About Novuna Telehandler Finance
Novuna Business Finance - formerly Hitachi Capital - is one of the UK's largest specialist asset finance lenders, with a strong technology-led underwriting platform that allows fast decisions on standard telehandler finance applications. For businesses buying new JCB 540 or 560 series telehandlers, new Manitou MT or MRT models, or new Merlo equipment from a dealer, Novuna is frequently one of the most competitive options in the market.
Novuna's digital decisioning means that for clean-credit businesses with straightforward requirements, a credit decision can arrive the same day, with documentation and first payment set up within 48 hours. This speed can be important when a dealer has a popular machine in stock and needs a quick decision to secure the purchase.
Novuna is strongest on new equipment. For older used telehandlers - particularly those over five years old - other lenders may offer better terms or broader appetite. This is where a broker comparison matters: we can identify whether Novuna, Close Brothers, Shawbrook or another lender is the right fit for your specific asset and business profile.
Novuna Telehandler Finance Rates Table - October 2026
| Finance Type | Asset | Rate Range | Term | Min Finance | Max Finance | Decision Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | New telehandler | 4.5%–7% | 2–7 yrs | £5,000 | £2m | Same day–24h |
| Hire Purchase | Used <3 yrs | 6%–9% | 2–5 yrs | £5,000 | £1m | 24–48h |
| Hire Purchase | Used 3–7 yrs | 8%–12.5% | 2–4 yrs | £5,000 | £500k | 48–72h |
| Finance Lease | New telehandler | 4.5%–7.5% | 3–7 yrs | £5,000 | £2m | Same day–24h |
| Finance Lease | Used | 7%–12% | 2–5 yrs | £5,000 | £750k | 24–72h |
| Operating Lease | New telehandler | 5%–9% | 3–5 yrs | £15,000 | £2m | 24–48h |
Indicative rates as of October 2026. All subject to credit underwriting. Contact us for a personalised illustration.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Fast digital decisioning - same-day decisions possible for straightforward new telehandler applications
- Highly competitive rates on new telehandlers from JCB, Manitou, Merlo and other leading brands
- Low £5,000 minimum makes them accessible across a wide range of deal sizes
- Operating lease option available for businesses wanting flexible end-of-term arrangements
Limitations
- Less competitive on older used telehandlers - Shawbrook or Close Brothers are stronger here
- Limited appetite for adverse credit - businesses with CCJs or defaults should consider Aldermore or Haydock
- Maximum £2m is lower than Close Brothers (£5m+) for large fleet or high-value purchases
We compare Novuna against the full market of specialist telehandler lenders. One form, multiple lenders, best available rate.