Finance new or used Cat equipment — excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, and more — with same-day approval and funding in as little as 4 hours. We serve contractors, owner-operators, and fleet managers across Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and all of Arizona.
"Got our Cat 320 funded in under 6 hours. Best equipment lender we've worked with in 12 years of contracting in the Valley."
— Mesa, AZ General Contractor
Caterpillar is the dominant brand on Arizona job sites — from the I-10 expansion through Chandler to the residential subdivisions pushing out into Queen Creek and Maricopa. Cat iron holds its value, performs in extreme heat, and carries dealer support throughout the state. It is also expensive. A new Cat 320 excavator lists above $250,000. A D6 dozer runs $350,000 to $450,000. Even used, well-maintained Cat machines command strong prices.
Phoenix Equipment Finance provides direct equipment loans and leases for Caterpillar equipment — independent of Cat Financial and dealer financing programs. That independence matters: we are not limited to new machines, we are not tied to dealer inventory, and we can move faster than a manufacturer's captive finance arm. Most Arizona applicants receive a credit decision within 4 business hours.
We finance Cat equipment purchased from Arizona Cat dealers (Papé Machinery, Empire Southwest), private sellers, auction platforms (Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, Purple Wave), and out-of-state dealers. The machine just needs to be in the continental U.S. at time of funding.
Arizona's construction market is one of the fastest-growing in the country. The East Valley alone — Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek — is adding thousands of housing units per year, all requiring site work, utilities, and infrastructure. If you are a contractor, owner-operator, or fleet manager operating in this market, having the right Cat iron available when a contract lands is not optional. Waiting 60–90 days for bank approval is not a viable strategy. We are built for speed.
We finance the full Cat lineup — new, used, and auction-purchased machines across all major product families.
Site work, trenching, demolition
Grading, land clearing, earthmoving
Material handling, stockpiling, loading
Road building, finish grading, base prep
Utility work, landscaping, small excavation
Tight access work, landscaping, utilities
Mass earthmoving, quarry, mine haul
Landfill, road base, embankment compaction
Don't see your model? We finance all Cat product families including power systems, generator sets, and specialty attachments. Call us to confirm eligibility.
We are an independent lender — not a dealer, not a manufacturer's captive. That gives you advantages you won't get at the dealership.
Most Arizona applicants receive a full credit decision within 4 business hours — not days. Same-day funding is available for qualified borrowers. Your Cat machine can be on the job site the day you apply.
We work with excellent, good, fair, and rebuilding credit. Startups and businesses under 2 years old qualify through our dedicated startup program. No file is automatically declined based on score alone.
Cat equipment holds its value — which means lenders view it as strong collateral. That translates to competitive rates on Cat loans and leases, often better than what you'd get on a generic equipment loan.
Finance Cat equipment from any source: Arizona dealers, private sellers, Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, Purple Wave, or out-of-state. We are not limited to dealer inventory or new machines.
Loans, leases, sale-leasebacks, and seasonal payment plans. 24 to 84 month terms. Step-up payments for growing businesses. We structure deals around your cash flow — not a one-size-fits-all template.
We understand the Phoenix metro construction cycle, the East Valley build-out, and how Arizona's heat and terrain affect equipment utilization. Our underwriters know Cat iron and the Arizona market.
Every deal is different. We offer four structures to match your ownership goals, tax situation, and cash flow.
Own the Cat machine outright from day one. Fixed monthly payments over 24–84 months. Best for equipment you plan to keep long-term or run hard. You build equity and can sell or trade at any time.
Lower monthly payments with a buyout option at end of term. Ideal for contractors who upgrade equipment every 3–5 years or want to preserve working capital. Operating leases may qualify for off-balance-sheet treatment.
Already own Cat equipment free and clear? We can buy it from you and lease it back — putting immediate cash in your hands while you keep using the machine. Typical advance: 70–85% of fair market value.
In business less than 2 years? Our startup program evaluates personal credit, industry experience, and down payment. Many first-year Arizona contractors qualify for Cat equipment financing with 20–30% down.
Cat equipment financing serves a wide range of Arizona businesses — from a single owner-operator buying their first excavator to a regional contractor adding to a 20-machine fleet. Here is who we work with most often.
Grading, excavation, utility installation, and site prep across the Phoenix metro. Cat excavators and dozers are the backbone of East Valley residential and commercial development.
Single-machine operators who subcontract to GCs or take direct work. Financing a Cat machine is often the step that takes an operator from employee to business owner.
Compact Cat machines — skid steers, compact track loaders, backhoes — are essential for Arizona landscaping, hardscaping, and residential grading work.
Water, sewer, gas, and electrical contractors running Cat excavators and backhoes for trenching and installation across Maricopa County.
Arizona's aggregate industry runs Cat wheel loaders, articulated trucks, and motor graders. We finance large iron for quarry and mining operations statewide.
Arizona's extreme summer heat — regularly above 115°F in the Phoenix metro — accelerates wear on hydraulic systems, cooling components, and undercarriage. When financing used Cat equipment, we factor in operating environment. Machines with documented cooling system maintenance and undercarriage inspections are viewed more favorably in underwriting.
Arizona contractors frequently source Cat equipment from Ritchie Bros. auctions in Phoenix and Tucson, as well as online platforms like IronPlanet and Purple Wave. We are experienced in financing auction purchases — including pre-approvals before the auction date so you can bid with confidence.
Arizona construction slows in July and August due to heat and monsoon season. If your revenue is seasonal, we offer step-up payment structures and seasonal payment plans that reduce your obligation during slow months and increase it during peak season.
The Phoenix metro has an active private market for used Cat equipment — contractors selling machines between jobs or upgrading. We finance private party Cat purchases with the same speed as dealer transactions. A bill of sale and clean title are the primary requirements.
Arizona's two primary Cat dealers — Empire Southwest (headquartered in Mesa) and Papé Machinery — both work with independent lenders. If you are purchasing from either dealer, our financing can be used as an alternative to or in addition to dealer financing options.
We keep documentation requirements lean. Most Arizona applicants can complete the process entirely online.
Not sure what you need? Start the application — our team will tell you exactly what's required for your specific deal.
| Factor | Standard Program | Startup Program |
|---|---|---|
| Time in Business | 2+ years | Under 2 years OK |
| Credit Score | 580+ FICO (650+ for best rates) | 600+ personal FICO |
| Down Payment | 0–10% (strong credit) | 20–30% typically required |
| Annual Revenue | $100K+ preferred | Projections accepted |
| Equipment Age | Up to 10 years old | Up to 7 years old |
| Loan Amount | $25K – $2M | $25K – $250K |
| Terms | 24 – 84 months | 24 – 60 months |
These are guidelines, not hard cutoffs. Every application is reviewed individually. Exceptions are made for strong collateral, industry experience, or compensating factors.
Common questions from Arizona contractors and owner-operators financing Cat equipment.
Phoenix Equipment Finance is Arizona's independent Cat equipment lender. No dealer markup on financing. No manufacturer restrictions. Just fast, direct funding for the Cat iron you need to win more work.