Big Savings on JLG® Equipment Purchases Under New Tax Laws

The access industry is powered by machines that put people and materials where they’re needed most — and today’s enhanced tax laws make investing in that equipment smarter than ever. With provisions like 100% bonus depreciation, expanded Section 179 limits and enhanced interest deductions, contractors can lower ownership costs, strengthen cash flow and position themselves more competitively. 

Immediate Savings on Access Equipment

JLG^® mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), like boom lifts, scissor lifts and stock pickers, and JLG and SkyTrak^® telehandlers all qualify for immediate tax deductions. For example, a $150,000 telehandler package can yield up to $55,500 in first-year savings, while fleets of lifts or support trucks generate significant deductions that improve project economics immediately.

Smarter Fleet Planning

Coordinating Section 179 expenses with bonus depreciation allows companies to modernize fleets faster and more affordably. For example, a contractor replacing outdated machines invests $3.2 million in new equipment but realizes up to $1.18 million in immediate tax benefits, which cuts the net investment by more than a third.

Financing + Tax Benefits = Maximum Impact

When paired with financing, these provisions stretch dollars even further. Immediate depreciation can reduce effective monthly payments, preserve cash and expand borrowing capacity — helping rental businesses and contractors invest in more MEWPs or telehandlers while keeping capital available for operations.

Seasonal and Project Timing

Purchasing equipment during slower months or aligning acquisitions with new project awards can optimize both cash flow and tax outcomes. For example, an $800,000 package of MEWPs and telehandlers could deliver up to $300,000 in immediate tax savings during the off-season — funds that may support business continuity.

Competitive Advantages in the Access Market

Lower effective equipment costs make it easier to bid more aggressively while maintaining margins. Savings also create room to add specialized or technology-enabled MEWPs and telehandlers — like advanced IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities or newer features — boosting productivity and opening doors to premium projects.

Real-World Success

Here’s an example of how these savings could work: A mid-size contracting company uses these strategies to refresh its equipment fleet. By combining Section 179, bonus depreciation, and financing, the company could capture up to $1.48 million in first-year tax savings, reduce its overall equipment costs by up to 25% and have the opportunity to consider expanding into new project segments with a modernized fleet.

Next Steps for Contractors and Rental Companies

To capture these benefits, access equipment fleet owners should:

• Map out a 2-year replacement or expansion plan for MEWPs and telehandlers
• Calculate potential tax savings across fleet categories
• Align purchase timing with Section 179 and bonus depreciation thresholds
• Pair acquisitions with financing to maximize flexibility
• Schedule deliveries around project timelines for maximum efficiency

Today’s tax law creates unprecedented opportunities to invest in new equipment, including MEWPs and telehandlers, improve financial performance and gain a long-term competitive edge. Additional details are available in the article “Construction Equipment Tax Strategy: Heavy Machinery, Heavy Savings” to help you learn more.

Financing from Industry Experts

Whether you are a small or large rental company looking to expand your fleet, or a contractor looking to get the right equipment to finish the job, JLG offers financing options tailored to your business needs. Let JLG Financial^® help you finance your next MEWP and telehandler purchase while maximizing tax savings. Get in touch today at JLG.com/en/equipment/financing.