When a site start is looming—utility digs, subdivision servicing, demo, or winter sewer repairs—you need an approval that actually funds, not a paper quote. If banks are slow or your file isn’t A-tier, private-lender excavator leasing can bridge the gap with asset-first underwriting and flexible structures. As both a seller of commercial trucks/equipment and a national financing partner, Mehmi Financial Group pre-underwrites your excavator and structures the file the way lenders approve it. If you want a quick read on your odds, feel free to contact our credit analysts.
Are you looking for equipment? Browse our used inventory. For quick math, try the Calculator.
Why a seller-broker funds faster
- One accountable partner: Bill of sale, serials, lien search, inspection, and insurance timing handled end-to-end.
- Asset-first underwriting: We price resale and serviceability before a lender sees the file.
- Coverage & speed: Access to 30+ Canadian lenders; deal-ready files often fund in 24–48 hours, up to $5M.
Explore structures: Financing & Leasing.
How private lenders really decide (our four-lever model)
- Capacity: Last 3–6 months deposits must comfortably cover the payment plus fuel, insurance, payroll, and taxes. Keep NSFs minimal for 60–90 days.
- Security: 10–20% down or a refundable security deposit; co-signer or additional collateral helps. No cash? Create equity via Refinancing & Sale-Leaseback.
- Asset: A marketable, serviceable excavator with clean inspection and verifiable history.
- Story: One clear paragraph—what happened, what changed, and how the machine earns reliable cash (MSAs, awarded tenders, POs).
If slow-pay customers are the bottleneck, stabilize deposits with Invoice Factoring or add a light Line of Credit & Working Capital.
Excavator checklist that moves approvals
- Pins & bushings: Stick/boom play measurements, kingpost condition; grease-line integrity.
- Hydraulics: Pump pressures, smooth valve control, no cavitation or drift; cylinder rod pitting/leaks.
- Undercarriage: Track chain stretch, sprocket teeth, rollers/idlers, shoe condition—high-cost wear items are lender sensitive.
- Swing system: Bearing/backlash, swing motor/gearbox noise and temperature under load.
- Engine & cooling: Blow-by, oil analysis (if available), no codes under load; radiator/aftercooler condition.
- Attachments: Bucket width/capacity, quick coupler, thumbs/tilt rotator, breaker/auger circuits—document hours and condition.
- Electrics & safety: Travel alarms, LEDs/boom lights, cameras, telematics; ROPS/FOPS labels intact.
- Paperwork: Serial verification for base machine and attachments, lien status, major repair invoices, maintenance logs, inspection report.
Because we sell equipment we also finance, we pre-underwrite these items to prevent last-minute conditions.
Pricing & terms: what to expect with private lenders
| Item | Typical Range | Notes |
| Term Length | 36–60 months (select to 72) | Match to machine age, hours, and contract length. |
| Buyout Type | $1, 10% or FMV | $1/10% = simple ownership path; FMV lowers payments but plan residual. |
| Upfront Cash | 10–20% down or refundable deposit | Zero-down possible with strong compensating strengths. |
| Funding Speed | 24–72 hours (deal-ready) | Have inspection & insurance quote ready; bind at funding. |
| Soft Costs | Case-by-case inclusion | Transport, minor recon, coupler/plumbing can often be blended. |
Sanity-check affordability up front with our Calculator.
Lease structures that commonly approve (A–D credit)
- $1 Buyout (36–60 mo): Own it at term end; higher payment, simple exit for long-term keepers.
- 10% Buyout: Balanced payment vs ownership; plan for end-term cash.
- FMV with Step-Ups: Lower early payments while your site ramps; manage residual at maturity.
- Sale-Leaseback + New Lease: Create down using equity in an owned machine; then lease the new excavator. See Refinancing & Sale-Leaseback.
- Lease + Working Capital/Factoring Overlay: Keep statements clean during mobilization: Line of Credit & Working Capital or Invoice Factoring.
Can you do zero-down?
Sometimes—if other levers are strong. Realistic paths include FMV + refundable security deposit or generating down via a sale-leaseback on an owned skid steer, loader, or older excavator. We’ll model $0-down vs low-down (5–15%) so you can compare total cost.
Step-by-step fast track (your week at a glance)
Day 1 — Fit & pre-underwrite
Scope (utility, demo, sitework), start date, payment comfort (use the Calculator). Send 3–6 months statements. We shortlist units from our lot or price your target and propose the structure most likely to fund.
Day 2 — Conditional approval
We confirm term, buyout, and initials (down or refundable deposit). If deposits are lumpy, we layer Invoice Factoring or a small Working Capital facility.
Day 3–5 — Conditions & funding
Inspection/condition report (pins/UC hydraulics), PPSA, any lien payouts, and insurance binder. Funds release; you take delivery and mobilize.
Submission checklist (send once, fund faster)
- Application, government ID, void cheque
- 3–6 months business bank statements (personal if new)
- Quote or bill of sale, serials for machine & attachments, lien search, inspection/condition report
- Insurance quote (bind at funding)
- Strength add-ons: awarded contracts/POs, maintenance records, oil samples if available
If admin is slowing you down, feel free to contact our credit analysts—we’ll package and place the file so it clears in one pass.
Pricing levers you control this week
- Clean deposits: Reduce NSFs for 60–90 days; use factoring to smooth receivables.
- Choose marketable spec: Mainstream tonnage (14–35t), documented UC work, strong hydraulics.
- Bring real security: Down payment, refundable deposit, co-signer, or collateral.
- Term/residual: Shorter terms or meaningful residuals reduce total cost even if headline rates look similar.
- One quarterback: Avoid duplicate broker submissions; they create lender conflicts and delays.
Case study: “Two declines to keys by Friday”
Profile: Civil contractor adding a 22-ton excavator for a subdivision servicing package; 13 months in business; winter NSFs on statements.
Structure: 15% effective down via sale-leaseback on a skid steer; 48-month 10% buyout with step-ups from month four; light invoice factoring for 60–90 days to stabilize deposits.
Outcome: Conditional approval in 48 hours; funding on inspection and binder; machine on site for Monday dig schedule.
Why contractors choose Mehmi for excavators
- Seller + Financier: We stock used equipment and can finance it directly or via 30+ Canadian lenders.
- Speed & certainty: Same-day pre-approvals; many deal-ready files fund in 24–48 hours.
- Flexible even with past credit issues: Structures matched to real job timelines and seasonality.
Model payments or talk to us:
Calculator • Financing & Leasing • Refinancing & Sale-Leaseback • Invoice Factoring • Line of Credit & Working Capital • Contact Us • Inventory
Prefer a primer before you proceed? Read:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be approved with sub-650 credit?
Often, yes—if the file shows capacity, real security, and a marketable machine. 10–20% down or a refundable deposit materially improves odds.
Is leasing faster than a non-bank loan?
Usually. Asset-first underwriting helps leases fund in 24–72 hours for ready files; we’ll still model a loan if deposits are strong.
Can soft costs (coupler plumbing, minor recon, transport) be included?
Often within lender limits. Ask early—eligible soft costs can be blended to protect day-one cash.
What if I have no cash for down?
Use a sale-leaseback on an owned asset to create the down, or consider FMV + step-ups with a refundable security deposit.
Do you supply the excavator and the financing?
Yes. Mehmi sells the asset and arranges funding—one accountable partner from quote to keys.
Curious what your monthly payment would be on a specific excavator? Start with the Calculator. When you want a fast, honest assessment—and a structure that will actually fund—feel free to contact our credit analysts: Contact Us.
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