Equipment Trends
“ Larger companies typically go through specialized lenders who understand crane values, while smaller owner-operators may still use a local bank,” he said.“ We are also seeing an increase in requests for rentals with purchase option( RPO), which we have greatly increased our ability to offer.”
MacKenzie says Select Crane is also seeing more interest in RPOs for larger all terrains.
“ Some customers want to prove the work volume before they fully commit to buying, especially on big units,” he said.“ For example, we currently have RPO available on a 2021 Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 and a 2018 Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1. It lets a buyer put the crane to work, apply a portion of the rent toward purchase and make a more confident long-term decision.”
Equify’ s Hoiby noted that his company is seeing buyers prioritize flexibility and get more value from lenders.
“ We specifically see a growing demand
Select Crane Sales says it it seeing more customers look for rental-purchase options( RPOs) on larger all-terrain cranes like this 2018 vintage 450-U. S.-ton, seven-axle, Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1.
for lenders who understand real operating conditions. With banks tightening credit, more operators are turning to independent lenders who can move faster and take realworld factors into account,” he said.
Hoiby added that traditional loans, leases and refinancing are all available.
“ Right now, flexible structures are most popular because they align with job cycles, not rigid bank models. Flexibility is winning deals,” he said.
Tips for Buyers and Sellers
Our experts offered valuable advice to anyone looking to buy or sell a crane.
“ If you own the equipment take care of it,” said Swan.“ You will eventually sell it, and any lack of maintenance will reduce the selling price. Also, if you maintain it properly, you’ ll have fewer issues, breakdowns and downtime.”
He added that buyers should go see a crane they want to buy and speak with the operators and mechanics who have worked on it daily.
“ Of course, buy from a reputable company so you can be sure the crane has been thoroughly inspected and doesn’ t just look nice,” Swan said.
MacKenzie’ s tip for buyers is to evaluate their real work mix, not just chase the biggest capacity they can finance.
“ Look at the last year or two of jobs and be honest about what you’ re doing most,” he said.“ Look at typical loads, boom lengths you really use, how far you travel, how often you work in plants, versus on bridges, versus on commercial sites. The right crane is the one that is easy to move and can stay busy on the kinds of work you already have and the jobs you know are coming.”
Equify’ s Hoiby suggests that buyers have a clear revenue plan for the machine, understand its resale value and choose a lender who knows crane markets.
“ The financing should support uptime and cash flow, not create strain,” he said.“ Work with a lender who understands cranes, not just numbers on paper. The right partner helps you structure smarter deals, manage risk and keep projects moving when the market gets tight.”
Exact Crane, Select Crane, and Equify all report that higher capacity rough-terrain cranes, for example this 160-U. S-ton Tadano GR 1600-3 in Exact Crane’ s yard, are in high demand.
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January 2026 • www. cranehotline. com