What Can I Finance?

What Can I Finance for My Business?

Quick answer

Businesses can finance a wide range of income-producing assets, including vehicles, machinery, tools, medical equipment, hospitality equipment, technology and renewable-energy systems.

Both new and used equipment may be eligible. The lender will consider the asset’s purpose, age, value, condition and resale market. Asset finance can be used to access new or used vehicles and equipment without paying the full cost upfront.

Commercial vehicles

Common examples include:

• utes

• vans

• light and heavy trucks

• buses and coaches

• prime movers

• refrigerated vehicles

• trailers

• fleet vehicles

• specialist service vehicles

The vehicle will generally need to be used mainly for business or commercial purposes.

Construction and earthmoving equipment

Businesses may be able to finance:

• excavators

• skid steers

• loaders

• graders

• compactors

• cranes

• access equipment

• concrete equipment

• generators

• attachments

Used machinery may also be considered, although older equipment may have different loan terms or deposit requirements.

Agricultural equipment

Examples include:

• tractors

• harvesters

• balers

• sprayers

• irrigation systems

• livestock equipment

• utility vehicles

• farm machinery

Seasonal cash flow and the expected useful life of the asset may influence the preferred finance structure.

Hospitality equipment

Hospitality businesses may finance:

• commercial ovens

• coffee machines

• refrigeration

• kitchen equipment

• point-of-sale systems

• furniture

• fit-out components

• food-production equipment

A complete fit-out may require a combination of equipment finance and business lending, particularly where some costs are not tied to a readily identifiable asset.

Medical and healthcare equipment

Potential assets include:

• diagnostic equipment

• dental chairs and imaging systems

• ultrasound machines

• surgical equipment

• laboratory equipment

• treatment systems

• practice technology

Highly specialised equipment may require a lender familiar with the relevant industry and asset.

Manufacturing and warehouse equipment

Examples include:

• CNC machines

• production lines

• packaging equipment

• forklifts

• pallet racking

• refrigeration systems

• robotics and automation

• material-handling equipment

Technology and office equipment

Businesses may finance:

• computers and servers

• telecommunications equipment

• security systems

• printing equipment

• specialised software and hardware packages

• office fit-outs and furniture

• 
  

Whether software or intangible costs can be included will depend on the lender and finance structure.

Renewable-energy equipment

Examples include:

• commercial solar systems

• batteries

• charging infrastructure

• energy-efficient machinery

• 
  

Some lenders have specific finance options for eligible energy-efficient vehicles or equipment.

What may be harder to finance?

Finance may be more limited for:

• very old equipment

• highly customised assets

• equipment with little resale value

• assets in poor condition

• assets purchased without adequate ownership documentation

• predominantly private-use assets

This does not always mean finance is impossible, but the lender may ask for a larger deposit or additional information.

Practical example

A growing bakery needs:

• a commercial oven

• refrigeration

• delivery van

• point-of-sale system

• shop fit-out

The oven, refrigeration and van may suit equipment finance. Some fit-out and working-capital costs may need a different business-lending structure.

Common questions

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes, subject to lender and asset criteria.

Can I buy equipment from a private seller?

Potentially. The lender may require an inspection, valuation and evidence of ownership.

Can I finance several assets at once?

Yes. Multiple assets may be financed together or under separate agreements depending on the purchases and timing.

Can the financed asset be used as security?

Often, yes. Business.gov.au notes that vehicles or equipment being purchased can often secure the loan.

Key takeaways

• A wide range of business assets may be financed.

• New and used equipment can both be considered.

• Asset age, value and resale market matter.

• Fit-outs and intangible costs may require business lending.

• The right structure depends on both the asset and the business.

Not sure whether an asset can be financed?

Tattersalls Finance can review the equipment, supplier and purchase details and explain the available options.

Internal links: Equipment Finance, Commercial Vehicle Finance, Business LendingSchema: Article + FAQ