Buy vs. Lease: What’s the Smartest Move for Contractors in 2025?
- Amee Curtis
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Buy vs. Lease: What’s the Smartest Move for Contractors in 2025?
Breaking down the real cost of equipment ownership.
Contractors everywhere face the same question at some point:Should I buy my equipment or just lease it?
With new technology hitting the market every year and major tax advantages like Section 179 available, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most strategic years ever to make that decision wisely.
So let’s break down the pros, cons, and real-world scenarios to help you decide what’s best for your business.
Option 1: Buying Your Equipment
When you buy, you own the machine outright — it’s yours to use, maintain, and sell later.
Pros:
Tax Advantages: You may qualify for a full deduction under Section 179, allowing you to write off the total cost of qualifying equipment like the Husqvarna PG540 Grinder, Onyx Auto Scrubber, or Vantage Dual Head 20” Grinder.
Long-Term ROI: Once it’s paid off, it’s all profit.
Full Control: You’re not limited by lease agreements, hours of use, or return timelines.
Cons:
Higher Upfront Cost: You’ll need capital or financing.
Maintenance Costs: You’re responsible for upkeep, though PNW ECS carries replacement parts and offers expert guidance to help protect your investment.
Depreciation: Equipment loses value over time, but Section 179 helps offset this.
Best For:Established contractors who want to build equity in their equipment and reduce taxable income in 2025.
Option 2: Leasing Equipment
Leasing is like renting with perks — lower upfront cost and flexibility, but no ownership at the end (unless you buy out the lease).
Pros:
Lower Initial Cost: Easier on cash flow — perfect for smaller crews or startups.
Access to New Tech: Trade up or swap machines more often as models update.
Possible Write-Offs: Lease payments may be deductible as an expense, depending on your accountant’s advice.
Cons:
No Equity: When the lease ends, you don’t own anything.
Long-Term Expense: Can end up costing more if you renew or extend multiple times.
Usage Limits: Some leases restrict hours or conditions of use.
Best For:Contractors scaling fast or working on short-term projects where flexibility matters more than ownership.
What’s the Smartest Move in 2025?
If you’re planning to keep your machines for 3+ years, buying is almost always the smarter long-term move — especially when you factor in the Section 179 tax deduction.
Here’s what we’re seeing most often from successful contractors this year:
JR’s Take
“If you’re building your business for the long haul, own your key equipment. It builds value, saves taxes, and gives you independence. Leasing makes sense for testing new tools or when you’re not sure about volume — but owning what makes you money? That’s just smart business.”— JR, PNW ECS
The Bottom Line
Whether you Buy vs Lease, 2025 is the perfect year to act before the Section 179 deadline hits.If you’re planning upgrades — like new grinders, vacuums, or scrubbers — talk to the PNW ECS team about options tailored to your workload, cash flow, and tax strategy.
🧾 Make your 2025 purchases work for you — not against you.Visit pnwecs.com or stop by our Sandy, OR or Fife, WA showrooms to explore financing, demos, and year-end deals.