Round Balers vs Large Square Balers - Finance Considerations
The type of baler you're financing affects which lender and which finance product suits you best. Here's a practical overview.
Financing Round Balers
Round balers - from compact 120cm machines to high-density variable-chamber models - typically range from £15,000 to £90,000 new. They're widely financed on Hire Purchase over 3–5 years. Most major agricultural lenders (Close Brothers, Black Horse, Lombard) are comfortable with round baler security.
- New: from 5.7% APR on HP
- Used (under 5 yrs): from 6.2%–6.4% APR
- Typical term: 3–5 years
- Deposit: 0–20%
Financing Large Square Balers
Large square balers - Claas Quadrant, Krone BiG Pack, New Holland BB series - are high-value assets ranging from £80,000 to £250,000+ new. They suit longer-term HP (5–7 years) or Finance Lease for contractors. Lombard and Close Brothers are particularly experienced with large square baler transactions.
- New: from 5.8% APR on HP or Finance Lease
- Used (under 6 yrs): from 6.3%–6.5% APR
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Deposit: 0–20%
Combination Baler-Wrappers
Integrated baler-wrapper combinations (Krone Comprima, Fendt Rotana, Lely Welger) have grown rapidly in popularity. They're typically financed as a single asset. Values range from £50,000 to £130,000. Their strong residual values make them attractive security for most agricultural lenders.
Financing Used Balers at Auction
Many farmers buy used balers at agricultural auctions or through dealers. Pre-arranged finance from an independent broker gives you the confidence of a cash buyer. We can pre-qualify you for a budget before you attend an auction, avoiding delays when you win a lot.
Finance Products for Balers Explained
| Finance Type | Ownership | Tax Treatment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase (HP) | Yours at end of term | Capital allowances on full asset cost | Most farmers - simple, clean ownership |
| Finance Lease | Lender's; you use it | Lease payments deductible as revenue expense | Contractors upgrading every 4–5 years |
| Operating Lease | Lender retains risk | Fully deductible; off-balance-sheet | High-value balers; residual value management |
| Sale & Leaseback | Lender's (temporarily) | Release capital from existing asset | Farmers needing liquidity from existing baler |
Tax treatment is general guidance only. Consult your accountant for advice specific to your business structure.
Key Baler Lenders on Our Panel
Close Brothers
Market-leading agricultural lender with strong baler expertise. Particularly flexible on seasonal payment structures for farms with variable cashflows. View Close Brothers rates →
Black Horse
Lloyds Group lender offering competitive fixed rates on new balers. Strong on round and large square balers with straightforward credit processes. View Black Horse rates →
Lombard
NatWest Group - UK's largest asset finance lender. Specialist in large square balers, contractor programmes and package finance. View Lombard rates →
Rates and criteria by lender
How each lender and manufacturer finance scheme on our panel prices this asset in October 2026, and where it fits. Rates are indicative; we compare them all for your case.
Black Horse Baler & Forager Finance - Rates & Terms
The table below shows indicative Black Horse rates for round balers, square balers and self-propelled foragers arranged through Doulton Bridging Finance. Actual rates depend on asset value, term, deposit and credit profile. Contact us for a personalised illustration.
| Equipment Type | Finance Type | Indicative APR | Typical Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Baler (new) | Hire Purchase | From 5.7% APR | 2–5 years |
| Round Baler (used) | Hire Purchase | From 6.2% APR | 2–4 years |
| Large Square Baler (new) | Hire Purchase | From 5.7% APR | 3–7 years |
| Large Square Baler (used) | Finance Lease | From 6.3% APR | 2–4 years |
| Self-Propelled Forager (new) | Finance Lease / HP | From 5.7% APR | 3–7 years |
| Self-Propelled Forager (used) | Hire Purchase | From 6.3% APR | 2–5 years |
| Baler-Wrapper Combination | Hire Purchase | From 6.0% APR | 2–5 years |
Close Brothers Baler & Forager Finance - Rates & Terms
The table below shows indicative Close Brothers rates for round balers, square balers and self-propelled foragers arranged through Doulton Bridging Finance. Actual rates depend on asset value, term, deposit and credit profile. Contact us for a personalised illustration.
