Age Limits by Equipment Type
Harvesters: most specialist lenders fund machines to 12 years old with full SMH log and service history. Machines over 12 years are assessed on a case-by-case basis - a recent head rebuild or engine overhaul significantly improves the case.
Forwarders: similar to harvesters - to 12 years with SMH log and service records. Bogie and crane condition are assessed alongside the machine.
Wood chippers and stump grinders: to 10 years old on hire purchase. Knife, blade and cutter condition is the key factor beyond age.
What is an SMH Log?
An SMH (System Machine Hours) log records the hours worked by each major component of a harvester or forwarder - engine, crane, processing head, drive and transmission. Unlike simple engine hour meters, the SMH log shows which components have been working hardest relative to others.
Specialist lenders increasingly require recent SMH data for machines over 5 years old. Clean SMH data - showing even wear across components - is one of the strongest supporting documents for used forestry equipment finance.
Oil Samples
Oil sample analysis - testing engine oil, hydraulic fluid and transmission fluid for wear metals, contamination and fluid condition - provides lenders with a component health report beyond what service records alone show. Most specialist forestry lenders request oil samples for machines over 7 years old.
Submitting recent (within 6 months) clean oil samples alongside the credit application can reduce the rate by 0.2-0.5% APR and speed up credit decisions significantly.
Where to Buy Used Forestry Equipment
Recognised forestry machinery dealers - including Hawk Plant, Houghton International, Eco Log UK and the dealers for the major OEMs - are well understood by specialist lenders. Auction purchases from specialist forestry auctions (Ritchie Bros, Euro Auctions) are also accepted. Private purchases take longer and require more documentation.