Finance question
Can I finance a used excavator?
Yes. Used excavators are commonly financed, secured by the machine itself, within a lender's age limits. Because the excavator is the security, deals are often low-doc or no-doc and can move fast, with approvals frequently in 24 to 48 hours across 40+ lenders.
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The short answer
A used excavator is strong security
Buying second-hand plant does not shut you out of finance. An excavator holds its value well and does real work, which makes it good security for a lender. The finance is secured by the machine, so the loan sits on the asset rather than only on your paperwork.
Age matters more than the fact it is used. Most lenders look at the machine's age at the start of the loan and its expected age at the end, and price accordingly. A well-kept unit within those limits is usually straightforward. An older machine narrows the lenders rather than closing the door.
Because the excavator carries the deal, these loans are often low-doc or no-doc, with no full financials needed on many applications. Amounts reach up to $500,000, and with 40+ lenders in the mix the job is matching your machine and profile to the one most likely to approve it.
Speed is often the reason people come to a broker for plant. A good used machine at the right price does not sit around, and a private seller usually wants a clean, quick settlement. Having the finance sorted in the background means you can commit with confidence, and low-doc deals on plant can be approved in 24 to 48 hours so the machine is working for you, not waiting on paperwork.
Do you qualify?
What makes a used excavator fundable.
A specific machine
A named excavator, from a dealer or private sale, to secure the loan.
An active ABN
Sole traders and companies both qualify.
Reasonable age and hours
Within a lender's limits at the start and end of the term.
A deposit can help
Not always required, but it can widen your options on older units.
Why used excavators finance well
The machine secures it
Security in the excavator offsets a lighter paperwork trail.
Lenders differ on age
One lender's limit is another's sweet spot. A broker knows which is which.
Fast when it matters
Low-doc deals on plant can settle in 24 to 48 hours.
A real example
An earthmoving operator finds a well-maintained used excavator at a private sale and needs to move before another buyer does. Secured on the machine and submitted low-doc, the deal is approved inside two days, no full financials required. Illustrative only.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit on used excavators?
Lenders set their own limits based on the machine's age at the start and end of the term. Older units mean fewer lenders, not an automatic no.
Can I finance a private sale, not just a dealer?
Yes, private-sale plant is commonly financed, subject to lender assessment and a valuation on some deals.
Do I need full financials?
Often no. Because the excavator secures the loan, many deals are low-doc or no-doc.
How much can I borrow?
Equipment finance reaches up to $500,000, with the amount matched to the machine and your profile.