Excavator and earthmoving equipment finance, including second-hand machines

Last updated 6 November 2026 · Reviewed by 360 Asset Finance Compliance

What earthmoving equipment can be financed?

Lenders on our panel finance yellow goods and plant for construction, mining and civil works, including excavators, loaders, dozers, graders and skid steers, and the trailers used to move them. Other plant, such as forklifts, cranes and generators, can be financed too. All funding is subject to the lender's assessment.

How can I finance an excavator without draining working capital?

Working capital is the cash your business uses to run day to day. Paying for a machine outright can tie up cash you need for wages, fuel, materials and the gap before clients pay. Finance spreads the cost over regular repayments instead. A few points to weigh up:

• Deposit. Whether one is needed depends on the lender, the machine and your circumstances.
• Balloon. On a chattel mortgage or CHP, an optional balloon lowers regular repayments, but it's a lump sum at the end and increases the total cost.
• Rental. An operating lease or rental can suit a machine you need for a project or plan to upgrade, because you use it without owning it.
• Cash flow. If you need funds that aren't tied to a machine, we can also arrange unsecured business loans through our lender panel.

A cash flow forecast helps you see what repayments fit alongside your other costs.

Which structure suits an earthmoving machine?

Each structure is treated differently for GST, depreciation and tax. Treatment depends on your business, so ask your accountant before you choose.

Can I finance a second-hand or private-sale machine?

Often, yes. Whether a used machine can be financed depends on the machine, its age and condition, and the lender's criteria. Buying second-hand can cost less than new, but check that the machine can be serviced and that parts are available.

For a private sale, the lender may need:

• an inspection of the machine
• an invoice from the seller
• a search of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to confirm there's no money owing on it.

If a financier has a registered interest over the machine, it generally needs to be cleared at or before settlement. Tell us about the machine and the seller, and we'll check what's possible with lenders on our panel.

What are the pros and cons of financing an earthmoving machine?

Possible advantages

• You can spread the cost of the machine instead of paying for it from working capital.
• You can choose to own the machine, or rent it for a project or a planned upgrade.
• Second-hand and private-sale machines may be financed, subject to the lender's criteria.

Possible drawbacks

• Interest and fees add to the total cost of the machine.
• A balloon or residual leaves a lump sum to pay at the end.
• Repayments continue even when work is slow, so they need to fit your cash flow.

Can a broker compare lenders for excavator finance in Victoria?

Yes. Our team is based in Melbourne and works with businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Lenders specialise in different assets, and we're not tied to one lender, so we compare options across our panel for the machine you need.

How does excavator finance work, step by step, through to settlement?

1. Tell us what you need: the machine, the amount and your timeline.
2. We compare lenders on our panel that fit your deal.
3. We manage the process: we prepare the application, work with the lender and keep you updated through to settlement.
4. You get the machine: once the lender approves and settles, funds are released and repayments begin.

Have a quote or invoice and your ABN ready. Your broker will tell you what else the lender needs.

How can 360 Asset Finance help?

We're a broker working with a panel of specialist lenders. We can:

• arrange finance for excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, skid steers and the trailers that move them, through our lender panel, subject to the lender's criteria;
• compare structures, balloon and rental options and total cost across our panel;
• check what's needed for a second-hand or private-sale machine, such as an inspection and a PPSR search;
• work alongside your accountant, who can explain GST, depreciation and tax;
• prepare the application, work with the lender and keep you updated through to settlement;
• arrange an unsecured business loan if you need funds that aren't tied to a machine.

FAQs

Sources and further reading:business.gov.au: Leasing or buying vehicles and equipment · business.gov.au: Cash flow · ATO: Simpler depreciation rules for small business

General information only. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it isn't credit, tax or legal advice. Finance is provided by the lender you choose and is subject to its lending criteria; fees and charges apply. 360 Asset Finance is a trading name of Kuone Consulting Pty Ltd (ABN 75 647 329 002), Australian Credit Licence 566705.