Bottom line: Caterpillar Financial Services offers HP from 5.1% APR and Finance Lease from 4.7% APR on new Cat machines from authorised dealers - and periodic 0% promotional deals on selected models. Independent lenders offer new Cat via our panel from 5.9–6.3% APR and used Cat from 6.8% APR, with access for used machines, auctions, and borrowers Cat Financial cannot accommodate. We will assess both routes and present you with a clear comparison.
Cat Financial wins when…
Buying new from a Cat dealer, clean credit, seeking lowest rate Subsidised rates from 5.1% APR HP (and periodic 0% on select models) that independent lenders cannot match on new machines. Available through authorised Cat dealers only, subject to credit approval.
Independent finance wins when…
Used machines, auctions, mixed fleets, adverse credit, or sole traders Cat Financial focuses on new machines from its dealer network. For everything else - used Cat equipment, mixed-brand fleets, auction purchases, or complex borrower profiles - independent lenders provide coverage Cat Financial cannot.
Caterpillar Financial Services UK Rates - October 2026
| Product | Finance Type | Rate From | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Cat - dealer purchase | Hire Purchase | 5.1% APR | Authorised Cat dealer only. New models only. |
| New Cat - dealer purchase | Finance Lease | 4.7% APR | Asset off balance sheet. Lower monthly cost vs HP. |
| Select new Cat models (promotional) | Hire Purchase | 0% (periodic) | Time-limited. Model-specific. Subject to credit approval. |
| Used Cat equipment | - | Limited / not standard | Cat Financial primarily focused on new machines. Used requires independent lender. |
Independent Cat Finance via DBF Panel - October 2026
For used Cat equipment, auction purchases, mixed fleets, or where Cat Financial has declined, our lender panel provides full coverage.
| Asset / Scenario | Finance Type | Rate From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Cat via panel | Hire Purchase | 5.9% APR | From any source. Wider credit criteria than Cat Financial. |
| New Cat - Finance Lease via panel | Finance Lease | 5.4% APR | Close Brothers. Off balance sheet. |
| Used Cat equipment | Hire Purchase | 6.8% APR | Any age. Auction purchases accepted. |
| New Cat - complex credit / sole trader | Hire Purchase | 6.3% APR | Where Cat Financial declines. Aldermore / specialist lenders. |
| Mixed fleet (Cat + other brands) | Hire Purchase | 5.9% APR | One facility covering all manufacturers. Cat Financial cannot fund non-Cat plant. |
Cat Financial vs Independent - Key Differences
| Factor | Cat Financial | Independent via DBF |
|---|---|---|
| New Cat HP rate | From 5.1% APR | From 5.9% APR |
| 0% promotional finance | Periodically available | Not available |
| Used Cat equipment | Not standard | From 6.8% APR |
| Auction purchases | Not accepted | Accepted |
| Non-Cat plant in same deal | Not available | Available |
| Sole traders | Restricted | Via Aldermore and others |
| Adverse credit | Typically declined | Specialist lenders available |
| Purchase source | Authorised Cat dealers only | Dealer, auction, private |
When to Ask for a Cat Financial Illustration
If you are buying a new Caterpillar machine from an authorised dealer, it is always worth asking the dealer for a Cat Financial rate alongside the independent quote we will arrange. The subsidised rate can be genuinely competitive on new machines, and the periodic 0% deals - where available on your chosen model - are difficult to beat on headline rate alone.
However, you should be aware that:
- Cat Financial's credit criteria may not accommodate your business structure, trading history, or credit profile. If they decline, an independent lender is needed.
- Cat Financial rates are only available at the point of dealer purchase - they cannot be applied retrospectively or to private sales and auctions.
- If you plan to buy other brands alongside Cat equipment, you will need an independent lender for at least the non-Cat portion, and often a single facility covering everything is more efficient.
How Doulton Bridging Finance Works with Cat Purchases
When you come to us with a Caterpillar purchase, we assess both routes simultaneously. Where you are buying new from a dealer, we will ask you to obtain a Cat Financial illustration while we approach our independent panel. You then have two formal offers and make an informed choice.
For used Cat equipment, mixed fleets, or where Cat Financial has declined, we work solely with our independent panel to find the most competitive terms available for your specific asset and borrower profile.