Combine Harvester Financing in Canada

Start with the harvest deadline, not the payment quote

A combine has a narrow window to do its job. If your current machine is becoming unreliable, or you are adding acres, the purchase plan should begin with when the replacement must be on the farm.

Ask the dealer when the combine will be ready, whether it needs repairs and whether the header is included. Financing is only one part of the timeline. A seller's delivery date, a trade-in payout and required inspections can also affect when you can use the machine.

Raymond Leigh works with farmers and other eligible businesses seeking agricultural equipment financing. We review the information and look for suitable financing partners; the lender makes the credit decision and sets the terms.

What equipment is part of the purchase?

A combine purchase may involve more than the main machine. List each item separately on the quote:

• Combine harvester, with year, make, model, serial number and available hour readings.
• Grain or draper platform, corn head or other header, with identifying details.
• Grain cart and related harvesting equipment, if part of the proposed transaction.
• Included repairs, setup, transport or accessories, each shown clearly rather than assumed to be financeable.

A lender may review a combined purchase differently from a stand-alone attachment or cart. Do not assume an attachment is eligible just because it is used with an eligible combine. Include the full quote so the structure can be assessed.

What matters when the combine is used?

A used combine's price does not explain its condition. The buyer should gather information that helps establish what is being purchased and what work may still be required.

Useful records include engine hours and separator or rotor hours, maintenance history, recent major repairs, photos, inspection findings and details about the header. Different displays and brands report hours differently, so describe the readings as shown on the machine rather than comparing unlike numbers as if they were the same.

If the equipment is coming from an auction or a private seller, check ownership, liens, seller records and the payment deadline separately before committing.

A trade-in with an outstanding loan

If your old combine is being traded in, tell the dealer and financing team whether money is still owed on it. The trade-in allowance is not the same as the cash remaining after the old financing is paid.

Before you sign, ask for the written trade-in details and a current payout statement if there is an outstanding balance. Any lien release and title/ownership questions must be resolved through the applicable parties. Quebec and Ontario have different registration systems; do not treat a simple seller statement as proof that no security interest exists.

What if one machine serves several crops or custom clients?

Explain the expected use in plain language. A combine might cover the farm's own acres, custom harvesting work, or both. If contract harvesting is part of the plan, distinguish booked work from estimates.

That context may help a lender understand the equipment need, but it does not replace a review of the company's finances or guarantee that projected income will be accepted.

Dealer financing versus an additional financing route

A dealer may offer financing through a manufacturer or a participating lender. For example, Farm Credit Canada describes an equipment financing program through participating dealers. That does not mean its terms are available to every buyer or that Raymond Leigh participates in that program.

You can compare the dealer's offer with other options, paying attention to the total cost, fees, cash required, payment dates, ownership and end-of-term terms. Raymond Leigh can assess whether there is a suitable alternative through its own lender network. You do not need to abandon a dealer offer just to ask what other routes may exist.

You can also compare financing routes and the total cost of a loan versus a lease before committing. Review the full lender offer and speak to your accountant about tax treatment.

Can payments follow the harvest?

Some agricultural financing providers may offer payment structures that recognize farm income cycles. Do not assume a seasonal, annual or skipped payment schedule is available through Raymond Leigh. Any schedule must be confirmed for the lender, applicant and machine. Compare the complete obligations, not just the first payment.

For general financing questions about other farm machines, see our tractor financing guide or grain-handling and storage guide. Buying a used combine from an auction or private seller raises additional questions about the seller and machine, whether or not a loan is available.

Checklist before requesting financing

1. A current quote showing the combine and every included attachment.
2. Year, make, model, serial numbers and available hour readings.
3. Used-equipment inspection or service records, if available.
4. Seller and delivery information, including any purchase deadline.
5. Trade-in details and outstanding payout information, where relevant.
6. Information about the farm's current operations and finances that the lender may request.
7. The expected harvest start and how the machine will be used after that season.

Common questions

Can I finance a used combine with many hours?

It may be considered, but the lender decides based on the asset, its condition, the seller, the applicant and the complete deal. Do not rely on a universal hour cutoff.

Can a header be financed without the combine?

That needs a separate lender-fit review. Stand-alone attachments may have different minimum amounts and asset requirements.

Can a trade-in count toward the transaction?

Possibly. The actual net value depends on the trade-in agreement and any loan payout. Confirm how the lender will treat it.

How early should I apply before harvest?

Start once you know the likely machine and seller. There is no guaranteed approval or funding timeline, so do not wait until a non-refundable deadline is imminent.

Is a farm equipment lease always cheaper than a loan?

No. Compare the full contract and discuss accounting or tax treatment with your accountant. An apparent lower payment does not necessarily mean a lower total cost.

Show us the machine and your timing

Send the combine quote, details of the header or cart, the intended delivery date and the trade-in information, if any. Raymond Leigh can review the request and identify potentially relevant financing partners. Approval and terms remain with the lender.

Request equipment financing