Komatsu, one of the world's largest construction equipment manufacturers and the maker of the PC-series excavator range, operates a captive finance offering in the UK to support dealer sales. Komatsu Financial (as it's known in the UK market) provides HP and Finance Lease products on new Komatsu machinery, integrated directly into the dealer purchase process.
For UK buyers of the popular PC138, PC210, PC290 or larger Komatsu excavators, the dealer will typically present Komatsu Financial as the first finance option. The rates can be competitive - and during promotional periods tied to model launches or dealer push programmes, may include subsidised rates that represent genuine value. Outside those periods, however, Komatsu Financial's standard pricing is in line with the broader market, and often beatable by independent lenders who aren't constrained to a single brand.
Komatsu Finance vs Independent Broker - Side-by-Side
| Factor | Komatsu Financial | Independent Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Promotional rate | From 4.5% (new Komatsu during promos) | Not applicable - but can compare standard rates |
| Standard rate | 4.5% – 10% APR | 4% – 16% (lender and credit profile dependent) |
| Brand flexibility | New Komatsu only | Any brand, new or used |
| Used machines | Komatsu-certified used only | Any Komatsu (or other brand) - age assessed case by case |
| Approval speed | Dealer-integrated, typically hours | Hours to 48 hours |
| Adverse credit | Limited - mainstream criteria | Specialist lenders available |
| Sole traders | Limited appetite | Multiple lender options including sole trader specialists |
| Finance structures | HP, Finance Lease | HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Refinance |
When Komatsu Financial Wins
- A manufacturer-subsidised promotional rate is running on the specific PC-series model you're buying at the time of purchase
- You're a limited company with clean credit buying a new Komatsu from an authorised dealer
- The dealer can provide written confirmation of the promotional rate and it compares favourably to an independent quote on a total cost of finance basis
- Speed is paramount and the dealer's integrated process means funds will clear faster than a separately arranged finance agreement
When an Independent Broker Wins
- No promotional rate is running, and standard Komatsu Financial rates of 4.5–10% are bettered by independent lenders
- You're buying a used Komatsu excavator - independent lenders have a far broader appetite for second-hand Komatsu plant than the captive lender
- You're a sole trader, partnership or business with adverse credit - Komatsu Financial's criteria are too restrictive
- You want to compare Komatsu against JCB, Volvo or Hitachi without switching between different finance products
- You need an operating lease with a guaranteed residual, or a refinance arrangement on existing Komatsu plant
Rates shown are indicative as of October 2026. Komatsu Financial is a separate entity with no affiliation to Doulton Bridging Finance. We are a broker, not a lender.