Skid Steer Finance

Yes. Used skid steers from dealers, private sellers, and auctions are all financeable. Lender selection depends on the age of the machine, its hours, and the purchase channel. We regularly finance used machines that mainstream lenders decline based on age alone.

It depends on the deal. Established operators buying from a dealer can often finance 100% of the purchase with no deposit required. New ABN holders, private sale purchases, and older machines may need a deposit of 10% to 20% to bring the loan to value ratio into line with lender requirements. We tell you exactly what is needed before any application is lodged.

Yes. Skid steers are one of the most common first machine purchases and lenders on our panel have products designed for new ABN holders. Requirements vary but typically include evidence of industry experience, a letter from a head contractor, or 6 months of bank statements showing business activity. Low doc options are available where full financials have not been prepared.

Both are financeable through the same structures. The practical difference is residual value. Wheeled skid steers tend to hold value better because they have lower maintenance costs and no undercarriage to replace. Compact track loaders depreciate slightly faster because track and roller replacement is a significant cost at higher hours. This affects whether a balloon payment makes sense and how some lenders assess the security value.

Yes. Buckets, augers, forks, trenchers, mulchers, sweepers, and other attachments can usually be bundled into the same facility. If the attachment value pushes the total above the machine's standalone security value, a deposit on the attachment component or a separate facility may be recommended.

Most mainstream lenders cap the asset at 15 years old at the end of the finance term. Specialist lenders look at hours, condition, and service history rather than age alone. A 12 year old machine with 4,000 hours and a full service record is a completely different conversation to one with 10,000 hours and no records.

Yes. Private sales are common in the skid steer market. The lender will typically require an independent valuation or comparable sales data, proof of ownership from the seller, and a PPSR check. Not all lenders finance private sale machinery, so getting the right lender match matters. We handle the valuation and documentation as part of the process.

Chattel mortgage is the most common for ABN holders. You own the machine, claim depreciation and GST, and make fixed repayments. Finance lease suits operators who want to upgrade regularly. We recommend caution with large balloon payments on skid steers because they depreciate faster than excavators and bulldozers, meaning the residual value at end of term may not support a big balloon.

Most deals settle within 3 to 5 business days of a complete application. Dealer purchases with established operators are the fastest. Private sales and new ABN applications can take a few extra days for additional documentation. If you need the machine on site by a specific date, let us know upfront and we structure the process around that timeline.

Yes. Banks decline machinery finance for reasons that specialist lenders do not share. The machine might be too old for the bank's policy, the sale might be private, or your trading history might fall short of their minimum. Specialist lenders on our panel assess these deals differently and regularly approve applications that banks decline.

No. GST registration is not a requirement for finance approval. However, if you are registered, a chattel mortgage lets you claim the GST on the purchase upfront, which is a meaningful cash flow benefit on a machine costing $50,000 or more. If you are not yet registered, we structure the deal accordingly.

Yes. Auction purchases through major auction houses are financeable. The lender assesses the machine based on the listing, photos, and condition report. Getting a pre approval in place before auction day means you can bid knowing the finance is sorted. We recommend having this in place at least a few days before the auction.

It depends on the machine. Skid steers depreciate faster than larger yellow goods, so a large balloon can leave you owing more than the machine is worth when the term ends. Small balloons of around 10% to 15% can work on newer machines from brands with strong resale like Bobcat or Cat. On older or higher hour machines, structuring without a balloon avoids the risk of being upside down at end of term.

Yes. The float trailer used to transport the skid steer can be bundled into the same facility or financed separately. Bundling keeps things simple with one set of repayments. If you are also financing an excavator or other machinery alongside the skid steer, we can structure multiple assets across the same or different lenders for the best result on each deal.

All of them. Bobcat, Caterpillar, Kubota, John Deere, Case, New Holland, Takeuchi, Wacker Neuson, ASV, Mustang, and any other manufacturer on the Australian market. Brand does affect resale value and therefore lender appetite. Bobcat and Cat hold their value the strongest, which can mean more flexible terms and lower deposit requirements compared to less common brands.