Calculate monthly repayments for micro, mini, and compact excavators by weight class. Includes 5-year true cost of ownership with fuel, undercarriage, and service costs — and instant asset write-off analysis.
From 6.5%
Chattel Mortgage Rate p.a.
1–7 Years
Finance Terms Available
$20k Write-Off
For Eligible Micro Excavators
⛏️ Mini Excavator Repayment Calculator
📈 Your Finance Summary
Monthly Repayment
$896
Total Interest
$8,760
Total Repayable
$53,760
Weekly Repayment
$207
Finance Amount
$45,000
GST Credit (if reg.)
$4,091
📄 Tax Deduction Summary
Instant write-off eligible?Check below
Year 1 tax deduction$45,000
Estimated tax saving (25%)$11,250
Effective after-tax cost$33,750
Tax deductions require business use. Consult your accountant. Year 1 deduction for non-write-off assets is 15% of cost via SBE pool.
📈 5-Year True Cost of Ownership
Finance repayments are only part of the story. Here's the full 5-year ownership cost estimate based on your inputs.
Undercarriage wear & tracks (est.)$3,200 over 5 yrs
Annual servicing & filters$7,500 over 5 yrs
Insurance (plant & equipment)$7,500 over 5 yrs
Total 5-year ownership cost (est.)$120,360
Cost per hour (based on 800 hrs/yr)$30.09/hr
Fuel cost assumes diesel at $2.20/L. Undercarriage life varies widely by soil conditions. Estimates are indicative guidance only.
Chattel Mortgage vs Finance Lease: Which Is Better?
Most Popular
Chattel Mortgage
OwnershipYours from day 1
GST on purchaseClaimable upfront
DepreciationInstant write-off / SBE pool
Interest deductionYes — each year
Monthly repayment$896/mo
Balance sheetOn balance sheet
Finance Lease
OwnershipLender owns; you use
GST on purchaseSpread over lease term
DepreciationNot claimable (lender's asset)
Lease payment deductionFull payment deductible
Monthly repayment$855/mo (lower)
Balance sheetMay be off balance sheet
Mini & Micro Excavator Finance in Australia: 2026 Guide
Mini and micro excavators are the fastest-growing segment of construction equipment in Australia. Their compact footprint and versatility — suited to landscaping, utilities, residential construction, and rural work — make them attractive to sole traders, small builders, and large contractors alike. In 2026, brand-new machines range from around $20,000 for a micro (0.8t) to over $150,000 for a compact 6-tonne unit.
Weight classes explained
Micro (0.8–1.5t): Best for tight access — house extensions, swimming pools, garden work. New price ~$20,000–$35,000. Often walk-behind or zero-tail-swing. Can qualify for $20k instant write-off.
Mini 1.5–2.5t: The most popular size for landscapers and small builders. New price ~$35,000–$60,000. Brands: Kubota U25, Yanmar SV26, Bobcat E26.
Mini 2.5–3.5t: Suitable for utility trenching, urban construction, tree removal. New price ~$55,000–$90,000.
Compact 3.5–5t: Suited to commercial civil work, pipeline, and road projects. New price ~$80,000–$130,000.
Compact 5–7t: Near-full-size performance in a compact footprint. New price ~$120,000–$180,000.
New vs used — what lenders prefer
Lenders generally prefer new or near-new (under 3 years old) excavators as security. Used machines can still be financed, but lenders look closely at: machine age, operating hours, service records, and whether a recent inspection has been completed. Rates on used equipment are typically 0.5–1.5% higher.
Understanding the 5-year true cost
When evaluating whether to buy vs rent vs hire a mini excavator, total cost of ownership matters more than the purchase price. Fuel, undercarriage wear, and servicing are often underestimated. For a 1.5–2.5t mini excavator used 800 hours/year:
Fuel: ~5–7 L/hr at $2.20/L = $8,800–$12,320/year
Undercarriage (rubber tracks): Replace every ~1,500–2,000 hours = ~$3,000–$6,000/set
If you're using an excavator more than 2–3 days per week, buying and financing will typically beat hire rates within 12–18 months. At $800–$1,200/day for dry hire of a 2t mini, your own machine on chattel mortgage at $900/month will break even in months, not years — especially with the tax advantages of ownership.
Mini Excavator Finance FAQ
How much deposit do I need to finance a mini excavator?▼
No deposit is required for new excavators from most lenders, particularly for established businesses. Startups or businesses with less than 2 years trading history may be asked for 10–20% deposit. A deposit reduces monthly repayments and may improve your rate.
Can a sole trader finance a mini excavator?▼
Yes. Sole traders are eligible for chattel mortgage and equipment finance. You'll need proof of income (tax returns or BAS statements), an ABN, and GST registration is recommended to claim the GST credit on the purchase price.
Can I add attachments to my finance package?▼
Yes. Most lenders will finance the excavator and attachments (buckets, augers, rippers, tilt rotator) as a single package. Ask your broker to include all attachment costs in the finance amount to simplify accounting and potentially improve your write-off position.
What is the GST treatment on a chattel mortgage for an excavator?▼
If you are GST-registered, you can claim the full GST on the purchase price as an input tax credit in the BAS period of purchase. This is a significant cash flow benefit — for a $45,000 excavator, the GST credit is approximately $4,091.
Finance Your Mini Excavator Today
Our network of equipment finance specialists can structure your mini or micro excavator purchase to maximise tax benefits, minimise monthly repayments, and get you on site fast. Most approvals happen in 24 hours for pre-qualifications.