Quick answer: Portable Generator Leasing spreads the cost of using eligible business equipment over an agreed lease term, subject to provider approval. Review the complete asset quote, upfront payments, maintenance responsibilities and the purchase or return option at the end.
From construction sites and events to farms and clinics, portable power keeps work moving—and revenue flowing. But buying a towable diesel genset (plus cabling, transfer switches, and delivery) can starve working capital right when you need it most. Leasing through private lenders aligns payments with cash inflows, bundles soft costs (install, rigging, training), and moves faster than bank boxes. As both a financing partner and, where inventory fits, a seller, Mehmi Financial Group can quote, stage vendor payouts, and finance in one timeline. Feel free to contact our credit analysts for tailored guidance.
What you can lease in a generator package
- Towable generators: 10–500 kVA diesel units, Tier 4 final, sound-attenuated enclosures
- Paralleling & distribution: Load banks, distribution panels, spider boxes, cabling, connectors
- Transfer & standby: ATS/transfer switches, quick-connect camlocks, temporary-to-permanent tie-ins
- Monitoring & safety: Telematics, fuel monitoring, spill kits, fire suppression where required
- Soft costs: Delivery, craning/rigging, commissioning, fuel tank rentals, training—often eligible to bundle in the same lease
Explore options: Financing & Leasing • Refinancing & Sale-Leaseback • Equipment Line of Credit. Estimate payments with our calculator.
Why private lenders for portable power
- Cash-flow lens: Approvals focus on bank-statement coverage and work visibility, not just last year’s net income.
- Project staging: Deposit → delivery → install → acceptance so electricians and vendors are paid on time.
- Payment shaping: Step-up during ramp or seasonal/skip for industries with busy seasons.
- Refurb flexibility: Late-model refurbished sets with documented hours and service history are financeable.
Lease structures (plain English)
| Structure | Best For | Monthly Impact | End-of-Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMV (Operating) | Fleets that refresh every 3–5 years | Lowest payment | Return, renew, or buy at fair value |
| $10 / Fixed Residual | Units you’ll keep long-term | Moderate | Title transfers for nominal/fixed amount |
| Sale-Leaseback | Unlock cash from owned sets | Immediate liquidity | Reacquire at residual |
| Progress-Funding | Multi-unit orders + site tie-ins | Interest on draws; converts at acceptance | Term starts after commissioning |
Not sure which fits? We’ll price options side-by-side with the calculator.
BDC’s equipment-financing guide emphasizes the complete financing structure when comparing offers.
“Don’t focus only on interest rates”
For the equipment decision discussed here, compare the amount financed, payment schedule, collateral and remaining obligations alongside the quoted rate.
What private underwriters actually look for (beyond the score)
- Asset quality & resale: OEM, kVA rating, hours (if used), service records, sound attenuation, trailer condition
- Work visibility: Contracts, PO pipeline, events calendar, site schedules; rental subcontracts if you re-rent
- Cash-flow coverage: 6–12 months of bank statements showing room for the new payment
- Electrical scope: Licensed installer, ATS specs, one-line diagram, commissioning plan
- Risk & security: Insurance binder naming lender as loss payee; telematics/fuel monitoring; PPSA hygiene
If receivables lag (30–60 days), layer Invoice Factoring or a revolving buffer via Equipment Line of Credit.
Typical terms & pricing levers
| Lever | Typical Range | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Term | 24–72 months (84 on larger fleets) | Longer = lower monthly |
| Down / First & Last | 0–15% or 1–2 payments | Improves approval & pricing |
| Payment Shape | Step-up / seasonal / level | Match cash-in timing |
| Structure | FMV / $10 residual / Sale-leaseback | Refresh vs. ownership |
| Soft-Cost Bundling | Install, rigging, ATS, training | Avoids mid-project cash crunch |
After 12–18 clean payments, we can revisit rate/term via Refinancing.
Broker fast-approval path: 7 steps
- Lock the BOM: kVA, trailer spec, distribution, ATS, cabling, telematics, soft costs.
- Pick structure: FMV for fleet rotation; fixed-residual for keepers; sale-leaseback if you need liquidity.
- Package the file: Application/IDs/void cheque, incorporation/ownership, last filed + YTD interims, 6–12 months bank statements.
- Prove the work: Contracts/POs, event schedules, site plan, installer quote.
- Milestone funding: Deposit → delivery → install → acceptance certificate.
- Shape payments: Step-up or seasonal to mirror billings.
- Month 12–18 review: Reprice if performance is clean.
Case study: Event contractor adds two towables (Ontario)
Situation. Event services firm needed 2 × 125 kVA towable sets with distro and cabling—$178,000 all-in. Bank stalled due to a light prior year.
Structure. 60-month FMV with progress-funding (units → ATS/cabling → commissioning) and 3-month step-up tied to festival season.
Outcome. Approved quickly; vendor paid on schedule; after 14 on-time payments we refinanced, trimming monthly ~8%.
Approval checklist (credit-analyst view)
- Application, IDs, void cheque
- Corporate docs (registration, ownership)
- 6–12 months bank statements + last filed year & YTD interims
- Vendor quotes with serials/specs, trailer details, warranty
- Installer quote, one-line/ATS spec, commissioning plan
- Insurance binder naming lender as loss payee
Short on paperwork? Send what you have—we’ll stage the rest so underwriting doesn’t stall. For a quick payment preview, try the calculator.
Authoritative references
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada — Canada Small Business Financing Program:
The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
Program eligibility, lender criteria, tax treatment, and product terms can change. Verify current official guidance and final financing documents before making a decision.
FAQs
Can I include ATS, cabling, and commissioning in the same lease?
Often yes—soft-cost bundling is common with private lenders.
Do lenders finance refurbished generators?
Often—with documented hours, service history, and warranty/inspection.
Seasonal or step-up payments available?
Yes. We align installments to your busiest months or project calendar.
Can payments drop later?
Often. After 12–18 clean payments, we can explore refinancing to reduce rate or extend term.
Can I unlock cash from owned units?
Yes—use a sale-leaseback to raise working capital while keeping sets in service: Refinancing & Sale-Leaseback.
If you want a practical comparison of FMV vs. $10 buyout—or help deciding what to bundle now vs. phase later—feel free to contact our credit analysts.
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