A skid steer or Bobcat is one of the hardest-working machines on any site — and one you shouldn’t have to drain cash flow to own. Skid steer and Bobcat finance lets you spread the cost over the life of the machine while it earns for you. This page covers how the finance works, what lenders look for, and how to structure it for the best tax and cash-flow outcome. Built for tradies — but we finance every kind of business.
Quick answer
Most Australian businesses finance a skid steer or Bobcat with a chattel mortgage, typically over 2–7 years, new or used, with a balloon/residual option to lower monthly repayments. ABN holders and low-doc applicants are well catered for, and approvals are usually fast when the paperwork is tidy.
Who this is for
Skid steer and Bobcat finance suits earthmoving, landscaping, civil, demolition, hire, farming and construction businesses — sole traders through to companies. Whether you’re buying your first loader or adding to a fleet, the finance can be matched to how the machine is used and how your business is structured.
How skid steer & Bobcat finance works
The most common structure is a chattel mortgage: the lender advances the funds, you own the machine from day one, and the loan is secured against it. Other options include commercial hire purchase and rental/lease. Key levers you can pull include the term (usually 2–7 years, matched to the machine’s working life), the deposit (often not required for eligible businesses; a deposit or trade-in can reduce the balance), a balloon/residual (a lump sum at the end lowers your monthly repayment — weigh it against total cost), and whether the machine is new or used (both are financeable; used machines may have shorter maximum terms). Not sure which structure fits? Our chattel mortgage guide explains the tax and ownership differences.
Finance structures at a glance
| Structure | Ownership | Common use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattel mortgage | You own it from day one | Most business buyers (ABN) | Interest + depreciation may be deductible; GST on price claimable up front where eligible |
| Commercial hire purchase | Lender owns until final payment | Businesses wanting fixed terms | Ownership transfers at the end |
| Rental / lease | Lender owns | Preserving capital, regular upgrades | Repayments generally fully deductible |
General information only — confirm tax treatment with your accountant.
Low-doc and ABN options
New ABNs and businesses without full financials aren’t shut out. Low-doc skid steer finance can rely on alternative evidence — bank statements, BAS, asset position — instead of full tax returns. See our low-doc loans page for what’s accepted.
What lenders look for
Lenders typically consider an active ABN (and often GST registration for larger amounts), how long you’ve been trading and your repayment history, the machine itself (age, hours, type, dealer or private sale), and — for full-doc deals — business financials, or alternative evidence for low-doc.
Estimate your repayments
Before you apply, get a feel for the numbers with our equipment finance calculator — adjust the amount, term and balloon to see indicative repayments. Figures are indicative for business lending and subject to change and approval.
Related equipment finance
Financing more than a loader? We also cover excavator finance, tractor finance and the full range on our equipment finance hub.
Get a decision
Tell us the machine and how your business is set up, and we’ll match it to the right lender on our panel. Apply online for a quick decision — fast approvals, simple process, less paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Can I finance a used skid steer or Bobcat?
Yes. Both new and used machines are financeable. Used equipment may attract a shorter maximum term depending on its age and hours, but it’s a common and straightforward deal.
Do I need a deposit to finance a Bobcat?
Often no. Many eligible businesses finance the full amount, and a trade-in or cash deposit can be used to reduce the balance and repayments if you prefer.
Can I get skid steer finance with a new ABN or low doc?
Yes. Low-doc options can use bank statements, BAS or your asset position instead of full financials, which suits newer ABNs and businesses without complete tax returns.
Is a chattel mortgage the best way to finance a skid steer?
It’s the most common structure for ABN holders because you own the machine from day one and may claim interest, depreciation and GST. Whether it’s best for you depends on your tax position — check with your accountant.
How long does approval take?
When your ABN, ID and machine details are ready, decisions are often fast. Low-doc and larger deals may need a little more supporting information.
This article is general information only and is not credit or financial advice. Tradie Finance operates under Australian Credit Licence 506065 (Five Tees Pty Ltd). Finance is for business/commercial purposes and subject to approval, lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees. Any figures are indicative only and subject to change. Confirm tax treatment with your accountant.