An established civil contractor operating in the rail sector needed to quickly secure a highly specialised piece of equipment - an articulated dump truck with rail-spec capabilities. With a strong pipeline of growth and an existing relationship with Iron Capital we were well equipped to assist their continued growth.
The contractor was presented with a high-value opportunity on a scheduled rail shutdown but had only three weeks to gear up and deliver.
The Challenge
The client faced three key challenges:
- Urgent timeframe: The machine had to be secured and mobilised within three weeks for a critical rail shutdown.
- Asset complexity: The machine - a rail-spec Hydrema articulated truck.
- Financing flexibility: Although the client had access to traditional finance, they preferred a short-term structure to match the project duration and avoid a long-term debt commitment.
Traditional lenders would likely have hesitated due to the age and type of asset. But the client needed certainty and fast.
The Solution
Iron Capital responded with a tailored 12-month Rent-to-Own (RPO) structure for the $160,000 private sale asset.
Key aspects of the solution included:
- Rapid approval: The client provided Iron Capital with machine photos and brief asset details. Within hours, Iron Capital confirmed they could fund the machine.
- Direct engagement with seller: Iron Capital inspected the asset in person and handled all necessary paperwork and asset verifications.
- Streamlined documentation: The entire deal was managed via text, email and ultimately DocuSign for a seamless transaction for all parties.
- Equity-building structure: This RPO was structured to give the client 50% equity in 12 months, with a plan to buy out the purchase option at the end of term.
The machine was on our clients worksite within a week.
The outcome for the Customer
- $160,000 rail-spec machine funded within days.
- Zero project delays - machine mobilised on time for the rail shutdown.
- High equity - client will own 50% of the machine after 12 months
- Simplicity and speed - no red tape, no bank delays.
Key Takeaway
“He shot me a photo of the machine. I said we could do it. We handled the rest - inspected the asset, did the deal, and had the funds ready to go. All via text, email and DocuSign.”
— Iron Capital BDM
This case is a perfect example of Iron Capital’s ability to work quickly and decisively on non-standard equipment - especially when traditional lenders won’t. The client’s decision to go with Iron Capital was about speed, flexibility and the ability to build equity fast without a long-term debt burden.
In the rail and infrastructure sector, timing is everything. Iron Capital’s structure-first, relationship-driven approach allows contractors to respond to critical deadlines and asset needs without being constrained by rigid banking criteria.
When traditional finance is too slow or too narrow, Iron Capital steps in and gets it done.