Novuna Business Finance for Compactors
Novuna Business Finance (formerly Hitachi Capital) is one of the UK's largest asset finance providers and operates a digital-first underwriting platform that delivers fast decisions for clean credit profiles. For compactor and roller finance, Novuna is particularly strong on new equipment from main dealers - their appetite for new Bomag, Wacker Neuson, Hamm, and Dynapac machinery is well established.
The combination of competitive rates on new equipment and fast decisions makes Novuna a natural consideration where a contractor is purchasing from a dealer and needs certainty of finance quickly. For more complex cases - adverse credit, older equipment, or non-standard structures - Novuna's digital underwriting may decline where a more relationship-led lender would approve.
As a broker, we use Novuna regularly for new compactor purchases. Their speed on smaller applications (under £150k) is a genuine advantage when contractors are working to tight plant mobilisation timescales.
October 2026 Rate Indicatives
| Asset Type | Finance Type | Indicative Rate | Decision Speed | Min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New drum roller / tandem roller | Hire Purchase | 4.5% – 7% | Same day | £5,000 |
| New plate compactor | Hire Purchase | 5% – 9% | Same day | £5,000 |
| New pedestrian roller | Hire Purchase | 5% – 8.5% | Same day | £5,000 |
| Used roller (under 5 yrs) | Hire Purchase | 6% – 10% | 24–48 hrs | £10,000 |
| Used roller (5–10 yrs) | Hire Purchase | 8% – 12.5% | 24–48 hrs | £10,000 |
| Finance Lease (new equipment) | Finance Lease | 5% – 8% | Same day | £10,000 |
Rates indicative as of October 2026. Digital decisions apply to clean credit profiles with 2+ years filed accounts. Same-day decision applies to applications under £150,000.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Same-day decisions under £150k for clean credits
- Competitive rates on new compaction equipment
- £5,000 minimum - covers lighter compaction plant
- Digital process reduces admin burden for brokers and clients
- Strong appetite for new equipment from recognised dealers
- Both HP and Finance Lease available
Limitations
- Digital underwriting less flexible for adverse credit
- Older equipment (10+ years) attracts higher rates / restrictions
- Complex structures may not suit the digital submission model
- Sole traders assessed more cautiously than limited companies
- Less appetite for very high-value specialist plant