| Equipment Type | Finance Type | Indicative APR | Typical Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Baler (new) | Hire Purchase | From 5.9% APR | 2–5 years |
| Round Baler (used, <5 yrs) | Hire Purchase | From 6.4% APR | 2–4 years |
| Square Baler (large, new) | Hire Purchase | From 5.9% APR | 3–7 years |
| Square Baler (used) | Finance Lease | From 6.6% APR | 2–4 years |
| Self-Propelled Forager (new) | Finance Lease | From 5.9% APR | 3–7 years |
| Self-Propelled Forager (used) | Hire Purchase | From 6.5% APR | 2–5 years |
| Trailed Forager | Hire Purchase | From 6.2% APR | 2–5 years |
Lombard Baler & Forager Finance - Rates & Terms
The table below shows indicative Lombard rates for round balers, square balers and self-propelled foragers arranged through Doulton Bridging Finance. Actual rates depend on asset value, term, deposit and credit profile. Contact us for a personalised illustration.
| Equipment Type | Finance Type | Indicative APR | Typical Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Square Baler (new, >£100k) | Hire Purchase | From 5.8% APR | 3–7 years |
| Large Square Baler (used) | Finance Lease | From 6.4% APR | 2–5 years |
| Self-Propelled Forager (new) | Finance Lease | From 5.8% APR | 3–7 years |
| Self-Propelled Forager (>£400k) | Operating Lease | From 5.8% APR | 3–7 years |
| Baler-Wrapper Combination | Hire Purchase | From 6.0% APR | 2–5 years |
| Trailed Forage Harvester | Hire Purchase | From 6.1% APR | 2–5 years |
| Maize Header / Attachments | Hire Purchase | From 6.3% APR | 2–4 years |
CLAAS Finance vs Independent Broker: Which Is Better for CLAAS Self-Propelled Foragers?
When buying CLAAS Self-Propelled Foragers from a CLAAS dealer, you'll typically be offered finance through CLAAS Financial Services. Here's how that compares to using an independent broker like Doulton Bridging Finance.
| Factor | CLAAS Financial Services | Doulton Bridging Finance (Independent) |
|---|---|---|
| Lenders available | 1 (CLAAS Financial Services) | 10+ specialist panel |
| Indicative APR | Dealer rate (varies) | From 5.7% APR |
| Finance products | HP / Finance Lease | HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease |
| Large-ticket expertise (>£300k) | Moderate | High (Lombard, CB specialists) |
| Operating Lease availability | Limited | Full panel access |
| Package finance (JAGUAR + headers) | Sometimes | Available |
| Independent advice | FCA-regulated broker |
Krone Finance vs Independent Broker: Which Is Better for Krone Balers & Foragers?
When buying Krone Balers & Foragers from a Krone dealer, you'll typically be offered finance through Krone Finance. Here's how that compares to using an independent broker like Doulton Bridging Finance.
| Factor | Krone Finance | Doulton Bridging Finance (Independent) |
|---|---|---|
| Lenders available | 1 (Krone Finance) | 10+ on full panel |
| Indicative APR | Dealer rate (varies) | From 5.7% APR |
| Finance products | HP only (typically) | HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease |
| Seasonal payments | Limited | Available from most panel lenders |
| Independent advice | FCA-regulated broker | |
| Market comparison | Full panel search | |
| Refinancing flexibility | Krone network only | Full market access |
Kuhn Finance vs Independent Broker: Which Is Better for Kuhn Balers & Mowers?
When buying Kuhn Balers & Mowers from a Kuhn dealer, you'll typically be offered finance through Kuhn Finance. Here's how that compares to using an independent broker like Doulton Bridging Finance.
| Factor | Kuhn Finance | Doulton Bridging Finance (Independent) |
|---|---|---|
| Lenders available | 1 (Kuhn Finance) | 10+ independent panel |
| Indicative APR | Dealer rate (varies) | From 5.7% APR |
| Used equipment finance | New Kuhn focus | New and used |
| Package finance (baler + mower) | Limited | Available |
| Seasonal payment options | Limited | Available |
| Independent FCA advice | Full broker duty | |
| Early settlement terms | Standard dealer terms | Full market terms |