2025 Construction Equipment Trends in Canada

Discover 2025’s most in-demand construction equipment in Canada and how builders are financing gear during the infrastructure boom.
2025 Construction Equipment Trends in Canada
Écrit par
Alec Whitten
Publié le
July 13, 2025

2025: A Defining Year for Canadian Construction Growth

From new transit lines in Ontario to housing expansion in British Columbia and roadwork in Alberta, Canada is experiencing an infrastructure supercycle. Fueled by federal and provincial investments in roads, bridges, housing, and public works, contractors across the country are scaling up—and equipment is at the centre of it all.

But supply chain delays, rising costs, and tight project timelines are forcing builders to rethink how they acquire and manage equipment. In 2025, leasing and financing high-demand construction machinery isn’t just a budgeting tactic—it’s a strategic edge.

This guide explores the hottest construction equipment categories this year, how builders are sourcing gear amid tight inventories, and what financing strategies they’re using to stay ahead.

The Most In-Demand Construction Equipment of 2025

Canada’s infrastructure surge is driving demand across a wide range of equipment. Here are the standout categories leading the pack:

1. Excavators (Mini & Full-Sized)

Used in everything from trenching and grading to demolition and utility installation, excavators remain the backbone of job sites. Lead times for new machines still stretch 3–6 months, increasing demand in the used market.

Trend: Mini excavators under 10 tonnes are especially popular for urban and residential work in Ontario and Quebec.

2. Cranes (Tower, Mobile, Crawler)

With mid-rise and high-rise construction on the rise—especially in Vancouver and Toronto—cranes are being deployed in both dense urban cores and remote industrial projects.

Trend: More firms are turning to short-term leases for tower cranes due to high capital costs and tight project timelines.

3. Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders (CTLs)

Known for their versatility, skid steers and CTLs are being snapped up by general contractors and landscapers alike.

Trend: Attachments are being bundled into financing packages—e.g. trenchers, augers, and brush cutters—to increase utilization rates.

4. Aerial Work Platforms (Boom & Scissor Lifts)

From HVAC installs to bridge retrofits, aerial platforms are a go-to for safety and efficiency.

Trend: Short-term rentals are still common, but many companies are moving toward operating leases to control cost and guarantee access during peak seasons.

5. Concrete & Paving Equipment

Highways, sidewalks, and foundations are pushing demand for mixers, pavers, and compactors.

Trend: Contractors are financing trailers and compaction gear together as bundled asset groups—often used and dealer-refurbished.

What’s Driving the Construction Equipment Crunch?

1. Backlogged Orders from 2022–2023

Pandemic-era disruptions continue to ripple through supply chains, causing delivery delays for major OEMs like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Bobcat.

2. Labour Shortages Fueling Machine Demand

With skilled labour in short supply, contractors are relying more heavily on equipment to maintain productivity—especially for earthworks, demolition, and lifting tasks.

3. Government Infrastructure Spending

Projects tied to the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Ontario Line, and provincial roadworks are creating consistent demand across civil and commercial segments.

4. Urban Intensification & Infill Projects

Smaller-footprint machines are being prioritized for city-based builds, making compact track loaders, mini excavators, and mobile cranes the most leased equipment types in 2025.

Financing vs Leasing: How Builders Are Making It Work

Purchasing isn’t always practical—especially when cash flow must be reserved for labour, materials, and contingencies. In 2025, the most common approaches to construction equipment acquisition include:

1. Operating Leases

Ideal for short-term projects or fast-depreciating gear. You rent the equipment for 12–36 months and return it or upgrade at the end.

  • No ownership obligation
  • Lower monthly payments
  • Off-balance sheet accounting for some businesses

2. Capital Leases (Lease-to-Own)

Structured more like a loan, these leases allow the business to own the asset at the end of term for a nominal amount.

  • Builds equity over time
  • Better for long-term, high-utilization equipment
  • Can include bundled maintenance

3. Traditional Loans

Best for contractors who want to own the asset immediately and write off depreciation through tax allowances.

  • Requires stronger credit or a down payment
  • Fixed interest over multi-year terms
  • Used often for high-ticket assets like cranes or excavators

4. Private Sale Financing

With many contractors now buying used gear from other builders, private-sale financing is gaining popularity. These arrangements allow purchases outside of dealership channels.

Example: A small Calgary builder finances a used 2018 compact excavator purchased from another local contractor, bundling delivery and servicing into the loan.

Used Equipment: 2025 Demand Insights

The used equipment market continues to surge in popularity:

  • Prices are up 10–20% from 2023 levels
  • Good-condition skid steers and CTLs often sell within days
  • More contractors are seeking private sales due to dealership waitlists
  • Financing options for used gear are becoming more flexible, even for machines 7–10 years old

Pro tip: Financing used equipment requires equipment specs, hours, condition reports, and serial numbers. Always conduct lien checks when buying privately.

How Builders Are Reducing Equipment Costs in 2025

Even with strong project pipelines, contractors are looking for smart ways to reduce their equipment-related expenses:

1. Bundle Equipment with Attachments or Trailers

Financing everything together often lowers rates and simplifies administration.

2. Set Up Seasonal or Deferred Payments

Especially useful for contractors in seasonal or municipal work, these schedules align payments with revenue flow.

3. Refinance Paid-Off Equipment

Sale-leasebacks or equipment refinancing can unlock capital for new gear, payroll, or mobilization costs.

4. Use Short-Term Leases for Unpredictable Projects

Better than long-term ownership when job sites are short-duration or funding is uncertain.

5. Buy Dealer-Refurbished or Off-Lease Units

These often come with light warranties and can be financed similarly to new equipment.

Final Takeaway: Equipment Access Is a Strategic Advantage

With Canada’s infrastructure expansion moving full steam ahead, construction companies are under pressure to mobilize quickly, bid competitively, and maintain job site efficiency. The ability to acquire high-demand equipment fast—without locking up capital—is becoming a competitive differentiator.

By understanding current trends, acting quickly on used inventory, and structuring smart financing terms, builders can stay equipped, compliant, and scalable—no matter how fast the industry evolves.

FAQs: Construction Equipment in 2025

What construction equipment is in highest demand right now?

Mini excavators, skid steers, tower cranes, and aerial lifts are among the top-trending machines due to urban builds and infrastructure projects.

Can used construction equipment be financed?

Yes. Most lenders now finance used equipment—especially if it’s under 10 years old and in good working condition.

Are seasonal or project-based payment plans available?

Yes. Seasonal, deferred, and milestone-based payments are becoming more common in 2025 to align with contractor cash flow.

Should I lease or buy construction equipment?

It depends on your project length, budget, and asset utilization. Leases are ideal for short-term or high-maintenance equipment. Loans make more sense when long-term ownership is your goal.

How are builders dealing with equipment shortages?

They’re turning to used markets, financing private-sale deals, and locking in leases early—often with bundling for trailers and attachments.

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