Final answer:
The first-year depreciation expense of Alamo Cranes' crane using the straight-line method is calculated as ($140,000 - $2,000) / 6, resulting in a depreciation expense of $23,000 for the first year.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the first-year depreciation expense for Alamo Cranes' crane using the straight-line method, we start with the formula:
Annual Depreciation Expense = (Cost of Asset - Residual Value) / Useful Life
The cost of the crane is $140,000, the residual value is $2,000, and the useful life is 6 years. Plugging in these numbers:
Annual Depreciation Expense = ($140,000 - $2,000) / 6
Annual Depreciation Expense = $138,000 / 6
Annual Depreciation Expense = $23,000
Therefore, the depreciation expense for the first year is $23,000.