Equipment Finance Loans.
Fund the vehicles, machinery and technology your business needs — with up to 100% finance, competitive secured rates, and access to a panel of 50+ lenders, all handled by one broker.
Up to 100% finance · New & used assets · Terms typically 1–5 years · Low-doc options
What is an equipment finance loan?
Equipment finance is a business loan designed specifically to fund the assets your business runs on. Rather than draining your cash flow to buy equipment outright, you borrow against the asset and repay it over time — keeping working capital free for day-to-day operations and growth.
Because the loan is secured by the equipment itself, it typically carries a lower interest rate than an unsecured business loan, and lenders can approve up to 100% of the asset's value. That security also means equipment lending is often available to newer businesses and borrowers who don't fit the major banks' criteria.
As both a mortgage broker and a mortgage manager, Greenline compares equipment finance across a panel of 50+ lenders — plus in-house options — to structure the right facility for your business, whether you're buying a single vehicle or fitting out an entire premises.
What equipment can you finance?
From a single work ute to a full production line, equipment financing covers almost any business asset — new or used.
Vehicles & trucks
Utes, vans, prime movers, trailers and commercial fleets.
Plant & machinery
Manufacturing, excavators, forklifts and heavy machinery.
IT & technology
Computers, servers, software, POS and telecoms hardware.
Medical & dental
Diagnostic, surgical, dental and allied-health equipment.
Hospitality & fit-out
Kitchens, coffee machines, refrigeration and shop fit-outs.
Construction
Tools, scaffolding, generators and site equipment.
Agricultural
Tractors, harvesters, irrigation and farm machinery.
Office equipment
Printers, furniture, security systems and phone systems.
Why equipment finance makes sense.
Secured by the asset
The equipment is the collateral, so rates are typically lower than an unsecured business loan.
Up to 100% finance
Fund the full purchase price without tying up your own capital or deposit.
Protects cash flow
Spread the cost over the asset's working life instead of paying upfront in one hit.
Potential tax benefits
Interest and depreciation are generally deductible; some structures let you claim GST up front.
Types of equipment finance.
There's more than one way to fund an asset. A Greenline broker will match the structure to your tax position and how you want to own the equipment.
Chattel mortgage
You own the asset from day one while it secures the loan — a popular, tax-effective option for businesses registered for GST.
Explore chattel mortgages →Finance lease
The lender owns the asset and leases it to you for fixed payments, with options at the end of the term.
See all asset finance →Hire purchase
Pay off the equipment in instalments and take full ownership once the final payment is made.
See all asset finance →Novated lease
A three-way arrangement between you, your employer and the lender — ideal for financing a vehicle through salary packaging.
Explore novated leases →Equipment loan or equipment lease?
An equipment loan, usually written as a chattel mortgage, puts the asset in your name from day one. A lease keeps it in the lender's name while you pay to use it. Here is what changes between the four structures Australian businesses use most.
| Structure | Who owns the equipment | How repayments work | Typically suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment loan (chattel mortgage) | You, from settlement; the lender holds a mortgage over the asset until the loan is repaid | Fixed instalments over the term, with an optional balloon at the end to lower each repayment | Businesses that want to own the asset and claim depreciation, including GST-registered businesses |
| Finance lease | The lender, for the term of the lease | Fixed lease payments; at the end you can usually pay the residual and take ownership, re-lease or return it | Businesses that prefer to keep the asset off their balance sheet or refresh equipment regularly |
| Hire purchase | The lender until the final instalment, then you | Instalments over the term, with ownership passing automatically at the end | Businesses that want ownership at the end without a separate purchase step |
| Novated lease | The lender, with the lease novated to your employer | Lease payments taken from pre-tax salary, with a residual at the end of the term | Employees financing a vehicle through salary packaging |
The tax and GST treatment differs between these structures and depends on your circumstances: your accountant confirms which suits your business, and your broker then finds the lender and the rate. See chattel mortgage loans for the most common form of equipment loan.
What sets equipment loan rates, and how the process runs.
What sets equipment loan rates
Because the equipment secures the loan, equipment finance is usually priced below an unsecured business loan. Within that, lenders price each application on a handful of factors:
- The asset: new equipment with a strong resale market generally attracts sharper rates than older or specialised gear.
- The term and any balloon: a longer term or a larger balloon lowers each repayment but changes the rate and the total interest paid.
- Your business profile: trading history, financials and credit history. Full-doc applications usually price better than low-doc ones.
- Your contribution: a deposit or a trade-in reduces the lender's exposure and can improve the rate.
- The lender: each has its own appetite for asset types, ABN ages and loan sizes, which is why the same application can get different answers.
Rates change often and depend on your circumstances, so we quote them per application rather than publishing a list.
How equipment finance works, step by step
- Get a quote or invoice from the supplier for the equipment you want to buy.
- Apply with your business details and, depending on the lender, financials or a low-doc declaration.
