MEC Aerial Work Platform Financing

MEC Aerial Work Platforms has carved out a specific place in the North American market by building machines that compete on value without cutting corners on the specs that matter in a rental fleet. The 2659ERT rough terrain scissor and the Titan Boom series are the units most operators encounter, and when the price point is right and the utilization math pencils out, MEC is a legitimate addition to a fleet that's already running Genie or JLG machines alongside it.

MEC, which stands for Manitou Equipment Choices, is a Canadian manufacturer headquartered in Elmira, Ontario. They produce electric slab scissors, diesel rough terrain scissors, and a line of articulating boom lifts. The company was founded in 2003 and has grown distribution across North America, with dealer networks in major U.S. markets supporting parts and service. Their platform pricing positions MEC below the two dominant brands on comparable specs, which is a meaningful advantage for operators focused on fleet economics rather than brand prestige.

We finance MEC aerial work platforms starting at $50,000. Application-only approval covers deals up to around $400,000, which accommodates most MEC fleet additions of four to six units. Three months of bank statements plus the credit application gets the deal moving. Funding runs about two weeks from approval in most cases.

The MEC 2659ERT rough terrain scissor is the unit that put MEC on the map with North American rental operators. It's a 26-foot working height diesel scissor with a heavy platform capacity rating and terrain capability that covers outdoor construction and infrastructure work. The 2659ERT competes directly with the Genie GS-3390 RT and the JLG RT series on specs, and it usually comes in at a lower acquisition price, which matters when you're comparing fleet economics across brands.

For boom lift coverage, MEC's Titan Boom line includes the MEC Titan Boom 40-S, a 40-foot telescopic unit designed for straightforward outdoor elevated work, and the MEC 65-J articulating boom at 65 feet of working height. The 65-J's articulation geometry is designed for façade and commercial exterior access, competing with the Genie Z-60 and JLG 600AJ in that 60- to 65-foot articulating category.

MEC also produces electric slab scissors in the 19- to 32-foot range. These are less widely distributed than their RT scissor but are popular in regional markets where MEC's dealer network is strong. If the model you're looking at is a current-production MEC unit, we fund it. Older or discontinued models may qualify on a case-by-case basis depending on age, hours, and condition.

The primary MEC buyer financing through us is the mid-size rental company that has established relationships with the major OEMs but is looking to diversify the fleet with units that have lower acquisition costs and comparable specs. Adding MEC rough terrain scissors to a fleet that already runs JLG or Genie booms is a common pattern, and we see it from rental operators in construction-heavy markets where outdoor elevated access is a constant demand.

General contractors who are buying their first or second aerial unit sometimes choose MEC because of the price point, particularly on the RT scissor. A contractor who needs rough terrain capability for a specific project type doesn't need the brand legacy of a Genie or JLG; they need a machine that works outdoors and doesn't break the budget. MEC fills that niche.

Buyers with challenged credit can apply. MEC equipment's value holds reasonably well, particularly the 2659ERT, which has an active secondary market. We assess credit-challenged applications on the machine value, the buyer's revenue, and the business history. Operators with at least twelve months of consistent rental or contracting income typically have a path to approval.

Can I finance a MEC scissor lift bought at auction?

Yes. Auction purchases qualify under our used equipment program. We need the auction bill of sale, unit specs (model, year, hours), and confirmation that you have clear title after the sale. Auction deals add a day or two to the timeline because of the additional documentation step.

MEC isn't as well-known as JLG or Genie. Does that affect my financing terms?

Brand recognition doesn't affect your rate directly. Collateral value is what matters, and MEC units have a documented resale market. The 2659ERT in particular is actively traded at auction. Your credit profile and business cash flow have more influence on your terms than the OEM brand.

I want to buy five MEC scissors to start a small rental fleet. What's the process?

A five-unit purchase would be structured as a single transaction. You'd submit the credit application and three months of bank statements. If the total amount falls under $400,000, it stays application-only. Above that, we add a financial review. Approval on a transaction like that runs one to three business days.

Does MEC equipment qualify for Section 179 expensing?

Yes. Aerial work platforms are eligible for Section 179 first-year expensing and bonus depreciation subject to IRS annual limits and your tax situation. Your accountant should confirm the specifics for your purchase year, but the equipment category qualifies.

Can I add MEC units to an existing equipment line of credit?

If you already have an equipment line of credit with us or through another lender, adding MEC units under that facility depends on the line terms. We also offer standalone equipment lines that allow multiple draws for fleet additions. Reach out with your current setup and we'll advise on the best path.