Excavator financing
Quick answer
Excavator financing covers everything from compact mini-excavators to full-size production machines, with the excavator serving as collateral. You put 0–20% down and finance the rest over two to seven years.
Mini-excavators start around $30,000–$50,000; full-size machines run $100,000 and up. New and used both finance, often with credit from the low 600s.
An excavator is one of the highest-utilization machines a contractor can own, which is exactly why lenders like financing them.
It earns on nearly every dig, holds resale value, and backs its own loan. From a one-ton mini to a 50-ton production machine, there's financing for it.
Key takeaways
- → The excavator is the collateral, making approval easier than unsecured debt.
- → Mini-excavators start around $30K–$50K; full-size machines run $100K+.
- → Terms run two to seven years with 0–20% down based on credit and machine age.
- → Used excavators finance readily, often up to 10–15 years old.
Mini vs full-size excavators
Mini-excavators are cheaper, versatile, and easy to finance — ideal for utility, landscaping, and residential work. Full-size machines cost much more and carry bigger payments, but they handle heavy production.
Finance the size your work actually demands. Over-buying ties up cash flow; under-buying limits the jobs you can take.
Rates and terms
Terms run two to seven years, matched to the machine's life and your profile. Rates start around 8.99% for qualified buyers and rise with age and credit risk.
Estimate a payment with the loan calculator before you talk to a lender.
New, used, and bad-credit paths
Used excavators are a strong value and finance close to new when hours are low — see the used equipment guide.
Thin credit isn't a dealbreaker; a bigger down payment helps. More in the bad-credit financing guide.
Best excavator financing lenders
Best lenders for excavator financing
Best Overall — Same-Day Funding Across Six Loan Types Ad
Best Line of Credit for Cash Flow
Best Invoice Factoring for Contractors
For one application across several lenders, eBoost Partners covers excavators in its construction business financing.
Related guides
Equipment financing overview
Rates, lease vs buy, and Section 179.
Heavy equipment financing
Dozers, loaders, and graders.
Skid steer financing
Compact, easy-to-finance machines.
Used equipment financing
How age and hours affect terms.
Financing with bad credit
Options when your score is thin.
Loan calculator
Estimate your monthly payment.