability of financing.

If you have a higher budget and require a crane with the latest technology, a new crane may be the better option. New cranes often come with warranties and maintenance packages, which can give you peace of mind and ensure that the crane operates reliably. Additionally, a new crane can offer the latest safety features and meet the most current industry standards.

However, if your budget is more limited or you don’t need the latest technology, a used crane could be a more cost-effective option. Used cranes are often significantly cheaper than new cranes, which can save you a lot of money upfront. Additionally, used cranes that have been well-maintained and inspected can still provide reliable and safe operation.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a new or used crane will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Before making a decision, you should thoroughly research the options available to you, consult with experts in the field, and weigh the pros and cons of each choice.

Popular Websites to Purchase a Crane:

There are several websites where you can purchase a crane. Here are some of the most popular:

  1. CraneNetwork.com – This is a great website for buying and selling new and used cranes of all types. It has a vast inventory of cranes from trusted brands and sellers.
     
  2. Bigge.com – Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. is one of the largest crane companies in the world, and their website is a great place to buy or rent a crane. They have an extensive inventory of cranes of all sizes and types.
     
  3. Mascus.com – This is a global marketplace for heavy machinery, including cranes. You can find both new and used cranes from sellers all over the world.
     
  4. IronPlanet.com – This is another website that sells both new and used cranes, as well as other heavy equipment. They offer auctions and fixed-price listings, so you can find the right crane at the right price.
     
  5. EquipmentTrader.com – This website has a large inventory of cranes for sale from dealers and private sellers. You can search by type, brand, location, and other criteria to find the perfect crane for your needs.

It’s always a good idea to do your research and compare prices and features before making a purchase. Additionally, be sure to check the seller’s reputation and read customer reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting a quality crane.

Crane Financing Options:

There are several financing options available for businesses looking to purchase a crane:

  1. Bank loans: Traditional bank loans are a common financing option for purchasing a crane. Banks typically offer competitive interest rates and repayment terms that can range from several months to several years.
     
  2. Equipment financing: Some lenders specialize in providing financing for equipment purchases, including cranes. These lenders may offer more flexible repayment terms or better rates and terms compared to other financing options.
     
  3. Leasing: Leasing a crane can be a cost-effective way to access the equipment without a large upfront investment. Leasing terms can range from short-term rentals to long-term leases, and some may include maintenance and repair services.
     
  4. Equipment auctions: Not really a financing option, but purchasing a used crane at an auction can be a more affordable option for those on a tight budget. However, it is important to thoroughly inspect the crane before making a purchase to ensure it is in good working condition.  Depending on the age of the crane, most lenders will finance cranes purchased at an auction house.

When considering financing options for a crane purchase, it is important to carefully evaluate each option and compare interest rates, repayment terms, and any additional fees or charges. It may also be helpful to consult with a financial advisor or accountant to determine the best financing option for your specific situation.

 

Originally posted April 20, 2023 here - https://www.vikingequipmentfinance.com/a-complete-guide-to-buying-and-financing-a-crane/

Mining Industry Continues Recovery

The United States and Canada are seeing encouraging trends continue in the mining industry and the outlook for the remainder of 2019 and into 2020 appear to be on the same track.

Mining companies of all sizes throughout North America reported strong earningsand consistently increasing profit margins and cash flow for FY2018. Bouncing back from rough times prior to 2016, the mining industry continues to build on its recovery that has been fueled by robust macroeconomic fundamentals, large reserves and deregulation under President Donald Trump.

However, the driver for success is different from the past. There are still significant profits in the copper, nickel, lead, tin and gold markets, and things are looking better for materials such as iron and coal. The Trump Administration promised to save coal during the 2016 campaign, and for the most part he has succeeded, but as the country seeks alternative sources of energy time will tell how volatile the coal markets will become.

Mining equipment market growing at impressive rates.

The positive forecast for the mining industry is also impacting the Mining Equipment Market in a positive way as well. In 2017, the global mining equipment market size was valued at USD 120.82 billion, but with an anticipated CAGR of 11.7%, analysts are predicting the global mining equipment market will reach USD 284.93 billion by 2025 per Grand View Research.

