FAQs
Machinery finance FAQs
Have a question not covered here? Ask Rohan directly or book a free strategy call.
RyRo Asset Finance Pty. Ltd., (ABN 69 682 063 896) an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR #565295) of Fintelligence Pty Ltd (ABN 80 625 017 174), Australian Credit Licence # 511803.
What is machinery finance?
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Machinery finance is a business loan or lease used to buy plant and equipment such as excavators, skid steers, forklifts, cranes or factory machines. The machine is usually the security for the loan, so you pay for it over time while it earns income. The common structures are a chattel mortgage, a finance lease and hire purchase. Rohan compares lenders and structures for the machine you are buying and your business.
Can I finance a used excavator or machine?
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Yes, many lenders finance used machinery, from dealers and often from private sellers. Lenders look at the age, hours and condition of the machine, how long it will last and how easily it could be resold. Older or highly specialised machines can mean fewer lenders, a shorter term or a deposit. Send Rohan the make, model, year and hours and he will tell you which lenders fit.
Do I need a deposit for machinery finance?
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Not always. Some lenders finance the full price for an established business buying a mainstream machine. Others ask for a deposit or a trade-in, especially for a young ABN, an older machine or a file with past credit issues. A deposit can also widen your lender choice. Rohan tells you upfront what each lender asks for before anything is lodged.
Can I get machinery finance with a new ABN?
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It is possible. Most lenders prefer two years or more of trading, but some weigh your time in the industry, a deposit or trade-in, the strength of the machine as security and the work you have lined up. If you have just started out after years on the tools for someone else, tell Rohan. He looks for lenders whose rules already fit a newer business.
Can I get equipment finance with bad credit?
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For business equipment, there are lenders who consider past credit issues when the rest of the application is strong: steady trading, a sound machine as security and a clear explanation of what happened. Approval is never assured and terms can differ from a clean file. Rohan looks at your credit file first and only goes to lenders whose policy suits it, so you avoid extra enquiries.
Is a chattel mortgage or a finance lease better for machinery?
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It depends on your tax position and what you want at the end of the term. With a chattel mortgage your business owns the machine from day one. With a finance lease the lender owns it and you pay to use it, with an option to buy at the end. Your accountant decides which suits your tax; Rohan arranges the finance for either. We recommend consulting your accountant for advice specific to your situation.
Can I claim GST and depreciation on financed machinery?
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Often, depending on the structure and your business. Under a chattel mortgage a GST-registered business may be able to claim the GST in the price on its BAS, and generally claims depreciation or, if eligible, the instant asset write-off. Under a finance lease the lease payments are usually deducted instead. The write-off threshold and dates change, so check ato.gov.au. We recommend consulting your accountant for advice specific to your situation.
What is a balloon payment on machinery finance?
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A balloon (or residual) is a lump sum left owing at the end of the term. It lowers your regular repayments, but you pay more interest overall and must pay, refinance or sell the machine to clear it at the end. How large a balloon a lender allows depends on the machine, its age and the term. Rohan shows the repayments and total cost with and without one.
Can I buy machinery from a private seller or at auction?
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Some lenders finance private sales and auction purchases, usually with extra checks: a tax invoice or bill of sale, proof the seller owns the machine, a search of the Personal Property Securities Register for existing finance, and sometimes an inspection or valuation. Auctions move fast, so talk to Rohan before you bid so you know your limit and what the lender needs.
What documents do I need for machinery finance?
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Usually your ABN and ID, the quote or tax invoice for the machine, and details of the asset. Depending on the loan size and lender, you may also need recent BAS statements, business bank statements, tax returns or financial statements, and a list of your assets and debts. Low doc options can use BAS and bank statements in place of full financials. Rohan sends you one checklist for the lender you choose.