Leasing = Throwing Money Away? See How This Spanish Contractor Profited €30K by Buying Used

It's no surprise that for a lot of small-to-medium construction businesses, renting equipment seems like the most secure path. It provides flexibility, circumvents substantial up-front expenses and frees the owner from maintenance obligations. Yet is leasing really always the most intelligent financial decision? This is something that Luis, a contractor in Spain, wanted to know when preparing for a large excavation project. By instead buying a used machine — rather than renting — he saved thousands and forever changed his strategy for subsequent jobs.

Luis is the owner of a small civil construction company based in Northern Spain. Last year, he secured a contract to do the groundwork for a residential development — a long-term project that would last at least eight months. To finish the work, he required a versatile wheeled excavator that could work round the clock in different site conditions. At first, he reached out to local rental companies, hoping to rent the machine as he had in the past. But the rates were high: €3,500 per month for the model he wanted. In just over eight months, that totaled €28,000 — almost what it would have cost to purchase the same machine new. That wasn't a sustainable plan for a small business with narrow margins.

Determined to find a better solution, Luis began exploring the used equipment market. He quickly discovered a growing global network of suppliers offering well-maintained second-hand machines at far more affordable prices. That’s when he came across our company — a trusted exporter of used construction machinery with years of experience supplying contractors around the world. After a quick consultation, we helped him evaluate several options that fit both his technical needs and budget. Within days, Luis settled on a late-model wheeled excavator with solid maintenance history and less than 5,000 working hours. Including shipping and import duties, the total cost came to €25,000 — less than the total rental expense for the same timeframe.

The numbers tell a clear story. Leasing for eight months would have cost Luis €28,000 — with no return. Instead, he bought a used excavator for €25,000, completed the project, and later sold it for €27,000. Not only did he avoid rental costs, but he also earned a profit, resulting in a total financial advantage of over €30,000.

More and more small contractors are choosing to buy used equipment instead of renting. Compared to rental, used machines offer lower ownership costs, greater flexibility in scheduling, and the ability to retain asset value through resale or future use. Ownership also allows for equipment customization and branding, which rental agreements typically restrict. With the development of global supply chains, sourcing high-quality, pre-inspected used machinery has become more accessible and reliable than ever.

One concern Luis had early on was buying from a foreign supplier. However, with the right partner, international purchasing is smooth and secure. Our team guided him through every step — from selecting the machine to understanding shipping options, customs paperwork, and local registration. We provided comprehensive photos, service records, and even a live video inspection. Once the machine passed his standards, we handled the logistics, shipping the excavator directly to the port nearest his site. In less than four weeks, he had the machine working on his project — just in time for the foundation work to begin.

Luis's case shows that leasing isn't always the smartest financial choice, especially when reliable used machines are available at competitive prices. Owning equipment helps contractors lower project costs, improve cash flow, and unlock new opportunities. Our company helps buyers make smart, long-term investments by offering thoroughly inspected, well-maintained, and export-ready machines. The right used machine from a trusted supplier can turn your next project into a profitable success.