Novuna Business Finance - formerly Hitachi Capital - has built a strong reputation for fast, practical equipment finance for UK construction businesses. Their rough terrain forklift finance offering is particularly competitive for new equipment, where their dealer network relationships and decision speed make them a standout choice.
With a minimum deal size of £5,000, same-day to 24-hour decision capability and rates starting at 4.5%, Novuna suits a broad range of construction businesses - from sole traders buying their first site forklift to growing groundwork contractors adding to their fleet.
Novuna Rough Terrain Forklift Finance Rates - October 2026
| Finance Type | Rate Range (APR) | Term | Min. Amount | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP - New Equipment | 4.5% – 9% | 24–60 months | £5,000 | New Manitou, JCB, Merlo RT forklifts |
| HP - Used Equipment | 7% – 12.5% | 12–48 months | £5,000 | Used construction site forklifts |
| Finance Lease | 5% – 10.5% | 24–60 months | £5,000 | VAT-registered, tax efficiency |
| Operating Lease | 6% – 12.5% | 12–48 months | £10,000 | Where residual is manageable |
| SME / New Business | 8% – 12.5% | 12–36 months | £5,000 | <3 years trading, new entrants |
Where Novuna Excels for Construction Forklift Finance
Novuna's particular strengths in the construction equipment finance market:
- New equipment deals: Their dealer network integration means competitive rates on new rough terrain forklifts, often with fast-track approval
- Speed: Same-day decisions available for clean applications on standard equipment under £100,000
- SME appetite: More flexible on trading history than some bank-backed lenders; businesses with 1–2 years' accounts regularly approved
- Low minimum: £5,000 minimum covers entry-level and used rough terrain forklifts
- Construction familiarity: Novuna's portfolio includes significant construction equipment exposure; underwriters understand site forklift use cases
Equipment Novuna Finance on Construction Sites
- Rough terrain forklifts - Manitou MT range, JCB Teletruk, Merlo Panoramic, Bobcat
- New construction site equipment from franchised and independent dealers
- Site dumpers and compact tracked equipment (where material handling is primary use)
- Industrial counterbalance forklifts for yard and site use
- Compact rough terrain lifters and all-terrain pallet movers
Strengths and Limitations
Fast decisions - same day available
Novuna's decision speed is one of their greatest assets for contractors with tight delivery windows or equipment needed urgently on site.
Competitive for new equipment
Rates from 4.5% for new rough terrain forklifts from recognised manufacturers. Strong dealer integrations can occasionally unlock promotional pricing.
£5,000 minimum - wide access
From sole traders to growing SMEs, the low minimum means Novuna can fund a wide spectrum of construction forklift purchases.
Less competitive on older used equipment
Novuna's rates for older used equipment are higher than their new equipment pricing. For a 5+ year old rough terrain forklift, alternatives may be sharper.
Not their strongest product for adverse credit
While Novuna is more flexible than some lenders, they are not the primary route for applicants with significant adverse credit. Specialist lenders or Aldermore may be better positioned.
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