Earthmoving runs on iron and diesel. Your machines are your income, and when one is down, the whole business feels it. Add float costs, tip fees, fuel, operator wages and builders who pay 30 to 60 days after the job, and it’s easy to see why cash can get tight. Fast earthmoving and excavation business loans give you the money to keep machines moving.
Where earthmoving cash flow gets stretched
Repairs are sudden and expensive. Undercarriage, hydraulic pumps, final drives and engine rebuilds can cost more than a month’s profit, and they don’t wait for a convenient time.
Fuel and tip fees. Diesel for machines and trucks, plus tip fees for spoil and contaminated soil, are paid now while the invoice is paid later.
Floats and transport. Moving machines between jobs costs money every time, whether you own a float or hire one.
Weather. Wet sites mean no digging, no loading and no claims, but the machine repayments and wages still come out.
Slow payers. Site cuts, footings, trenching and driveway preparation are often among the first trades on site, yet you can be waiting weeks after the builder’s first claim is paid.
What earthmoving contractors use loans for
- Repairs and rebuilds on excavators, skid steers and trucks
- Buying another machine, a tipper or a float
- Attachments like buckets, rippers, augers, tilt hitches and rock breakers
- Operator and labourer wages
- Fuel, tip fees and float costs on a big job
- Clearing an ATO debt
- Starting site works for a townhouse job or small subdivision
Borrowing against property you own
A fast second mortgage is the most common secured option. It uses the equity in your home, investment property, commercial yard or land, and sits behind your existing loan. A first mortgage suits property with no loan on it. If you’re selling a property or yard and need money before it settles, a business bridging loan can fill the gap. In Victoria, a caveat loan is also available.
No financials are needed, bad credit is considered and terms typically run 1 to 12 months.
Unsecured loans for earthmoving businesses
If you don’t want to use property, or don’t have any, an unsecured cash flow loan may suit. You’ll need an ABN, 6+ months of trading and business bank statements. Busy earthmovers with strong turnover can often borrow a helpful amount, and some loans are funded within hours.
Paying off an ATO debt
Earthmoving turnover is high, which means GST and PAYG can add up quickly. When a big builder pays late, the BAS often slips first. A fast loan can clear the ATO in one hit. Your accountant can help with the tax detail.
Buying machines and attachments
Used machines sold privately or at auction move quickly, and you often need to pay within days. A fast business loan can have money ready in time. Our equipment finance for tradies page compares the options.
Taking on bigger earthworks
Moving into civil works for small subdivisions, like 2 to 4 lot developments, means more machines on site, more trucks and more weeks before your first payment. Our small subdivision finance page explains how these projects are typically funded.
Example: an excavator down mid job
Hypothetical example. An earthmoving contractor in the Hunter Valley has a 20 tonne excavator on a subdivision job when the undercarriage and a hydraulic pump fail. The repair bill is $65,000, the developer pays monthly, and he needs to hire a replacement machine to keep the job on track. He owns his home and a small yard. A $100,000 second mortgage against the yard over six months pays for the repair and hire. He repays from the job’s monthly claims.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and ABN
- Details of the property or yard you’ll use as security
- Business bank statements for an unsecured loan
- Quotes for repairs or machinery and your repayment plan
Key facts: earthmoving and excavation loans
- Loan size: $20,000 to $5 million
- Security: home, investment property, commercial property, yard or land, or unsecured with 6+ months of trading
- Speed: as little as 24 hours for some property loans
- Term: property secured loans typically 1 to 12 months
- Suits: excavation contractors, bobcat operators, tipper operators and small civil contractors
- Pricing: priced on your circumstances, at the sharpest rate available for your situation
These loans are for business purposes. Start your application in about 60 seconds and a lending specialist will call you back.
