Forestry Equipment Financing: What Logging and Timber Operators Need to Know

Logging, timber harvesting, and land management depend on equipment that is not only capable, but durable enough to take a beating. Skidders, feller bunchers, chippers, loaders, forwarders, and harvesters are the backbone of the operation. When a major component fails or a contract requires added capacity, you need financing options that work as hard as you do.

This guide breaks down what lenders look for when approving forestry equipment financing and how to prepare your best application.

We Finance Forestry Equipment Up to 20 Years Old

A lot of traditional lenders avoid older or high-hour equipment. We do not take that approach. Well-maintained forestry equipment holds its value and can work profitably for years.

Age and condition matter, but approvals are possible when the asset still has productive life.

What lenders typically review:

• Model year and hours

• overall condition

• Service history and maintenance practices

• Relative comp values

  
  

Older equipment often supports strong approvals when documentation is complete and condition is verified.

App Only Financing Up to $300,000

Many loggers and operators do not want the hassle of full financial packaging. For qualifying buyers, we can approve:

• Up to $300,000

• Based on credit and bank statements

• Without requiring tax returns or full financials

  
  

This allows you to move quickly when a deal comes up on the resale market or when you need a machine in the field immediately.

What You Will Need for Used Equipment

Used machinery financing is common, especially for seasoned operators. To protect everyone involved, lenders typically request:

• Photos of the equipment from several angles

• Serial plate and hour meter images

• Basic condition report

• Occasionally a third-party inspection for higher-risk assets (lenders will request this on a case-by-case basis and contract a third party prior to funding)

  
  

Having these ready upfront speeds approval and prevents surprises later.

Support When Manufacturer Financing Falls Short

Not every application gets through captive finance departments. That does not mean the deal is dead.

We help logging companies:

• Get approvals when OEM financing declines

• Structure more flexible terms

• Consider additional collateral or down payment options

• Strategically review credit profiles to improve terms

  
  

A good financing partner understands the industry. We do not back away just because a captive lender says no.

Better Terms With Stronger Credit Profiles

Forestry equipment is a major investment. The stronger your credit profile, the better your options.

What helps qualify for the most favorable approvals:

• 650+ FICO for top programs

• Consistent business bank activity

• A history of paying equipment loans on time

• Reasonable balances on revolving debt

  
  

If your credit needs improvement, there are still options. We can put together a plan for future purchases while helping you secure financing today.

The Bottom Line

Forestry is unpredictable. Equipment financing should not be.

Whether replacing a downed skidder or expanding your fleet to take on bigger timber contracts, the right funding partner helps you:

• Reduce downtime

• Preserve cash for operating expenses

• Match payments to production revenue

• Stay ahead of aging equipment before it costs you a contract

  
  

If you are ready to finance new or used machinery, we are here to help you move forward and stay productive.

   About the Author

   Jared Holmes is the founder of Brilliance Funding Partners, where he helps business owners navigate the commercial lending landscape with confidence. With 10 years of hands-on experience in SBA lending, equipment financing, and working capital solutions, Jared focuses on asking the right questions and delivering financing strategies that make sense for each business. Connect with Jared for a personalized conversation about your options.