Used Heavy Equipment Financing — Dealer, Auction, or Private Party

Used heavy equipment financing for contractors. Finance machines from dealers, auctions, or private sellers on Marketplace and Craigslist. 650+ credit. Apply now.

Some of the best equipment deals never sit on a dealer lot. They show up on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, at an auction, or when another contractor sells a machine they no longer need. The problem is that many lenders and manufacturer finance programs only want new equipment from an authorized dealer. MarCom Capital helps contractors finance used heavy equipment from dealers, auctions, and private sellers, so you can buy the right machine at the right price, wherever you find it.

Why Smart Contractors Buy Used

Used equipment is one of the best ways to grow a fleet without overextending your business:

• Used machines typically cost 30% to 50% less than new
• The biggest depreciation hit has already happened
• Well-maintained yellow iron can work for many years
• Lower purchase prices mean lower monthly payments
• You can often afford a larger or better-equipped machine

Contractors are moving this direction. According to EquipmentWatch's 2025 State of the Construction Equipment Economy report, 32% of contractors plan to buy used equipment in the coming year, up from 27% the year before.

Used Equipment We Finance

• Mini, compact, and full-size excavators
• Skid steers and compact track loaders
• Backhoe loaders and wheel loaders
• Small and mid-size dozers
• Dump trucks
• Rollers, compactors, and pavers
• Concrete pumps and finishing equipment
• Trenchers, telehandlers, and equipment trailers
• Attachments bought with the machine

Three Ways to Buy Used Equipment

Dealer Used Equipment

Buying used from a dealer is the most straightforward option. The dealer handles the paperwork, the machine has usually been inspected, and the lender pays the dealer directly. Dealer used machines may cost a bit more, but the process is simple.

Auction Equipment

Auctions can offer strong prices, especially on fleet machines sold in volume. The key is timing: auctions usually require payment within a short window after the sale. If you plan to buy at auction, apply before the auction so you know your approved amount and can bid with confidence. Bring us the lot details as soon as you win.

Private-Party Equipment

A private-party sale is when you buy directly from another person or business, such as a machine listed on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or one a fellow contractor is selling. Private-party deals can offer the best prices, but they are also where many lenders say no. We work with lenders that finance private-party equipment purchases.

How Private-Party Equipment Financing Works

Private-party financing protects both you and the lender. Here is how it typically works:

• You agree on a price with the seller and send us the machine details: year, make, model, serial number, hours, photos, and the seller's information
• The lender verifies the equipment and may request photos, a short video of the machine running, or a third-party inspection
• The lender runs a lien search to make sure the seller actually owns the machine free and clear, or confirms the payoff amount if they still owe on it
• At funding, the lender pays the seller directly and pays off any existing lien as part of the purchase
• For equipment without a title, the paperwork is a bill of sale plus the lender's UCC filing. For titled trucks, the lender is added to the title

This process protects you from buying a machine that someone else still owes money on, which is one of the biggest risks in private equipment sales.

What Lenders Look At on Used Equipment

Because the machine secures the financing, lenders care about its condition and value:

• Hours: lower hours generally mean better terms
• Age: newer machines usually qualify for longer terms
• Undercarriage or tire condition
• Hydraulics, engine, and transmission condition
• Maintenance and service records
• Fair price relative to the market

Older or high-hour machines can still be financed, but they may require a larger down payment or a shorter term.

Tips for Buying Used Equipment

• Get pre-approved before you shop, so you know your budget and can move fast on a good deal
• Ask for maintenance records and the serial number before you commit
• Watch the machine start cold and run through all functions
• Check the undercarriage, tracks, tires, pins, and bushings for wear
• Look for hydraulic leaks and listen for unusual engine or pump noise
• In California, confirm CARB emissions compliance on any diesel truck before buying
• Never send a private seller money directly before the lender confirms the machine is free of liens

How Used Equipment Financing Works

What You Need to Qualify

• Personal credit score of 650 or higher
• An established business (newer businesses, ask us about options)
• Revenue that comfortably supports the monthly payment
• Machine details, photos, and seller information
• Recent business bank statements for larger amounts

See the full breakdown in our heavy equipment financing requirements guide.

Used Equipment and Section 179

Used equipment can qualify for the Section 179 deduction, as long as it is new to your business. For 2026, the deduction limit is $2,560,000, and equipment must be placed in service by December 31, 2026, to count this tax year. Ask your tax professional how it applies to you, and see our Section 179 guide.

Used Equipment Financing FAQ

Found a Machine? Let's Finance It.

Dealer, auction, or private party. Apply in about five minutes and see what you qualify for.