The used excavator market is where smart operators build fleets: 4-6 year old machines at 45-60% of new price with thousands of hours of life left. The financing market has fully caught up - used, auction and private-party excavator deals close every day. The difference between a good deal and a regret is knowing what lenders check, because it's the same list you should check.
What used excavators cost to finance
| Machine | Typical price | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-ex (3-5t), 3-6 yr | $28K - $55K | 36-60 mo, 9-16% APR |
| Midi (8-15t), 4-8 yr | $60K - $120K | 48-60 mo, 10-17% APR |
| 20-30t, 5-8 yr | $90K - $180K | 48-72 mo, 10-16% APR |
| High-hour (8,000+) | 40-60% discounts | Shorter terms, more down |
The lender's checklist is your checklist
- Hours vs. age: 800-1,200 hrs/year is normal use; 2,500/year means hard rental life
- Undercarriage: 40-50% of a tracked machine's rebuild cost lives here - get it measured, not eyeballed
- Serial + lien search: the lender runs one; you want to know about the surprise UCC filing BEFORE loving the machine
- Oil analysis / service records on 5,000+ hour machines - cheap insurance on a five-figure decision
Auction buyers: approval first, paddle second
Pre-approved buyers close in 24-72 hours - which is exactly the window auction terms demand. Walking into Ritchie Bros or an IronPlanet close with a $150K approval in hand makes you functionally a cash buyer.
60-Second Funding Check
No credit pull. No obligation. Just a straight answer.
What do you need funding for?
We finance machines other lenders won't price
Generalist banks see a 2019 excavator as a mystery. Dealerun's equipment partners see the comps, the hours and the resale curve - and fund private-party and auction deals routinely, up to $5M.
Get auction-ready
Pre-approve now, bid with confidence this weekend.
FAQ
Can I finance an excavator from a private seller?+
Yes - expect the lender to verify serial and liens, pay the seller directly, and possibly require an inspection on older machines. Add 3-5 days versus a dealer purchase, entirely survivable.
How many hours is too many to finance?+
There's no hard wall, but past ~8,000 hours expect shorter terms and bigger down payments; past ~10,000 many lenders pass unless the price reflects near-rebuild status. The machine's maintenance file matters as much as the meter.
Get a callback from a funding specialist
Real questions, straight answers - no scripts, no pressure.
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See what funding your business qualifies for - it takes two minutes and won't affect your credit.