Know Your Number Before You Buy

Equipment financing (a loan) means you own the equipment from day one and build equity as you pay it down. Equipment leasing means you use the equipment for a set term and either return it, buy it out, or upgrade at the end.

Leasing typically has lower monthly payments and can offer tax advantages, while financing builds ownership faster. Northgate structures both — the right choice depends on your cash flow, tax situation, and whether you want to own the asset long-term.

Yes. Northgate finances both new and used equipment. Most lenders require used equipment to be within a reasonable age range — typically under 10 to 15 years depending on equipment type — and may require an inspection or appraisal for older or higher-value pieces.

Private sales, auction purchases, and dealer transactions are all eligible.

Northgate arranges equipment financing from $25,000 to $5,000,000 and above. The amount you qualify for depends on the equipment value, your business financials, credit profile, and time in business.

We work across a broad lender network so we can often find solutions for larger or more complex deals that a single bank would decline.

For most applications you'll need: a completed application form, 2–3 years of business financials or tax returns, a recent bank statement, and details on the equipment (make, model, year, asking price, seller).

Northgate will tell you exactly what's needed once you submit your initial application — no surprises.

Most applications receive a decision within 24 business hours. Straightforward requests under $250,000 often receive same-day approval. Northgate keeps you updated throughout the process and has direct access to decision-makers at multiple lenders — meaning no waiting in a queue.

A sale-leaseback is a transaction where you sell equipment you already own to a financing company, then lease it back immediately. You receive a lump sum of cash while continuing to use the equipment in your operation.

This is one of the fastest ways to free up working capital without taking on a traditional loan or giving up productive capacity.

Yes. If you own equipment outright or have equity built up, Northgate can arrange refinancing to pull cash out or reduce your current payment. This works like a home equity loan but for commercial equipment.

Common uses include funding a new purchase, covering a slow season, or consolidating multiple equipment payments into one.

The amount depends on the current market value of the equipment. Lenders typically advance 70–90% of fair market value on a sale-leaseback. Northgate works with multiple lenders to maximize the advance rate and get you the best possible terms.

A straightforward sale-leaseback can close in as little as 5 to 10 business days once the application and equipment details are submitted. Northgate manages the process end-to-end — coordinating the appraisal, lender approval, and documentation.

Most commercial equipment qualifies — including construction machinery, agricultural equipment, trucks and trailers, forestry equipment, and oilfield service equipment. Northgate assesses each deal individually and will let you know quickly whether your equipment qualifies.

Yes. Northgate offers pre-approval so you know your financing limit before you start shopping. Pre-approval gives you the confidence to bid at auction or negotiate with a dealer knowing your financing is already lined up.

There is no credit impact to get pre-qualified, and pre-approvals are typically valid for 60 to 90 days.

Yes. Auction financing is one of Northgate's specialties. Auction purchases move fast — payment is typically required within 24 to 48 hours of the hammer dropping. We work with Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, Purple Wave, and private auctions across Western Canada.

Private sale financing works similarly to dealer financing. You bring Northgate the details — seller name, equipment info, asking price — and we structure a transaction that pays the seller directly while you make payments on a lease or loan. We handle all documentation and title transfer coordination.

With a pre-approval already in place, dealer transactions can close in as little as 24 to 48 hours. From a fresh application, most dealer deals close within 2 to 5 business days. Northgate works directly with dealers across Western Canada and can expedite documentation to match the dealer's timeline.