Excavator Finance & Leasing

  • Check if your business is eligible for excavator finance
  • Match with lenders in 60 seconds
  • Compare products from Hire Purchase to Refinancing
  • LTV up to 100% / no deposit
  • Flexibility with VAT deferrals and balloon repayments

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Excavator Finance and Leasing - What to Know

An excavator is a heavy-duty machine that is used for digging, demolition, landscaping, and other construction tasks.

Excavators are essential for many projects, but they can also be very expensive to buy outright. That’s why many contractors and businesses opt for excavator finance or leasing, which are ways of acquiring the use of an excavator without paying the full cost upfront.

Excavator finance and leasing are types of asset finance, which is a form of lending that is secured by an asset, such as a vehicle, equipment, or machinery.

Asset finance allows you to spread the cost of the asset over a period of time, usually with fixed monthly payments and interest rates.

Depending on the type of finance or leasing agreement, you may also have the option to own the asset at the end of the term or return it to the lender.

  • Award-winning service with a proven track record of excellence in client satisfaction.
  • Market-leading rates to ensure you get the best deal for your business.
  • Exclusive access to lenders, leveraging our strong relationships.
  • Sector expertise from a dedicated finance broker.
  • Bespoke debt-advisory and tailored product advice.

Construction Finance Success Stories

 

Asset Finance for a Battery Energy Storage System
Asset Finance for a Battery Energy Storage System
Area
Cheshire
Capital Raised
£750K
Date
January 2025
Anaerobic Digester Plant Refinance For Business Growth
£5.2m Anaerobic Digester Plant Refinance For Business Growth
Area
Wales
Capital Raised
£4.1m
Date
June 2024
Asset Finance for CAT D6XE Bulldozer with VAT Deferral
Asset Finance for CAT D6XE Bulldozer with VAT Deferral
Area
London
Capital Raised
£354k
Date
June 2024

See All Business Finance Case Studies


Why Our Customers Trust Us

With expert guidance, asset finance can provide an essential, versatile, and cost-effective solution.

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Market-Leading Rates

We provide access to market-leading rates for every client, thanks to our relationships with business finance lenders across the market.

Award Winning Team

Multi-Award-Winning Team

Our team of asset finance advisers have years of experience and are qualified to the highest level. We're proud to have numerous customer service awards to our name.

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Fully Independent

As an independent brokerage, we focus on your best interests when comparing asset finance options: from costs and terms to speed of service.

To book a free, no-obligation call with an adviser to discuss your options, contact us today.

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Our Experts

Our dedicated asset finance team have deep industry knowledge and years of experience.

Meet The Team

Jon Moffatt

Jonathan Moffatt

Head of Business Finance

Ben Francis

Ben Francis

Finance Executive

James Ellcaott

James Ellacott

Commercial Finance Broker

How We Work

1. Get a Customised Quote

Our asset finance brokers will get an understanding of your business and your requirements, look at your financial forecasts and accounts, and provide a sense-check on what product(s) will best fit your needs, as well as how much you could borrow, and what the costs and terms could look like.

2. Compare Options

When you’re happy with the proposed solution, we’ll go away and compare options across the market. We’ll often present a range of choices ranging from lowest cost to most flexible, and we’ll talk you through the pros and cons of each if it’s a close decision.

3. Submit Your Application

If you’re happy with the terms we can source, we’ll handle the paperwork and submit your application for you. We’ll handle any issues and questions that may arise from the lender, and we’ll keep chasing your application to ensure funds are released as quickly as possible.

4. Receive Funds

You receive your finance  success! We’ll always be here for any ongoing questions or support you require during your loan term. 

Speak to an asset finance specialist today

Get the funding your business needs to reach its full potential. We’ll guide you through the process and take care of the heavy lifting. 

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Authors

The Complete Guide to Excavator Finance and Leasing

with Jonathan Moffatt & Sam Hodgson

Last Updated: 02/04/2025

What Types of Finance Are Available for Excavator Finance & Leasing?

There are different types of finance and leasing options available for excavators, depending on your needs and preferences. Some of the most common ones are:

  • Hire purchase: This is a type of finance where you pay a deposit and then make monthly payments until you have paid off the full value of the excavator. At the end of the agreement, you own the excavator outright. Hire purchase is suitable for those who want to own the asset and can afford the deposit and monthly payments.
  • Finance lease: This is a type of leasing where you pay a fixed monthly fee to use the excavator for a set period. At the end of the lease, you can either return the excavator to the lender, extend the lease, or sell the excavator to a third party and keep a percentage of the proceeds. A finance lease is suitable for those who want to use the asset without owning it and benefit from tax advantages.
  • Operating lease: This is a type of leasing where you pay a lower monthly fee to use the excavator for a shorter time, usually less than the expected life of the asset. At the end of the lease, you return the excavator to the lender. An operating lease is suitable for those who want to use the asset for a specific project or contract and avoid maintenance and depreciation costs.

How Does It Work?

The process of applying for excavator finance or leasing is similar to applying for any other type of loan. You will need to provide some information about yourself, your business, and the excavator you want to finance or lease. You will also need to have a good credit history and demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.

The lender will then assess your application and offer you a quote based on the type of finance or leasing, the amount, the term, and the interest rate. You can compare different quotes from different lenders to find the best deal for you. Once you accept a quote, you will sign a contract with the lender and pay any fees or deposits required. The lender will then release the funds to the seller of the excavator, or arrange the delivery of the excavator to you.

