What Is Agricultural Materials Handling Equipment Finance?
Materials handling finance covers any credit facility used to acquire equipment whose primary purpose is moving, lifting, loading or storing agricultural produce or farm inputs. This includes telehandlers (the most commonly financed category), loading shovels, grain augers, conveyor systems, pallet handlers, bale handlers and forklift trucks used on farm.
Finance is available for both new and used equipment, from a broad range of specialist and mainstream lenders. Doulton Bridging Finance accesses the full market on your behalf.
Equipment Categories We Finance
Telehandlers
The most commonly financed category. Agricultural telehandlers from JCB (Loadall), Manitou, Merlo, Claas, Bobcat and others. New and used. HP, finance lease and operating lease available. From 5.7% APR.
Loading Shovels & Handlers
Wheeled loading shovels, grain handlers with hydraulic buckets and push-off systems. Krone, McHale, Reco and own-build handling attachments. Finance available on the prime mover and attachment package.
Grain & Bulk Handling
Grain augers, conveyors, drying and storage ancillaries. Fixed plant can be financed on a lease basis if not permanently fixed to the building fabric. Portable kit on HP.
Bale & Silage Handling
Bale handlers, clamp forks, silage defacers and automated bale handling systems. Usually financed as an attachment package alongside a tractor or telehandler.
Forklift & Pallet
Agricultural forklift trucks and pallet handlers used for feed, chemicals, packaged goods and grain bags. Electric and diesel options. Standard asset finance terms apply.
Multi-Asset Packages
Multiple assets financed under a single facility. Useful for farm diversification projects, new yard builds or whole-farm equipment refreshes. Blended rate available.
Available Finance Structures
| Structure | Ownership | Tax Treatment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase (HP) | Yes (at end) | AIA / capital allowances | Long-term ownership, high-profit years |
| Finance Lease | No | Rentals deductible | VAT-registered, balance-sheet sensitive |
| Operating Lease | No | Rentals fully deductible | Upgrade cycles, seasonal payment profiles |
| Sale & Leaseback | No (leased back) | Rentals deductible | Release equity from existing owned equipment |
| Refinance | Depends | Depends on structure | Replace high-rate existing agreement |
Our Lender Panel - Telehandler & Materials Handling
Black Horse
Part of Lloyds Banking Group. Very competitive on new agricultural equipment including telehandlers from major brands.
Lombard
NatWest Group. Strong track record in agricultural asset finance with dealer relationships across the UK.
Close Brothers
Specialist agricultural finance lender. Particularly strong on Manitou, JCB Loadall and Merlo.
Shawbrook
Good appetite for complex cases and non-standard income structures. Fast turnaround.
Aldermore
Pragmatic approach to newer businesses and adverse credit history.
Others
We also access Bibby Leasing, Wesleyan, Paragon and specialist asset lenders depending on your profile.
How to Apply - What We Need
Asset Details
Make, model, year, specification and estimated value. Invoice or dealer quote if available. For used equipment, a recent valuation or dealer estimate.
Business Information
Trading name, company number (if applicable), time trading, nature of farming operation. Accounts for the last two to three years or SA302s for sole traders.
Finance Requirement
Amount required, preferred term and structure. Whether you have a deposit. Any existing finance on the asset or business that lenders should be aware of.