With the demand for mined materials increasing at such rapid rates, mining companies both large and small are scrambling to improve and increase their machinery to meet the upcoming demand. Many mining companies are financing mining equipment, both new and used, and retrofitting their current fleets to increase drilling, extraction and exploration activities over the next few years.

Risk is still present and expected.

Even though the mining industry in North American looks positive, mining companies will continue to encounter tension over water usage from local communities, political uncertainty that can impact their operations across the globe and the general public’s attitude toward clean energy and sustainable business practices that will continue to impact the coal industry.

Overall, the outlook for mining in The United States and Canada is positive.

Yes, there are risks that the mining industry will face over the next few years, but the overall forecast for the industry looks stronger now than it has in a long time. Improving on a recovery that started back in 2016, the mining industry and the mining equipment market will continue to see massive growth for the remainder of 2019 and beyond.

 

*The article was originally posted on our Quora Blog on June 1, 2019

2017 Was a Good Year for Machine Tools – What Will 2018 Be Like?

Industry analysts reported gains in consumption in 2017 and expect an even better 2018.  Last year showed signs of improvement for the machine tools industry after years of less than stellar results. According to industry reporting firm Statista, consumption of machine tools in 2017 rose 1.6% over the previous year. The previous years, specifically between 2014 and 2015, saw negative drops in the total value of the machine tool industry as a whole.

The Unpredictable Trend of Machine Tools

There are many different contributing factors that affect the success or failure of the machine tool industry. The machine tool financers significantly depend on the different sects of the manufacturing industry to make their money and when manufacturing is down, so is the machine tool industry as a whole.

In addition, factors such as near-zero interest rates and China's continued expansion into manufacturing impact the machine tools industry significantly. Modern Machine Shop detailed the rise and falls of the machine tool industry over the last few years and notes that continued offshoring of U.S. companies to markets with lower labors costs played a big part in the decline of the machine tool industry's value.

What has kept the lows less devastating, and highs better than expected in recent years is China's continuous demand for machine tools in their manufacturing sector. That being said, with the shift towards a more business-friendly economic policy in the U.S. machine tool sales are expected to increase over the next few years.

The Most Prominent Machine Tool Financiers

In EDA’s recent annual report on the machine tool finance market, they detailed the top 20 financiers within the industry in addition to the number of sales they made. According to the report, the top 20 lenders in the segment recorded 481 financial filings for machine tool sales. EDA ranked the top five lenders as:

  • CNC ASSC INC                          72
  • BANTERRA BANK                     39
  • DMG MORI SEIKI USA             32
  • ELLISON TECH                         32
  • HARTWIG INC                          30

The number one seller made big moves in November 2017 with their numbers accounting for 15% of the total sales in the same month among the top 20 lenders.

These successful lenders also sold to successful manufacturers in the U.S. The annual EDA report also ranked the top five financers of the year:

  • Kennametal                  Pennsylvania, USA                 16
  • TE Connectivity           Pennsylvania, USA                    9
  • Aerofit                          California, USA                          8
  • C&C Machine Tool      Minnesota, USA                        8
  • FMI Holdings               Texas, USA                                 8

Representing different industries, strong showings from buyers and sellers alike give hope for the future of the machine tool industry in 2018 and years beyond. With the increasing available options for manufacturers to finance machine tools, expect to see the number of machine tool sales to continue to rise in 2018.

Experts agree as well as projections for the machine tool consumption show that the trend of upward consumption will continue for the next few years. Like we mentioned, the industry has gone through cycles of boom periods and slumps over the last few decades with a variety of factors impacting it. If experts' predictions end up coming to fruition, however, 2018 should be a booming year for the machine tool industry.

What is equipment refinancing?

Equipment and machinery used to operate a business is usually financed through a loan or a lease. Equipment financing allows businesses, which do not have cash up front, to purchase and use the equipment in the course of the business operations.

Business equipment can also be refinanced with certain lenders. Businesses have the option to refinance their equipment loans or leases in an effort to simplify or consolidate loans, reduce monthly payments by extending the term of the loan, lower interest costs, or to have access to cash that is needed to grow the business. Equipment refinancing is available to raise working capital for business which are equipment rich yet cash flow poor.

What is equipment refinancing?

