If you’re ready to acquire a bucket truck for your business, there’s one key question left: Should you lease or finance it? Both options get you the equipment you need, but they work very differently—and the long-term costs, ownership benefits, and tax implications can vary significantly.
In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of bucket truck leasing vs financing, so you can make the right call for your business. If you’ve got a 650+ credit score and 2+ years in business, you’re already in a strong position to qualify for financing.
Let’s compare.
Before weighing pros and cons, it’s important to understand what each option actually means.
Leasing is similar to renting. You make monthly payments to use the truck, but you don’t own it. At the end of the lease term, you typically return the truck unless you negotiate a buyout.
Think of it like a long-term rental agreement
Often includes mileage or usage restrictions
No ownership unless you choose to buy at the end
Financing is a loan. You make monthly payments toward ownership, and once the loan is paid off, the truck is yours.
Full ownership at the end of the term
Build equity over time
No restrictions on usage or customizations
That’s the basic difference between bucket truck leasing vs financing—now let’s look at the tradeoffs.
Pros of Leasing:
Lower upfront cost – Typically requires less money down
Shorter terms – Lease terms are often 24–48 months
May include maintenance – Some leases bundle in service
Cons of Leasing:
No equity – You’re not building ownership
Mileage and usage limits – Especially for over-the-road or high-hour use
End-of-lease costs – Fees for wear and tear, or buying out the truck
Must return the truck – Unless you pay extra to purchase
Leasing is designed for short-term flexibility—but it often costs more in the long run with no asset to show for it.
Pros of Financing:
You own the truck – It becomes a business asset
Build resale value – Sell or trade in later to recover costs
Freedom to modify – Add racks, toolboxes, decals, etc.
No mileage or use limits – Use it however your business demands
Section 179 tax benefits – Write off up to 100% of the cost in year one (check with your CPA)
Cons of Financing:
Higher upfront cost – Down payment typically 10–20%
Longer commitment – Terms usually run 36–72 months
Responsible for repairs – Unless you purchase a warranty
For most established businesses, the advantages of ownership far outweigh the short-term flexibility of leasing.
Leasing isn’t inherently bad—it just works better for specific use cases. You might consider leasing if:
You’re taking on a short-term project that won’t last longer than the lease
You’re a startup with no business credit and want to preserve cash
You need temporary fleet expansion for a large seasonal contract
You want to test a new equipment type before committing long term
Even in those scenarios, leasing should be carefully reviewed. Most of our clients find that financing offers far better ROI over time.
Here’s the bottom line on bucket truck leasing vs financing: Financing is the smarter move for most serious business owners.
Why?
You own the asset – Trucks hold resale value, and financing helps you build equity
No restrictions – Use the truck as your business requires
Tax write-offs – Financing typically qualifies for Section 179 deductions
Long-term savings – Financing may have higher upfront costs, but it’s far more cost-effective over time
Plus, with today’s financing options from TruckLenders USA, there’s no need to settle for leasing—especially if you meet basic qualifications.
We’re not a bank—and that’s a good thing.
TruckLenders USA has been financing commercial trucks and vocational equipment for over 30 years. We specialize in bucket trucks, boom lifts, service bodies, and more. Our process is designed for speed, simplicity, and high approval rates.
Here’s why businesses choose us:
Commercial-only lender – No personal-use confusion or delays
Fast approvals – Most decisions within 24 hours
No tax returns or financials required – Just basic docs
Flexible terms – 36–72 month options, low down payments
We know bucket trucks – We understand GVWR, upfitting, boom types, and more
If you’ve got 650+ credit and 2+ years in business, you can get approved fast—and own your next bucket truck without the leasing limitations.
If you’re ready to skip the limitations of leasing and get fast, flexible financing for your next bucket truck, we’ll help you move forward.
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