Forestry Equipment Financing in Canada: Top Machines and Financing Solutions

Canada’s forestry sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating significant export revenue. From logging and timber processing to land clearing and site preparation, forestry operations depend on reliable, high-performance equipment to stay productive and competitive.

Machines such as harvesters, skidders, loaders, and processors are essential—but they also come with substantial price tags. For many forestry companies, purchasing equipment outright can strain cash flow and limit growth opportunities. That’s why forestry equipment financing is a key tool for operators looking to expand capacity while preserving working capital.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Top forestry equipment models used in Canada

• Leading forestry equipment brands

• Financing options available to forestry businesses

• How to choose the right structure for your operation

Why Forestry Equipment Financing Matters

Forestry equipment is a major capital investment. Financing allows companies to acquire the machinery they need without tying up large amounts of cash upfront. Instead, payments are structured over time, making it easier to manage operating expenses and plan for growth.

Financing helps forestry businesses:

• Preserve capital for payroll, fuel, and operations

• Maintain steady cash flow

• Upgrade equipment as technology evolves

• Take on larger contracts with confidence

For contractors working in seasonal or project-based environments, structured financing can be the difference between stalled growth and scalable operations.

Top Forestry Equipment Models Used in the Industry

Choosing the right machine impacts productivity, operator efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs. Below are some of the most widely recognized forestry machines used across Canadian operations.

John Deere 1270G Harvester

A flagship forestry harvester known for precision cutting, automation features, and operator comfort. Built for heavy-duty logging, it performs well in challenging terrain and high-production environments.

CAT 559 Knuckleboom Loader

Designed for log handling and loading applications, this machine offers strong lifting capacity and durability for demanding forestry sites.

Komatsu 931XC Harvester

A versatile eight-wheel harvester known for stability, traction, and performance in thinning or clear-cutting operations. Ideal for uneven or soft terrain conditions.

Tigercat 620G Skidder

Built for power and durability, this skidder is widely used in rugged forestry environments where traction and reliability are critical.

Ponsse Scorpion King Harvester

Known for advanced automation and operator ergonomics, this machine is designed to maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Common Types of Forestry Equipment That Can Be Financed

Forestry equipment financing isn’t limited to one machine category. Businesses can finance a wide range of assets, including:

• Harvesters and feller bunchers

• Skidders and forwarders

• Loaders and processors

• Mulchers and grinders

• Road-building equipment

• Log trailers and support machinery

Both new and used forestry equipment may qualify for financing depending on age, condition, and application.

Forestry Equipment Financing Options in Canada

Forestry businesses typically choose between loans, leases, or structured lease-to-own programs depending on their financial strategy.

Equipment Loans

Equipment loans allow companies to purchase machinery outright while spreading payments over a fixed term.

Best for

• Long-term equipment ownership

• Building equity in assets

• Machines with long service life

Advantages

• Ownership after repayment

• Predictable payments

• Interest may be tax-deductible

Equipment Leasing

Leasing allows businesses to use equipment without committing to full ownership upfront.

Best for

• Preserving capital

• Accessing newer equipment

• Managing seasonal cash flow

Leasing is commonly used by forestry operators who upgrade machinery frequently or operate on project-based timelines.

Lease-to-Own Structures

Lease-to-own agreements combine flexibility and ownership. Payments function like a lease but contribute toward eventual ownership.

Best for

• Businesses that want ownership eventually

• Lower upfront investment

• Long-term equipment use

This structure is one of the most common solutions used in heavy equipment financing.

Vendor Financing Programs

Some manufacturers and dealers offer financing directly. While convenient, these programs may have stricter approval criteria or limited flexibility compared to broker-arranged financing.

Government Grants and Forestry Incentives

In some cases, Canadian forestry businesses may qualify for government programs supporting equipment purchases—particularly when investing in sustainability-focused machinery or environmental improvements.

Maintenance and Lifecycle Considerations

When financing forestry equipment, it’s important to factor in long-term operating costs, not just purchase price.

Preventive Maintenance

Routine inspections, fluid changes, and system checks reduce breakdown risk and extend equipment lifespan.

Service and Parts Access

Reliable access to parts and technicians minimizes downtime—critical in remote forestry environments.

Resale Value

Well-maintained equipment retains higher resale value, which can benefit businesses when upgrading or refinancing assets.

Some financing structures can include maintenance packages, helping businesses manage service costs more predictably.

Why Work With EFC Equipment Finance Canada?

Forestry equipment financing often involves high-value machinery, specialized assets, and complex approvals. Working with a broker that understands the industry can significantly improve both approval odds and deal structure.

EFC Equipment Finance Canada specializes in financing heavy equipment for resource industries, including forestry. We work with a wide network of lenders across Canada to structure financing based on:

• Equipment type and age

• Business cash flow

• Credit profile

• Project requirements

We regularly finance:

• Harvesters and skidders

• Logging and processing equipment

• Forestry support machinery

• Single units or full equipment packages

👉 Learn more about our equipment financing solutions:
https://www.equipmentfinancecanada.com/equipment-financing/

👉 Apply here:
https://www.equipmentfinancecanada.com/apply-now/

Final Thoughts

Forestry equipment is essential for safe, efficient, and productive operations—but the cost of acquiring it can be substantial. The right financing solution allows forestry businesses to access the machinery they need while maintaining financial flexibility and preserving capital.

Whether you’re upgrading equipment, expanding operations, or launching new projects, structured financing can help you scale efficiently.

Working with an experienced partner like EFC Equipment Finance Canada ensures your financing is tailored to your operation, your equipment, and your long-term goals.