Construction & Earthmoving Equipment Finance
Excavators, skid steers, loaders, dozers and attachments for contractors and owner-operators. Tell us what machine you're buying and how your business runs, and we'll pass your enquiry to a licensed finance broker who works with a range of lenders. It takes about 60 seconds and there's no credit check to enquire.
- No credit check to enquire
- Free to enquire, with no obligation to go ahead
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day
Check my eligibility
About 60 seconds. No credit check to enquire.
Who we help
- Owner-operators: buying a first mini excavator or skid steer to go out on their own
- Civil and earthmoving contractors: adding a larger excavator, loader, dozer or grader for bigger jobs
- Builders and site-prep businesses: financing a machine plus a tag trailer or tipper to move it
- Subcontractors on hourly or day rates: whose income depends on contracts with head contractors
- Buyers at auction or private sale: where the machine isn't coming from a dealer
- Low doc applicants: with BAS and bank statements but no recent financials
How lenders look at earthmoving machines
Lenders like assets that hold their value and are easy to resell. Mainstream excavators, skid steers and loaders from well-known makes tick those boxes, which is why they're among the more commonly financed pieces of equipment. Things that change the picture:
- Hours and age: a used machine with high hours may need a shorter term or a deposit. Some lenders cap age at the end of the loan.
- Dealer vs private vs auction: dealer purchases are simplest. Private and auction purchases are often financed, but lenders may want an independent valuation, proof the machine is unencumbered (a PPSR check), and the auction terms. Auctions usually need quick settlement, so talk to a broker before you bid.
- Attachments: buckets, hammers, augers and tilt hitches can usually be included if they're on the invoice.
- Your experience: a newer business is easier to fund if you've operated similar machines for years.
Common structures
| Chattel mortgage | Finance lease | Hire purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns it | Your business, from day one | The lender, for the term | The lender, until the final payment |
| GST | May claim the credit upfront if GST-registered | GST is included in each payment | Ask your accountant |
| Tax | Interest and depreciation, for business use | Lease payments generally deductible | Ask your accountant |
| At the end | Own it outright (after any balloon) | Pay the residual, refinance or return | Ownership passes to you |
Small businesses with turnover under $10 million can generally use the $20,000 instant asset write-off for eligible assets costing less than $20,000 each, which can cover attachments or smaller plant. Most machines cost more than that and are depreciated instead. Check with your accountant.
How it works
- Tell us about the machine and your business in the short form below.
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day, to talk through your options.
- If it suits you, they handle the application with a lender that fits your circumstances.
What you'll usually need
- ABN, with how long it's been registered and your GST registration status
- BAS and business bank statements (tax returns and financials for full doc, or an accountant's letter for some low doc options)
- A dealer quote or tax invoice, or private seller or auction details
- Machine details: make, model, year, hours and serial number
- A list of existing equipment finance and, if relevant, current contracts or work lined up
Every lender has its own criteria, so your broker will tell you exactly what's needed for your situation.
Construction and earthmoving guides
- Low doc loans for builders and construction companies
- How to finance a vacuum excavation truck
- Financing a mobile crane truck
- Tower crane financing for builders and civil contractors
- Using an accountant's letter for low doc equipment loans
- What is a chattel mortgage and how does it work?
- Equipment finance hub
Common questions
Can I finance a used excavator with high hours?
Often, yes, though lenders may shorten the term, ask for a deposit or want a valuation. Service records and a recent inspection help.
Can I buy at auction with finance?
Many lenders finance auction purchases, but settlement terms are usually tight. Speak to a broker before the auction so you know what a lender needs and how quickly it can move.
Can the float trailer or tipper go on the same loan?
Sometimes. Some lenders will finance the machine and transport together, while others set them up as separate loans. Your broker can tell you what's possible.
I've just started my own earthmoving business. Can I still get finance?
Possibly. Lenders vary on how long they want an ABN to have been active. Industry experience, a deposit or work already lined up can all help.
Does enquiring affect my credit score?
No. Filling in our enquiry form isn't a credit application. A credit check only happens if you choose to go ahead with an application through the broker.