"our company sold equipment, and is receiving payments over a three year period. This money is distributed among four shareholders. How do we classify this, as it is not revenue but a repayment"

You are confused. The Sale is a sale. The taking of money might be possible because someone is making payments on the sale. You don't decide what is or is not revenue vs repayment. Circumstances make it clear.

You do seem to be lost on the internet. This is not a TurboTax community.