Fleet finance FAQs

Fleet operators (across transport, civil, earthmoving, and trade) structure finance for multi-asset acquisitions through master finance facilities, multiple chattel mortgages, or hire purchase arrangements. Established 2+ year fleets with consistent revenue and a clean trading record can negotiate larger facility approvals covering multiple assets in one application. Lenders consider the fleet composition, asset turnover policy, trading history, and the strategic role each asset plays.

A master finance facility is a pre-approved finance limit a fleet operator can draw against for multiple assets over time, typically with a single set of documents and a streamlined approval pathway per draw. It suits fleets adding 3+ assets per year, those replacing assets on a refresh cycle, and operators wanting consistency in structure across the fleet. Your finance specialist negotiates the master limit and structure with your chosen lender.

Chattel mortgage gives ownership and depreciation claims from day one, suiting fleets that hold assets to full useful life. Operating lease keeps assets off the balance sheet under some accounting standards, suiting fleets that turn over assets every 3-5 years. Many fleets blend both - core long-hold assets on chattel mortgage, refresh-cycle assets on operating lease. Your accountant should model both for your specific fleet.

Fleet refresh planning aligns finance maturities with the operator's asset replacement cycle, ensuring assets reach end of finance term around their planned replacement date. Equifund's specialists work with fleet operators on refresh schedules, including matching new finance maturities to existing finance run-off, EOFY-aligned end-of-term, and seasonal asset replacement windows.

EOFY-aligned settlement is standard for fleets timing acquisitions to current-year tax outcomes including instant asset write-off (subject to ATO eligibility). Your finance specialist coordinates with you, the supplier, and the lender to settle before 30 June where the asset is delivered and ready for use. Plan EOFY settlements 4-6 weeks ahead where possible to avoid late-June supplier and lender bottlenecks.

Multi-asset applications need: active ABN with 2+ years of trading, full financial statements (or BAS for low-doc), existing finance schedule showing current facilities, asset turnover policy or refresh plan if applying for a master facility, and details of all assets being financed. Fleets with existing finance history have the advantage of a documented repayment track record.

Fleet consolidation refinance is common when operators move from multiple legacy lenders to one master facility for consistency and admin efficiency. Specialist lenders on the panel handle multi-asset consolidation refinance, with appraisal based on the current asset values, residual remaining on existing facilities, and the operator's trading history. Early-payment fees on legacy contracts should be factored in.

Equifund's specialists work with fleet operators across the refresh lifecycle - master facility setup, asset-by-asset drawdowns, EOFY coordination, refinance and consolidation, and end-of-term decisions on operating-lease returns. A dedicated specialist stays the same through the deal lifecycle, supporting consistency for finance and accounting teams managing multi-asset commercial finance.

Equipment finance is a business loan that lets you buy or lease assets like trucks, machinery, excavators or forklifts without paying the full cost upfront. Repayments are spread over 1 to 7 years, so the cost of the equipment is matched to the income it generates, rather than paid upfront in one lump sum.

A lender funds the purchase, you make regular repayments over an agreed term, and ownership depends on the product type. A broker compares multiple lenders to find a structure and rate that fits your business.

Australia's most popular equipment finance structure. You own the asset from day one, and the lender holds a registered charge over it as security. You can claim the GST input tax credit upfront, plus depreciation and interest deductions. The charge is removed once the loan is repaid.

Hire purchase sits between a chattel mortgage and a lease. The lender owns the asset during the term, and ownership transfers to you automatically once the final payment is made. You can claim depreciation and interest deductions. Less common today than chattel mortgage.

The lender owns the asset and leases it to your business for a fixed term. You pay regular rentals and use the asset as if you owned it. At term end you can purchase, extend, or return it. Rentals are 100% tax deductible.

A rental arrangement where you use the asset for a period without obligation to own it. The lessor carries residual risk. Common for vehicles and fast-depreciating equipment. Repayments are a business expense; you cannot depreciate the asset or claim ownership-related tax benefits.

Chattel mortgage is the most popular structure for established Australian operators because it gives ownership from day one and may allow depreciation and GST claims subject to ATO eligibility. Hire purchase suits operators who want fixed repayments with ownership at end of term. Finance lease and operating lease suit those who want lower upfront commitment with a return option. Your finance specialist models the options against your tax position before you sign. Chattel mortgage suits owners who want depreciation. Finance lease suits operators who upgrade often. Operating lease suits short-term use. Our brokers assess your situation and recommend the most beneficial structure.

No-deposit options are available for established 2+ year operators with the right asset and trading profile. A voluntary deposit can lower your repayments and may broaden lender options, especially for older or specialist assets. Your finance specialist will tell you whether a deposit is needed for your scenario.

Equipment finance is treated as a business expense with deductibility varying by structure (subject to ATO eligibility). Chattel mortgage allows depreciation of the asset value plus deduction of interest payments. Finance lease allows deduction of the full lease payment. Operating lease payments are fully deductible as a rental expense. Your accountant should confirm the treatment for your specific business and lodgement. See ATO depreciation guidance. Chattel mortgage: deduct interest and depreciation. Finance or operating lease: payments are 100% tax deductible. The instant asset write-off may allow the full asset cost to be deducted in the purchase year.

This information is general only and not financial or tax advice. Speak to your accountant about your specific situation.

Equifund earns a brokerage fee on settlement that is disclosed in writing in your quote before you sign anything. Pre-approval and quotes are obligation-free with no charges if you don't proceed. There are no surprise fees. Equifund Financial Group is a fully licensed broker (ACN 647 510 790, Australian Credit Licence 389328). Commissions are disclosed before you proceed. On complex deals a broker fee may apply, and we discuss it upfront.

Banks lend on their own single policy. Brokers compare 80+ Australian lenders to find a policy that matches your business profile, asset type, industry and timing. For specialist assets, used equipment, seasonal industries or non-standard structures, a broker often opens options that a single bank simply can't approve.

Rate is influenced by lender policy, your trading history, asset type and age, deposit amount, loan term and the structure you choose. Equifund compares the policy and pricing of 80+ Australian lenders to find the structure and lender best suited to your scenario. Your exact rate is confirmed in writing in your quote before you sign anything.