Close Brothers & Piling Rig Finance
Piling rigs are among the most specialist and high-value items of construction equipment that UK lenders finance. CFA rigs, rotary rigs, and driven pile equipment from Bauer, Liebherr, Soilmec, Junttan, and RTG represent significant capital investment - frequently from £300,000 to £3 million or more for the largest CFA and rotary platforms. Close Brothers is one of a small number of independent lenders with genuine underwriting knowledge and appetite for these assets.
For specialist foundation contractors, sheet piling companies, and geotechnical businesses, Close Brothers is typically among the first lenders we approach. Their relationship-led credit process is better suited to these complex, high-value specialist assets than digital-first underwriting platforms.
October 2026 Rate Indicatives
| Asset Type | Finance Type | Indicative Rate | Term | Asset Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFA rig (e.g. Bauer BG 28, Soilmec SR-30) | Hire Purchase | 4.5% – 8% | 3–7 yrs | £500k – £2.5m |
| Rotary rig (new, Liebherr LB 16–30) | Hire Purchase | 4.5% – 7% | 3–7 yrs | £500k – £3m |
| Driven pile rig (used, <8 yrs) | Hire Purchase | 6% – 10% | 3–5 yrs | £100k – £800k |
| Micro-piling rig | Hire Purchase | 5.5% – 9% | 3–5 yrs | £50k – £300k |
| Used CFA rig (3–8 yrs old) | Hire Purchase | 6% – 12% | 3–5 yrs | £200k – £1.5m |
| Piling rig - Finance Lease | Finance Lease | 5% – 9% | 3–7 yrs | £100k+ |
Rates indicative as of October 2026. High-value piling rig applications (>£500,000) require audited accounts and a strong balance sheet.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Genuine appetite for CFA and rotary piling rigs
- Relationship-led underwriting suits specialist piling applications
- No practical upper limit - £5m+ considered for the right credit
- New and used piling rigs from all major brands
- Both HP and Finance Lease available
- Experience with specialist foundation contractor lending
Limitations
- High-value cases require strong accounts and balance sheet
- Sole traders and new businesses face significant scrutiny
- Decision time longer for specialist assets (>£500k)
- Very old or non-standard rigs may face advance restrictions