You will then start making the monthly payments to the lender until the end of the agreement. Depending on the type of finance or leasing, you may also have to pay for the excavator's maintenance, insurance, and taxes. You should also keep the excavator in good condition and follow the terms and conditions of the contract. If you fail to make the payments or breach the contract, the lender may repossess the excavator and charge you penalties.

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What Are The Benefits of Excavator Finance & Leasing?

  • Affordability: You can acquire the use of an excavator without paying the full price upfront, which can help you manage your cash flow and budget more effectively. You can also choose a payment plan that suits your income and expenses.
  • Flexibility: You can choose from different types of finance and leasing options that suit your needs and preferences. You can also adjust the term, the amount, and the frequency of the payments according to your circumstances.
  • Accessibility: You can access a wider range of excavators that may otherwise be out of your reach, which can help you improve your productivity and efficiency. You can also upgrade or change the excavator as your needs change, without having to sell or dispose of the old one.
  • Tax benefits: Depending on the type of finance or leasing, you may be able to claim tax deductions on the interest, fees, and depreciation of the excavator. You should consult a tax adviser to find out more about the tax implications of your finance or leasing option.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

  • Cost: You may end up paying more than the original value of the excavator over the term of the agreement, due to the interest and fees charged by the lender. You may also have to pay for the maintenance, insurance, and taxes of the excavator, which can add to the overall cost.
  • Risk: You may lose the excavator if you fail to make the payments or breach the contract. You may also be liable for any damage or loss of the excavator, depending on the type of finance or leasing. You should read the contract carefully and understand your rights and obligations before signing it.
  • Commitment: You may be locked into a long-term agreement that may not suit your changing needs or circumstances. You may also face penalties or charges if you want to terminate the agreement early or switch to a different option.

How We Can Help

In need of excavator finance or leasing?

We can help you:

  • Decide if excavator finance or leasing is right for you
  • Understand what type of loan best suits your situation
  • Feel comfortable with how the process works and what the costs will be

And when we’ve established the best type of finance for you, we will:

  • Compare rates from multiple lenders across our network
  • Negotiate the best deal for your circumstances
  • Guide you through the application process
  • Chase through your application until the asset is in your hands

Call our team on 0203 900 4322 to discuss your requirements or book an appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can find the most common questions asked about business loans below. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email us at commercial@cliftonpf.co.uk.

Asset finance is a way of spreading the cost of equipment used by businesses over time, allowing companies to keep a strong, consistent cash flow whilst minimising upfront costs.

There are many asset finance products to choose from when considering asset finance, such as hire purchase, operating leases and finance leasing, so there are plenty of options to consider for your every business need.

The asset financing structure is the financial arrangement organised between businesses and lenders to secure funding to acquire equipment that is directly related to the operation and growth of the business.

Asset financing typically involves several key elements, which are as follows:

Assets used as collateral:

A lender will likely secure finance against the asset itself or other assets, which can be tangible or intangible.

  • Tangible Assets: vehicles, construction equipment, real estate, or inventory.
  • Intangible Assets: intellectual property, accounts receivable, revenue streams.

Types of Asset Financing:

The following is a list of several products available to business owners as options for asset finance:

Leasing: Businesses that choose to lease do not outright own the asset and pay a monthly cost to use the equipment at a much lower cost than purchasing the equipment.

Hire Purchase (HP): A standard choice for businesses, this option allows you to eventually own the asset you’re paying for after the payment period has ended.

Asset-Based Lending (ABL): A business borrows money against an asset as collateral, and it’s commonly used to acquire working capital for operational or growth needs.

Loan-to-value (LTV): The loan-to-value ratio of assets is the calculation of a percentage which helps to determine the risk of the loan itself. A high LTV ratio typically indicates a higher interest rate for businesses as it’s far riskier to finance.

A low loan-to-value ratio is generally more comfortable for lenders, lower repayment periods and lower fees ensure that the asset can be repaid easily. If an asset depreciates over time, however, and becomes under-collateral, this means that the lender wouldn’t be able to fully recover the amount owed if the asset is repossessed.

Should there be a major decrease in collateral value, lenders might seek to acquire additional collateral from the business owner, or even increase fees and interest, impacting cash flow.

Business loans are products designed for general use throughout businesses. They can be used for general business needs, including asset finance, which has the added benefit of the asset not necessarily being used as collateral for the loan itself.

Asset finance, however, is more specific: its use is for the acquisition of assets and is restricted to only that. Lenders will use the asset itself as collateral for improved lender comfort, being reclaimed in the event that you do not pay your asset finance.

One major distinction between asset finance and business loans is interest rate: asset finance interest is typically lower compared to unsecured business loan interest, which is notably higher.

Should you fail to repay your asset finance, you can face an impacted credit score and ultimately lose the asset in a repossession.

Depending on the asset you’re funding, there’s also a risk of depreciation - particular risk for vehicle finance.

In some cases, if a machine you’re financing is essential to the functioning of your business operations, then factors such as depreciation or loss of efficiency of the equipment can cause lender discomfort, leading to slightly higher interest rates.

Equipment financing is typically used by growing businesses looking to limit the impact on cash flow from an expensive piece of equipment by spreading the cost over a period of time.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can use equipment finance to limit the loss of capital and scale up operations without a massive upfront cost to deal with. Accessing equipment finance isn’t limited to a single industry, its uses spread from healthcare with MRI scanners, to construction, manufacturing, agriculture and more.

Let us do all the hard work of finding the right product and lender for your circumstances. We secure business finance for applications of all types, and we negotiate competitive lending to meet your needs and timescales.

Jonathan Moffatt
Head of Business Finance

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