Lombard (NatWest) for Piling Rig Finance
Lombard Asset Finance is the lender of choice for the very largest piling rig finance requirements - assets of £500,000 to £3m or more from established foundation contractors with strong balance sheets. Their structured finance team has specific experience with specialist geotechnical plant, and they are one of very few lenders that can properly underwrite a £2m+ Bauer BG series CFA rig.
Lombard's minimum of £25,000 and their insistence on strong credit means they are not appropriate for every piling rig application. But where the credit profile supports it, Lombard offers some of the most competitive large-ticket rates in the construction equipment market.
October 2026 Rate Indicatives
| Asset Type | Finance Type | Indicative Rate | Term | Min Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New large CFA rig (£1m+) | Hire Purchase | 4% – 6.5% | 5–7 yrs | £500,000 |
| Rotary rig (Liebherr LB 24+) | Hire Purchase | 4% – 7% | 5–7 yrs | £500,000 |
| Used piling rig (<5 yrs) | Hire Purchase | 5.5% – 9% | 3–5 yrs | £200,000 |
| Piling rig fleet facility | Finance Lease | 4.5% – 7.5% | 5–7 yrs | £500,000 |
| Junttan PM driven pile rig | Hire Purchase | 5% – 8% | 4–7 yrs | £250,000 |
Rates indicative as of October 2026. Lombard requires 3+ years filed accounts, strong EBITDA, and typically personal guarantees for assets above £1m.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Best rates for large piling rigs (from 4%)
- Appetite for £1m–£3m+ piling rig transactions
- Structured finance team for complex multi-rig facilities
- NatWest Group relationship supports large transactions
- Long terms (5–7 years) to manage cashflow on large assets
Limitations
- Strong credit essential - adverse profiles not considered
- Minimum £25,000 - smaller micro-piling rigs excluded
- Underwriting process is detailed and time-consuming
- New businesses not accommodated