Equipment Financing & Leasing in California
Get $10K–$500K for equipment or working capital. Soft estimate in about 60 seconds. No credit pull, no obligation.
Borrow $100,000, pay $2,124/mo*
Borrow $35,000, pay $743/mo*
Borrow $250,000, pay $5,311/mo*
Funding California businesses in technology, agriculture, hospitality and more. Most of our lenders fund nationwide.
Equipment leasing · Working capital · Lines of credit · Term loans · SBA · Factoring
*Payment examples are estimates for illustration only. Sample rates apply to businesses with 3–5+ years in business and strong 680+ credit, subject to approval. Startup and lower-credit rates vary and are subject to final approval. Actual amounts, rates, terms and payments depend on credit, business financials and lender requirements. Liberty Capital Group, Inc. is a commercial lender and broker, NMLS #2009539. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license, DFPI #60-DBO49692. Not affiliated with any state government.
How California Businesses Finance and Lease Equipment
Short answer: California businesses finance equipment with a $1 buyout lease or equipment loan to own it, or a fair market value lease for the lowest payment. Terms run 24 to 60 months (up to 72 on newer heavy equipment), and many approvals are application-only. Liberty Capital Group is headquartered in San Diego and has funded California businesses since 2004.
California is the largest state economy in the country, and its equipment needs run from Central Valley farms and Inland Empire distribution centers to Bay Area manufacturers, Los Angeles and Long Beach port drayage, and construction crews across every metro.
Equipment here also has to keep up with California rules. CARB emissions regulations for diesel trucks and off-road equipment push many fleets to replace older units sooner than they would elsewhere. Leasing spreads that cost over a fixed payment instead of draining cash.
Equipment We Finance in California
Construction & heavy equipment
Excavators, loaders, dozers, skid steers, cranes and paving equipment. Heavy equipment financing
Commercial trucks & trailers
Dump, box, reefer, flatbed and vocational trucks. Commercial truck financing
Warehouse & logistics
Forklifts, racking, conveyors and automation. Warehouse equipment financing
Medical & dental
Imaging, exam, lab and dental equipment for practices and clinics. Medical equipment financing
Restaurant & hospitality
Kitchens, refrigeration, kiosks and POS for multi-unit operators. Restaurant equipment financing
Manufacturing & machining
CNC machines, fabrication, packaging and robotics. CNC machine financing
Equipment Leasing vs Financing in California
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| $1 buyout lease | Fixed payments; own it for $1 at the end | Equipment you’ll keep for years |
| Fair market value (FMV) lease | Lowest payment; buy, renew or return at the end | Tech and equipment you upgrade every few years |
| Equipment loan / EFA | You own it from day one | Long-life equipment and the full Section 179 deduction |
| Sale-leaseback | Turn equipment you already own into cash | Freeing up capital for growth |
In California, sales tax on leased equipment is generally paid with each lease payment rather than up front, which helps cash flow. Tax treatment depends on your situation; confirm with your CPA. See lease vs finance for the full comparison.
Why California Businesses Lease Equipment
Conserve cash
Keep cash and bank lines for payroll, materials and growth.
Cash flow management
Low capital outlay compared with buying outright.
Low, manageable payments
Terms up to 60 months spread the cost.
Inflation buster
Lock today’s price with a fixed payment.
$1 buyout
Own the equipment for $1 at the end of most leases.
Section 179
Qualifying equipment may be deductible in year one. Ask your CPA.
What It Takes to Qualify
- Time in business: 2+ years preferred; startups can qualify with strong credit, a down payment or a co-signer
- Credit: owner personal credit plus business credit (PayNet, D&B)
- Bank statements showing the business can carry the payment
- An equipment quote or invoice from the dealer or private seller
- Terms: 24 to 60 months; up to 72 months only on newer heavy equipment
- Application-only approvals for many deals; amounts depend on credit, time in business and equipment type
$0 down is generally reserved for well-qualified businesses: 5+ years in business, established PayNet and D&B business credit, and 700+ personal credit.
California Equipment Financing by Industry
Guides and pages for California businesses by equipment type and industry:
- Commercial truck financing in California
- Bulldozer financing in California
- California business funding
- Construction equipment financing in California
- Wheel loader financing in California
- Backhoe financing in California
- Box truck financing in California
- Refrigerated truck financing in California
- Warehouse equipment financing in California
- Manufacturing equipment leasing in California
- Dental equipment financing in California
- Chiropractic equipment financing in California
- Fitness equipment leasing in California
- Landscaping equipment leasing in California
- Equipment leasing rates in California
- Bad credit equipment financing in California
Strong Revenue but Light on Equipment?
Businesses with strong revenue that don’t use equipment heavily may be better served by a business term loan or merchant cash advance for working capital.
California Equipment Financing FAQ
Are you a California equipment leasing company?
Yes. Liberty Capital Group is a California corporation headquartered in San Diego. We arrange equipment leases and loans through a panel of lenders for businesses statewide and nationwide.
Do CARB rules affect truck and equipment financing in California?
They can. Lenders look closely at whether older diesel trucks and off-road equipment are compliant. Financing a newer, compliant unit is usually easier than financing an older one that may need to be replaced soon.
Can I lease equipment in California with bad credit?
Often, yes. Lenders look at time in business, cash flow and the equipment itself, not just the credit score. Expect a larger down payment or a shorter term with credit challenges.
How long are equipment financing terms in California?
Most equipment is financed over 24 to 60 months. Newer heavy equipment can go to 72 months; used equipment is capped at 60.
Can a startup get equipment financing in California?
Yes, with strong personal credit, a down payment, industry experience or a co-signer. Startups usually see shorter terms and more paperwork.
Is it better to lease or finance equipment in California?
Finance or take a $1 buyout lease for equipment you’ll keep for years. Take a fair market value lease for equipment you’ll upgrade within a few years or when you want the lowest payment.
Do you finance used equipment and private-party sales?
Yes. Used equipment from dealers, auctions and private sellers can be financed, usually with terms up to 60 months depending on age and condition.
Ready to Finance Equipment in California?
Liberty Capital Group has helped businesses get funded since 2004 — over $250 million funded.
Get a Quote(888) 511-6223