Trade business equipment finance FAQs

Trade businesses (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, scaffolding, warehousing, landscaping) finance crane trucks, service vehicles, forklifts, scissor lifts, and trailers through chattel mortgage, hire purchase, or finance lease structures. Established 2+ year operators with consistent commercial or domestic work have the widest range of structures. Lenders consider asset usage (commercial fit-out, residential service, fleet operation), trading history, and the asset's expected residual value.

Specialty trade equipment including scissor lifts, telehandlers, scaffolding gear, and access platforms can be financed by specialist lenders on the panel. Lenders consider the asset's depreciation profile (scissor lifts vary by mast height and use), your trading history, and the intended work environment (warehouse vs construction site). Established 2+ year operators with consistent commercial work have the widest lender options.

Used crane trucks, service vehicles, and trade-specific assets (up to 10-15 years old) can be financed by specialist lenders. Brand, age, kilometres or hours, body type, and intended use all shape the appraisal. Hino, Isuzu, Hino, Mitsubishi Fuso, and Iveco are well-known across the panel.

No-deposit options are available for established 2+ year trade operators with strong trading history. A voluntary deposit (10-20%) lowers repayments and may broaden lender choice for older specialty assets. Your finance specialist confirms upfront based on the asset, your profile, and the lender's policy at the time.

Pre-approval typically returns within 24 hours of a complete enquiry. Formal approval and settlement usually take 3 to 7 business days, coordinated around your job start date or supplier delivery. For trades with a fixed job mobilisation date or commercial contract, tell us upfront.

Multi-asset trade applications are common for warehousing operators, scaffolding firms, and growing trade businesses. Lenders structure either a master facility covering all assets or separate concurrent chattel mortgages, depending on the total value and your accountant's preference. Combined trading history and asset mix shape the approval pathway.

Trade work mix and revenue source visibility help approval. Trades with consistent commercial contracts (commercial plumbing, electrical fit-outs, scaffolding for civil sites) typically have stronger lender appetite than purely domestic operators. Bank statements showing consistent commercial payments, plus any major contract letters, strengthen the application.

Most applications need: active ABN with 2+ years of trading, driver licence or photo ID, recent bank statements (3-6 months), the asset details and supplier invoice or quote, and the most recent BAS or financial statements. Low-doc options exist for established operators where full financials aren't practical. For fleet additions, existing finance contracts can demonstrate repayment history.

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.