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About

Financing "Yellow Iron" (excavators, dozers, cranes) requires flexibility that standard auto loans cannot offer. Revenue in construction and agriculture is often seasonal, necessitating payment structures that align with cash flow. This calculator allows contractors to model payments with seasonal skips (e.g., paying only interest or $0 during winter months).

It also compares the two primary lease structures: Fair Market Value (FMV), which offers lower monthly payments but no ownership equity, and $1 Buyout (Capital Lease), where the lessee owns the equipment effectively from day one. Credit tier adjustments reflect the reality of risk-based pricing in the heavy equipment sector.

construction-finance equipment-leasing yellow-iron excavator-finance seasonal-payments

Formulas

Standard amortization is calculated using the annuity formula, adjusted for residual value.

Pmt = PV FV1+in1 1+i-ni

Where PV is the loan amount, FV is the residual value, i is the monthly interest rate, and n is the total months. Seasonal payments are calculated by solving for a weighted annuity factor.

Reference Data

Credit TierEst. Rate RangeDown Pmt Req.Approval Odds
A-Tier (720+)4.5% - 6.5%0% - 10%Instant
B-Tier (660-719)6.5% - 9.0%10% - 20%High
C-Tier (600-659)9.0% - 14.0%20% - 30%Moderate
D-Tier (<600)15% +30% +Low/Collateral Req.

Frequently Asked Questions

A $1 Buyout Lease (or Capital Lease) is similar to a loan. You make monthly payments for the term, and at the end, you buy the equipment for exactly $1. You own the equipment for tax purposes (depreciation) and the asset appears on your balance sheet.
An FMV (Fair Market Value) Lease gives you the option to return the equipment at the end of the term, renew the lease, or buy it at its current market value. This typically results in lower monthly payments since you are only paying for the usage/depreciation, not the full cost.
Seasonal payments allow you to skip or pay reduced amounts during slow months (e.g., winter for road builders). The missed principal is amortized over the remaining revenue-generating months, resulting in higher payments during the busy season but protecting cash flow when it's tight.