Refinancing is simply financing an asset (equipment, machinery, etc.) with a new loan or lease that has a different interest rate and/or terms. Typically, it’s beneficial to refinance for a lower interest rate or an extended financing term which will lower the monthly payments. If a business has equity in the equipment, it can take out a loan and get cash now for the value of the equipment. The refinancing terms are impacted by the age of the equipment, the condition and appraised value at the time of refinancing as well as the financial condition of the company.

Refinancing equipment can also have beneficial tax impacts for the business. The monthly refinancing payments can result in a tax deduction depending on the terms. The terms of the loans should be discussed with your lender.

Sale leaseback

A sale leaseback is a form of equipment refinancing where the owner of an asset sells it to another party and leases it back from the purchaser. With a sale leaseback title actually passes to the buyer of the equipment. This is done by businesses to leverage the equipment and relieve some working capital for the business.  

Sale leaseback can also have tax impacts. Since title transfers during the sale of the equipment, the seller may need to record capital gains depending on the cost basis and fair market value. Also, the monthly payments made to the purchaser can qualify for a full tax deduction when paid.

Which businesses benefit most from equipment refinancing?

Equipment refinancing is great for businesses which are capital-intensive with expensive equipment and in need of cash. These businesses include construction companies, general contractors, dentist offices, and any other businesses that require expensive equipment to operate. For example, a construction company looking to upgrade their equipment, expand by purchasing additional equipment, or hire more employees, can refinance equipment that it already owns for additional cash.

Summary

Equipment refinancing offers business owners another way to obtain cash or lower monthly financing payments if additional working capital is needed. The lender and the owner of the asset will agree upon the terms. The terms of the refinancing can impact how the monthly payments are treated for tax purposes. When additional working capital is needed for a business, leveraging existing equipment can be a simple way to get the cash the business needs. 

All About Construction Equipment Loans

Today, the construction industry is booming. It is filled with opportunities that can lead to significant revenue. However, the journey towards big profits is usually hindered by lack of adequate cash to purchase the needed equipment to either compete in the market or cope with advancing technology.

This is where construction equipment loans come in. With these loans, you can get the desired machinery fast and easily without disturbing your cash flow or raising capital. Read on to find out if a construction equipment loan is right for your business.

Why you should apply for a construction equipment loan

Construction equipment financing is a great option to help you acquire the machinery or any other equipment your business needs. There are several advantages of construction equipment loans that make them helpful. They include:

  • They provide quick access to cash
  • The equipment purchased serves as collateral for the loan
  • They require reduced or limited paperwork
  • With on time payments, an equipment loan can help improve your credit
  • You can get a loan even with bad credit.

How construction equipment loans work

An equipment loan can be used to acquire different types of equipment but the amount of the loan you qualify for is determined by several factors including the type of equipment you are looking to purchase as well as whether it is new or used.

Similar to car loans, the equipment itself is used as collateral. This saves you from putting up additional collateral. In most cases the payments you make will be the same every month which makes it easy to plan for the expense of the new loan. 

The loan period on the other hand is determined by a couple of factors including the expected life of the equipment; a financier will not be willing to extend the loan period beyond the expected life of the equipment you purchase. 

The cost of construction equipment loans

Although you will end up paying more at the end of the loan term, you do not have to pay the entire purchase price upfront from your cash reserves. Therefore, instead of struggling to raise cash at once, you can pay every month for the term of the loan. This is much easier to handle. Also, you can have the assets on your books.

How to qualify for the loan

It is quite easy to qualify for construction equipment loans but you should go to the table well prepared, knowing what will influence your loan application. Some of the factors that determine how much you can borrow include your credit rating, financial statements, value of the equipment as well as the history of your business. Since the equipment serves as collateral for the loan you can obtain a construction equipment loan with a not so perfect credit history.

Choosing a Lender

When it comes to construction equipment loan, choosing a financing source is a critical decision to make. It is prudent to work with one who has experience in the specialty of construction equipment financing.

At Viking equipment finance, we are leaders in financing construction equipment in the USA and Canada.  We offer flexible financing solutions for a wide range of new and used machinery as well as other construction related equipment. For many years, our teams of experts have funded a wide range of customer profile needs.

When you contact us, we will guide you through various financing options and help you determine which one will suit you best. Our approval process is fast with a focus on customers that don’t fit the bank credit profile.

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McKinney, TX 75070
Phone: 972-885-8899
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