Equipment & Machinery Finance Australia

How Equipment Finance Works in Australia

Equipment finance lets businesses acquire machinery, tools, and technology without paying the full cost upfront. A lender funds the purchase and you repay in regular instalments over an agreed term — typically 2 to 7 years depending on the asset's useful life.

The equipment itself serves as security for the finance, which means you don't need to put up property or other collateral. This makes equipment finance one of the most accessible forms of business lending in Australia.

Equipment Types We Cover

• Manufacturing: CNC machines, lathes, milling machines, 3D printers, injection moulding equipment
• Warehousing: Forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyor systems, racking solutions
• Hospitality: Commercial ovens, coolrooms, coffee machines, fit-out equipment
• Medical: Dental chairs, imaging equipment, CPAP machines, surgical instruments
• Printing: Offset presses, digital printers, large-format printers, binding equipment
• Technology: Servers, networking hardware, point-of-sale systems
• Workshop: Compressors, welders, hoists, spray booths, panel beaters' equipment

Indicative Equipment Finance Rates

Updated June 2026 • Rates are indicative only and subject to lender approval, credit profile, asset age, and loan amount.

*Rates depend on your credit score, time in business, asset age, deposit, and loan term. View our full rates guide →

Finance Structures for Equipment

The right structure depends on whether you want to own the equipment, your GST registration, and your cash-flow priorities.

Chattel Mortgage

Often considered for equipment a business expects to keep. The borrower owns the asset while the lender takes security; eligible GST credits, interest and depreciation depend on business use and current tax rules.

Finance Lease

The financier owns the equipment during the term and leases it to the business. Eligible business-use lease costs may be deductible. Check the residual, upgrade path and end-of-term conditions.

Operating Lease

A true rental — you use the equipment and hand it back at the end. No residual risk, no asset on your balance sheet. Ideal for technology or equipment with a short useful life that you'd replace within 3–4 years anyway.

Eligibility Requirements

• Active ABN — GST registration preferred but not required
• 12+ months trading history (start-up options available for certain equipment types)
• Clean credit history — no current defaults
• Proof of income — BAS returns, tax returns, or bank statements
• Quote or invoice for the equipment

Equipment under $150K from an established business often qualifies for a simplified "low doc" process. Larger purchases may require full financials.

Tax Benefits of Equipment Finance

• Instant Asset Write-Off: Eligible equipment can be fully deducted in Year 1 under the current threshold — delivering significant tax savings
• Depreciation: Under chattel mortgage, claim depreciation over the asset's effective life (varies by equipment type)
• Interest Deductions: The eligible business-use portion of interest may be deductible
• GST Input Credit: Claim ~$10,900 GST on $120,000 equipment immediately
• Lease Deductions: Eligible business-use lease costs may be deductible

Tax benefits depend on your individual circumstances and the current ATO rules. Always consult a qualified tax professional.

Equipment Finance FAQs

Related Equipment Finance Guides

Equipment Finance by State

Lender rates are national, but local industry demand, preferred lenders, and broker access vary by region. Find state-specific guidance below.