By: Dan Krajewski, Executive Vice President, MAZO Capital Solutions
After two years of navigating inflation, interest rate hikes, and unpredictable demand cycles, the equipment finance industry is heading into 2026 with a rare mix of resilience and opportunity.
Dealers and equipment buyers alike are recalibrating and looking for smarter ways to fund purchases, optimize cash flow, and protect profitability. While the headline news focuses on macroeconomic uncertainty, the real story in the equipment finance sector is one of adaptability. Financing has become more strategic, more relationship-driven, and more central to competitive growth than ever before.
And for dealers, Q4 2025 is a critical window: a time to leverage Section 179 incentives, align with flexible lenders, and set the stage for a stronger 2026.
Financing has become more strategic, more relationship-driven, and more central to competitive growth than ever before.
According to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), industry confidence remains steady heading into the final quarter of 2025. Businesses are continuing to invest in essential capital equipment, even as credit standards tighten and deal cycles lengthen.
For many dealers, this means financing has shifted from a back-office function to a frontline sales advantage. The dealers that thrive in this environment are the ones integrating financing early in the conversation—helping customers see not just how to buy, but how to buy smarter.
At MAZO, we see that shift every day. Our dealer partners are telling us that customers aren’t pulling back. Instead, they’re just becoming more intentional. They want clear payment options, predictable approval timelines, and partners who understand their business realities.
Rates appear to have plateaued, and modest declines are expected as we move through 2026. But while many businesses are waiting for a larger drop, there’s an argument for acting now.
Locking in a fixed-rate deal this quarter, especially when combined with Section 179 tax benefits, can offer meaningful savings and predictable cash flow for the year ahead.
For dealers, the opportunity is to reframe financing as protection against volatility, not simply as a cost of borrowing.
Traditional banks are still cautious, leaving a gap for independent and relationship-based lenders. These lenders, like MAZO Capital Solutions, are finding creative ways to say “yes” when others hesitate: by understanding equipment values, seasonal revenue patterns, and the nuances of each deal.
In 2026, expect to see continued growth in dealer finance programs: financing programs designed specifically around a dealer’s equipment portfolio, sales cadence, and customer base.
Dealers who embrace these tailored programs will be better positioned to close deals faster and retain customers longer.
The digital transformation of equipment finance is well underway. Instant payment calculators, automated underwriting, and online portals are reshaping the buyer experience.
Financing no longer has to be a bottleneck. Tools like MAZO’s Section 179 Calculator are helping customers make confident, tax-smart decisions in minutes—while integrated finance workflows are shortening sales cycles for dealers.
The future belongs to dealers who combine speed with service: fast decisions backed by deep understanding.
In short: 2026 won’t be a boom year, but it will be a strategic one, favoring those who prepare early and move decisively.
Make financing part of the first conversation, not the last.
When a buyer knows early that competitive financing is available, they’re more likely to move forward – even if rates are still elevated. Pre-qualification and monthly payment examples are powerful tools for closing late-year deals.
Section 179 remains one of the most valuable tools for small and mid-sized businesses looking to lower their tax liability. The deduction allows qualifying equipment purchases to be expensed immediately, up to the IRS limit, rather than being depreciated over time.
Buyers who act before December 31 can pair this deduction with financing to preserve cash flow and reduce the total cost of ownership.
Dealers who highlight this opportunity, especially when paired with a quick Section 179 estimate, can help customers make confident, year-end investment decisions.
(If you’re helping buyers calculate potential savings, link them directly to MAZO’s Section 179 Calculator.)
When financing is integrated into the sales process, approvals are faster, documentation is cleaner, and the buyer’s experience improves dramatically.
MAZO works with dealers to streamline the entire workflow: from quote to funding, so deals move at the speed of the sale.
As credit conditions remain selective, that partnership matters more than ever.
The year ahead will likely bring rate normalization rather than dramatic drops, but even moderate easing can unlock pent-up demand.
We also expect growth in sectors tied to infrastructure, logistics, and construction: areas where fleets and equipment inventories must be refreshed regularly.
Sustainability incentives are another bright spot. Dealers offering financing for electric or alternative-fuel equipment may see increased interest as businesses look to meet ESG goals.
The equipment finance landscape is resilient, but success in 2026 starts with smart positioning today.
Dealers who lead with financing, educate customers about Section 179, and partner with lenders who understand their business will not only close more year-end deals, but they’ll enter 2026 with real momentum.
At MAZO Capital Solutions, we believe financing should do more than fund purchases. It should fuel growth—for dealers, for buyers, and for the industries driving our economy forward.
About the Author
Daniel J. Krajewski is a seasoned leader in the equipment finance industry, recently appointed as Executive Vice President at MAZO Capital Solutions, bringing over 40 years of experience steering business growth, capital markets strategy, and industry partnerships.
→ Try the Section 179 Calculator to see your potential savings before year-end.
