Everything You Need to Know About Bobcat Leases
Published: October 16, 2025
Table of Contents 
Simplifying Bobcat Leases
Leasing a machine for the first time brings up a lot of questions. Do you buy or lease? Will leasing hurt or help your budget? What do you need to look for in a dealer? In this guide, we’ll break down the ins and outs of leasing Bobcat equipment. Our goal is to help you make a well-informed decision for your business or property goals so that, ultimately, you save more money. With that in mind, here’s a quick look at what we’ll talk about:
- Frequently Asked Questions About Bobcat Leasing
- Advantages to Leasing
- Leasing for First Time Buyers
- Leasing for Experienced Operators
- What to Look for in a Leasing Dealer
Let’s get started!
Q: Is it Better to Buy or Lease Bobcat Compact Equipment?
A: Both buying and leasing are good options for compact equipment. It just depends what type of ownership you want to have over the machine. Buying means that you pay for the machine at the time of purchase, either through cash or through a financing agreement. Leasing, on the other hand, means that you use the machine for a set time with fixed monthly payments. At the end of that time, you return the machine to the dealer or choose to exercise the purchase option. In general, lease payments allow you to get into a new machine sooner, all while under warranty.
Q: I Love the Idea of Owning My Own Fleet. Why Would I Lease?
A: Owning a fleet is a great long-term goal, and leasing can be a first step towards that. It lets you use the equipment you need right away without tying up all your cash. Leasing also keeps you in newer models, which can help you avoid downtime. This is an especially important factor to consider if you’re working jobs that are tough on equipment. Here’s what Mike Manry with Eagle Lake Materials had to say about that:
“Working in sand, our machines wear a lot more than they would in regular work. We have found that it’s better for our company to change the equipment out and put new equipment in when the lease expires. Working with Bobcat of North Texas on this was really helpful. Dillon Grimm was a very nice person who knew what I wanted and got me what I needed really fast. I would recommend Bobcat of North Texas very highly for leasing.”
Advantages to Leasing
Leasing has a ton of advantages for any type of buyer. When you lease, you get to…
- Run the latest models. Get access to Bobcat loaders and excavators that have the most up-to-date features and technology.
- Budget for monthly costs. Payments stay very predictable, which can help you focus on growing your business.
- Skip the resale process. When the lease is up, you’re not stuck figuring out how to sell or swap machines.
- Lower repair risk. Choose to lease, and standard warranty coverage will protect you from surprise expenses. On top of that, you can add a Bobcat extended warranty to your lease for an extra layer of protection.
Lease vs. Purchase Comparison
| Factor | Lease | Purchase (Financing) |
| Upfront Cost | Typically lower down payment and lower monthly payments | Larger down payment and higher monthly payments |
| Ownership | You do not own the machine, you return it or buy it at lease-end | You own the machine once financing is complete |
| Equity/Asset Value | No equity buildup; lease payments don’t create an asset | Builds equity and resale/trade-in value over time |
| Maintenance & Warranty | Usually stays under warranty if lease term is shorter than warranty period | May be responsible for maintenance/repairs after warranty expires |
| Flexibility | Easier to upgrade into newer equipment every few years | Long-term commitment, but you keep the machine as long as you want |
| Taxes* | Lease payments are often fully deductible as a business expense (operating expense) | Interest on loan and depreciation may be deductible, depending on tax strategy |
| Usage Limits | Leases may have hour limits or wear-and-tear clauses | No restrictions—use as much as you need |
| End of Term | Return machine, buy it, or roll into a new lease | Own it outright with no more payments |
| Cash Flow Impact | Preserves cash with lower monthly payments and no large upfront cost | Higher monthly payments but creates a long-term asset for the business |
*Bobcat of North Texas is not a tax advisor. The information provided by Bobcat of North Texas, its employees, or its representatives is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Bobcat of North Texas does not provide tax advisory services, and any information, documents, or discussions should not be construed as such. Please consult your financial advisor or tax attorney for more information.
Why Leasing is Great for First Time Buyers
Starting out, it’s hard to know which machine you’ll lean on the most. A lease gives you room to figure that out without getting tied down along the way. You get all the things we mentioned above, but you also get the option to change course when the term is up. And you’ll build a track record with your dealer, which can make future financing or ownership even easier. To put it another way, leasing keeps the door open for future investment into your business or property.
Why Leasing is Great for Experienced Operators
If you already know your way around a Bobcat loader or excavator, leasing can help you scale faster. Add a new crew or take on bigger jobs, and you’ll eventually need more equipment. That can eat up a lot of money if you buy outright (even if you’re going with a financing option). A lease gives you the machines you need at a lower upfront cost, which makes it easier to use your budget for fast growth.
It also gives you flexibility to match equipment to your present type of work, adjusting as your business requirements change. For example, you can lease a T66 to get your foot in the door for large jobs. If you find that the T66 works well for your crew, you can purchase the machine at the end of the lease. Or you can switch to a T76 lease and take on even larger jobs. That flexibility makes a big difference for contractors who want to quickly grow their revenue.
What to Look for in a Leasing Dealer
If you’re new to leasing with a dealer, these are the basics you should look for:
- Local support. Make sure the dealer is close enough to help you on the job.
- Clear terms. The lease should be simple to understand and well explained.
- Industry knowledge. A dealer familiar with your job sites can point you toward the right setup for local conditions.
- Trustworthy people. Look for a team that listens, answers questions, and treats you like a partner.
If you’re ready to get started with a Bobcat lease, watch for these four things. They will help you choose the kind of dealer that makes it easy to lease.
Get Started with Leasing Today
If it’s your first time, the process of leasing a Bobcat loader or excavator should not be confusing. Our team makes sure that you receive clear, relevant information about our leasing options. At the end of the day, we’re here to help you and your team get in the cab of a great machine, start the engine, and take on bigger jobs. If you’re ready to start a conversation about leasing, contact your Bobcat of North Texas sales rep today.
