Heavy Machinery & Construction Equipment Calculator
Before you buy that new excavator or crane, use our 2026 tax calculator to compare the true after-tax cost of heavy machinery leasing vs. financing.
2026 Equipment Finance: Lease vs. Buy
Calculate your true after-tax cost utilizing the 2026 Section 179 deduction limit of $2.56M.
Equipment Details
Buy Option (Loan)
Lease Option
Year 1 Section 179 Savings
If you buy the equipment, you can deduct up to $2,560,000 immediately in 2026. This translates to an immediate tax savings of:
Total True Cost to Own
After tax deductions
Monthly Loan Payment:$3,077
Total True Cost to Lease
After operating expense deductions
Monthly Lease Payment:$3,100
Cumulative Cash Flow Comparison
Lower cumulative cost is better. Buying often has a lower initial cost due to the massive Year 1 Section 179 deduction.
Based on your results — what to do next:
Maximize your Section 179 deduction
Buying beats leasing in Year 1 thanks to Section 179. Calculate the exact 2026 write-off for your equipment or vehicle.
Finance the purchase with an SBA loan
SBA 7(a) loans offer favorable terms for equipment purchases. Model the monthly payment vs. your lease cost.
Stack with S-Corp to compound the tax savings
Section 179 + S-Corp distributions is a powerful combo for business owners. See your total tax reduction.
Financing Construction Machinery: The 2026 Guide
Industry Insight: Construction Machinery
Heavy machinery retains its value incredibly well compared to other assets. Because of this, financing "yellow iron" and taking the Section 179 bonus depreciation is extremely popular in the construction industry. However, if you only need a specialized piece of equipment for a 2-year project, an operating lease will keep your balance sheet clean.
The 2026 Section 179 Advantage
If your business is profitable, 2026 is a massive year for equipment financing. The Section 179 deduction limit is set at $2,560,000 with 100% bonus depreciation reinstated. This means if you buy or finance qualifying equipment, you can deduct the entire purchase price from your gross income in the very first year.
Benefits of Buying vs Leasing
Buying allows you to take massive upfront tax write-offs while building equity in an asset. However, it usually requires a down payment and puts the burden of maintenance on your company.
Leasing provides 100% tax-deductible monthly payments, preserves working capital with low or zero money down, and allows for easy upgrades at the end of the term. Use the calculator above to see which option provides the lowest True Cost over time.