If the equipment is something that is registered, check with the registering agency to see what other liens are held against the equipment.  Liens on property like this may be tough to purchase in a clean and neat transaction and the lienholder may simply be able to prevent the sale but you need to find out exactly what sort of lien is on it.  If it is a mechanic's lien, it will be in court records and you will need to do the proper research to find that lien either through a lawyer or through the court records. A buyer may not be able to negotiate directly with the lienholder and it might simply be the seller's responsibility to clear the lien before sale.