Why “low down” skids the friction off your job start
Skid steers are the Swiss-army knife of Canadian jobsites—grading, backfilling, snow, demo, landscaping, and tight urban work. But tying up cash in a lump down payment slows mobilization. A low-down structure preserves working capital for fuel, parts, payroll, and change orders while the machine starts earning. Mehmi sells equipment directly and builds structures across equipment financing that fit real contractor cash cycles—so you can quote, win, and roll without starving operations.
Price scenarios in minutes with the calculator, then choose the best path for your fleet.
What we finance (and why underwriters care)
Mini and mid-frame skid steers (wheeled and CTL/track), plus attachments: buckets, forks, grapple, broom, auger, breaker, snow push, tilt coupler, grade control, cab heat/AC. Confirm eligibility on Eligible Equipment. Buying from us? Browse current inventory. See sector context on Construction & Contractors and construction equipment expertise.
Underwriters weigh year/hours, undercarriage/track life, maintenance records, and attachment list. Clean files earn longer terms and better pricing—even with a low down payment.
Your financing options (and when each wins)
| Structure |
Ownership Path |
Typical Down |
Monthly Impact |
Best For |
Where to Learn More |
| Equipment Loan |
Own from day one |
~10–20% (can offset via trade/equity) |
Predictable amortization |
Units you’ll keep 6–8+ years |
Loans |
| Equipment Lease |
Use now; buyout at term |
Often minimal due at signing |
Lower payment via residual |
Cash-flow priority / tech refresh |
Leases |
| Equipment Line of Credit (E-LOC) |
Draw per unit/attachment |
As negotiated |
Interest on draws only |
Staggered purchases over a season |
E-LOC |
| Refinancing / Sale-Leaseback |
Sell owned gear; lease it back |
N/A (unlocks cash) |
Replaces ownership with payment |
Funding deposits, payroll, parts |
Sale-Leaseback |
| Asset-Based Lending |
Borrow on assets/AR |
Collateral-driven |
Liquidity buffer |
Seasonal or multi-crew ramp |
ABL |
| In-House Financing |
Mehmi-placed approvals |
Case-by-case |
Flexible |
Startups or unique files |
In-House |
If you’re buying via private sale, we can secure title with Conditional Sales Contracts. Some borrowers may also benefit from CSBFP (subject to lender fit).
How to qualify for a low-down structure (without stretching the business)
- Show active demand: bid awards, emails/LOIs, or recurring POs for snow/landscape/utility.
- Keep banking clean: 3–6 months of statements with steady deposits help approval and pricing.
- Leverage equity smartly: unlock cash from owned gear via sale-leaseback to reduce day-one outlay.
- Bundle attachments: roll approved attachments into financing so cash stays on site.
- Pair with working cash: top up for fuel, insurance, or wear parts using a Working Capital Loan.
Skid steer specifics that change the math
| Item |
Why It Matters |
Financing Nuance |
What To Prepare |
| Hours & Maintenance |
Predicts remaining life |
Lower hours support longer terms |
Service logs, recent PM/repairs |
| Tracks vs. Tires |
Undercarriage cost & wear |
Track life can affect residuals |
Photos of tracks/rollers or tires |
| Attachments Package |
Revenue versatility |
Can be financed with the unit |
Attachment list & quotes |
| Seasonality |
Cash dips between projects |
E-LOC/ABL smooths cash flow |
Pipeline summary & schedules |
Model payments like a pro (5-minute workflow)
- Open the calculator and enter the quoted price (roll taxes/fees if desired).
- Compare loan 60 vs 72 months for total cost vs. payment comfort.
- Run a lease with a modest buyout (e.g., 10%) to drop the monthly without over-inflating the end-of-term obligation.
- Add attachments to the amount and re-run—ensure the payment still fits off-season.
- If deliveries are staged, price an E-LOC so you draw only when each unit arrives.
Documentation that speeds a 24–48h decision
- Government ID, void cheque, business registration/HST
- 3–6 months bank statements (personal if startup)
- Machine specs (year, hours, make/model/serial), photos, service records
- Attachment list and quotes
- Insurance broker contact and target bind date
- Pipeline summary (awards/LOIs, seasonal schedule)
Send your file via Contact Us. Our credit analysts will structure terms around your cash cycle and utilization plan.
Case study: doubling crews with minimal cash out
Profile: Small Ontario contractor expanding snow/landscape routes.
Need: Two mid-frame CTLs plus broom and snow pushers; cash reserved for salt, fuel, and payroll.
Structure:
- Lease both CTLs with 10% buyouts to lower monthly obligation.
- Roll attachments into the lease to avoid upfront cash.
- Use a sale-leaseback on an older wheeled skid steer to fund first-month insurance and onboarding.
Outcome: Units delivered pre-season, monthly spend ~11% lower than an all-loan plan; cash buffer intact for winter startup.
FAQs: Skid Steer Financing (Canada)
Can I get low down as a startup?
Often, yes—pair a sensible contribution with LOIs/contracts and consider In-House Financing for flexibility.
Is leasing cheaper than a loan?
Leasing typically lowers the monthly via a residual; loans can minimize total interest if you’ll keep the unit long-term. Compare both in the calculator.
Do you finance used units and attachments?
Yes—subject to age/condition and documentation. Start at Eligible Equipment.
What if I’m buying via private sale?
We can secure transfer and lien with Conditional Sales Contracts.
Can I add working cash for startup costs?
Yes—pair your deal with a Working Capital Loan or Asset-Based Lending.
How fast is funding?
With a complete file, many approvals are turned in 24–48 hours, subject to credit and asset review. Start via Contact Us.
Ready to price your skid steer with a low-down structure? Run scenarios in the Equipment Financing Calculator, compare Loans vs Leases, stage deliveries with an E-LOC, or unlock equity with Sale-Leaseback. Feel free to contact our credit analysts—Mehmi sells equipment directly and can finance it on terms that fit your seasonality and growth plan.
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