Excavator finance to dig in and grow
Mini excavators to 30-tonners, plus attachments: earthmoving finance that gets you on site sooner.
- Free to compare
- A specialist partner broker, start to finish
- No credit score impact
Typical ranges only. Actual limits depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Example rate only: not a comparison rate, quote or offer of credit. Your rate depends on your credit profile, the lender and the asset. Excludes fees and charges.
How excavATOr finance works with us
An excavator can quickly pay for itself when there’s work. The trick is manageable repayments through wet weather and quiet months.
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Your broker compares regular earthmoving lenders, including for used dealer, auction and private-sale machines.
- Mini excavators
- Midi and large excavators
- Attachments and buckets
- Tilt hitches and augers
- Floats for transport
- Used machines
Attachments included
Buckets, augers and hitches can go on the same loan.
Seasonal structures
Some lenders offer repayments that flex with seasonal work.
Auction purchases
Pre-approval helps you bid confidently at auction.
Used machines
Quality second-hand machines, subject to hours and condition.
Financing an excavator: hours, attachments and buying at auction
For used excavators, hours, service history and brand resale shape the term and deposit. Invoiced attachments can often be included, and pre-approval with a buying limit is important before bidding at auction.
Read the full explanation
For used excavators, hours matter as much as age. Lenders look at engine hours, service history and the brand's resale market when deciding how much to lend and over what term. A well-maintained machine from a common brand with moderate hours is usually straightforward. Very high hours or a lesser-known brand may mean a shorter term or a larger deposit. Having service records and an independent inspection report can make the application easier.
Attachments such as buckets, rippers, augers, tilt hitches and grabs can often be included if they are on the same invoice. Buying at auction is common in earthmoving, but auction settlement terms are short, so pre-approval before bidding is important. Some lenders also need to know the auction house and the machine's lot details in advance. Your broker can line up approval with a buying limit so you know what you can bid.
- Earthmoving contractors adding machines
- Landscapers and builders moving into excavation
- Buyers at auction or from private sellers
- New businesses with operator experience
Pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Attachments often on the same loan
- Auction and private purchases may be financed
- Seasonal or skip-payment options with some lenders
- Mini to large excavators considered
Watch-outs
- !High-hour machines may get shorter terms
- !Auction timelines leave little room for delay
- !Less common brands can be harder to finance
Costs and fees to compare
The interest rate is only part of the cost. Ask your broker to show these side by side.
Interest
Depends on machine age, hours, brand and business profile.
Attachments
Invoiced buckets and hitches are financed with the machine.
Inspection
Some lenders want independent inspection of used or auction machines.
Auction fees
Buyer’s premium and fees may or may not be financeable, by lender.
Transport
Floating the machine to site is a real cost; ask to invoice it.
Tips to strengthen your application
- 1Get pre-approval and a buying limit before auction day
- 2Ask for service records and hours before bidding
- 3List attachments separately on the invoice
- 4If winter work slows, ask about seasonal repayments
What you’ll need
What you’ll need
- ABN and business registration
- Driver's licence (each director or owner)
- Recent business bank statements
- BAS or financials (full-doc loans)
- Asset invoice or quote
- Machine details: make, model, year, hours
What lenders look for
- Active ABN (some lenders want 12+ months; others accept newer)
- GST registration for larger or low-doc deals
- Mainly business use (usually over 50%)
- Clear owner or director credit, or a good explanation for issues
First chat to funds in four steps
How it works in detail →- 1Tell us what you’re after
- 2Meet your broker
- 3Compare and choose
- 4We handle the rest
Excavator finance: common questions
Can I finance a used excavator?
Yes. Lenders will look at age, hours and condition, and may want an inspection for older machines.
Can I include attachments?
Usually, when they are bought with the machine.
What about seasonal income?
Some lenders offer seasonal or skip-payment structures. Ask your broker if this suits your work pattern.
I am new to earthmoving: can I get finance?
Possibly. Experience operating machines and work lined up will help.
How many hours is too many on a used excavator?
There is no fixed cut-off. Lenders consider hours alongside age, brand, maintenance and resale value. A higher-hour machine with good records may still be financed, though possibly on a shorter term.
Can I finance a mini excavator for personal use?
Some lenders offer personal loans for mini excavators used on a private property, while business finance usually suits contractors. Your broker can match you with the right type of lender for how you'll use it.
Is an excavator considered a good asset by lenders?
Excavators from well-known brands generally hold value well, which many lenders like. Resale strength depends on brand, size and condition. This is one reason popular models are often easier to finance.
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