- Your broker matches the application to the lender most likely to approve it at the sharpest rate.
- On approval, the lender pays the supplier directly and the equipment goes to work.
- You repay in fixed instalments over the agreed term, usually one to five years.
- At the end of the term you own the equipment outright, pay or refinance the balloon, or upgrade.
Equipment finance for small business
Equipment finance is one of the most accessible ways for small businesses and start-ups to grow. Because funding is secured against the asset, you can invest in the tools that generate revenue without waiting to build up cash reserves.
- Suited to sole traders, start-ups and established SMEs
- New ABNs and first-time borrowers considered
- Finance single items or multiple assets under one facility
- Keep bank overdrafts and lines of credit free for operations
Am I eligible?
Every lender is different, and that's the advantage of using a broker — we know which lender fits your situation. As a general guide, equipment finance suits businesses that:
- Hold an active ABN (newer ABNs are fine with the right lender)
- Are buying an asset for genuine business use
- May not fit standard bank criteria — low-doc options available
- Have had past credit issues (the asset security helps)
A broker who does the legwork for you.
50+ lenders, one broker
We compare equipment finance across a wide panel — plus our own in-house products — to find the sharp rate and structure for your business.
We fund what banks decline
As a mortgage manager, Greenline can place low-doc, new-ABN and non-standard scenarios that the majors often knock back.
Award-winning & reviewed
An MPA Top 100 team with 400+ five-star reviews, guiding you from first quote through to settlement.
Equipment finance FAQs.
What is equipment finance?
Equipment finance, also called an equipment loan or commercial equipment finance, is a business loan designed specifically to fund the assets your business runs on. Rather than draining your cash flow to buy equipment outright, you borrow against the asset and repay it over time.
What can I use an equipment finance loan for?
Almost any business asset — commercial vehicles and trucks, plant and machinery, IT and technology, medical and dental equipment, hospitality fit-outs, construction gear, agricultural machinery and office equipment. Both new and used assets can usually be financed.
How much can I borrow?
Because the loan is secured by the equipment itself, lenders can approve up to 100% of the asset's value, so you don't need to tie up your own capital. The exact amount depends on the asset type, its resale value and your business profile.
What are the typical loan terms?
Terms are commonly set between one and five years and matched to the useful life of the asset. Longer terms may be available for higher-value, long-life equipment. Your broker structures the term to suit your cash flow.
What is a balloon payment?
A balloon payment is a lump sum you pay to the lender at the end of the loan, after all your regular repayments have been made. Including one reduces your repayments during the term, because you don't repay the full principal over the life of the loan. Our lease calculator shows how a residual changes your repayments.
Can I get finance with a new ABN or past credit issues?
Often, yes. Because the loan is secured against the equipment, it can be available to newer businesses, sole traders and borrowers with past credit issues who don't fit standard bank criteria. Low-doc options are available through our lender panel.
Is equipment finance tax-deductible?
Interest and depreciation on business equipment finance are generally tax-deductible, and some structures let you claim the GST up front. Tax treatment depends on your circumstances and the finance type, so confirm the details with your accountant.
How do I apply?
Call 1800 705 505 or request a call back. A Greenline finance specialist will review your needs, compare equipment finance across our panel of 50+ lenders, and guide you from application through to settlement.
How does equipment finance work?
You choose the equipment and get a quote, apply through your broker, and on approval the lender pays the supplier directly. You then repay the loan in fixed instalments over the term, usually one to five years, with an optional balloon at the end. The equipment secures the loan, which is why it is usually cheaper than an unsecured business loan.
What is the difference between an equipment loan and a chattel mortgage?
Usually nothing: a chattel mortgage is the most common way an equipment loan is written in Australia. You own the equipment from settlement and the lender holds a mortgage over it until the loan is repaid. Other structures, such as a finance lease or hire purchase, leave the asset in the lender's name during the term.
Can I finance used equipment?
Usually, yes. Most lenders finance used equipment, including private sales and auction purchases with the right paperwork. Lenders set limits on the asset's age at the end of the term, so older machinery may mean a shorter term or a different lender. Your broker checks before you commit.
Do I need a deposit for an equipment loan?
Often not: lenders can fund up to 100% of the asset's value for established businesses with a clear credit history. A deposit or trade-in is sometimes asked for with a new ABN, a used asset or a low-doc application, and contributing one can lower both the repayments and the rate.
Is machinery finance the same as equipment finance?
Yes. Machinery finance, plant finance and commercial equipment finance are all names for the same thing: a loan or lease secured by the asset being bought. The structure and the lender may differ by asset type, but the way it works is the same.
Let's finance your equipment.
Speak to a Greenline finance specialist today — we'll compare the market and structure the right facility, so you can get the assets you need without the wait.
Greenline Home Loans — F128–F129, 24–32 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153. ABN 78 607 656 084 · Australian Credit Licence 520947. This page is general information only and does not constitute credit, financial or tax advice. Any advice is provided without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs — consider whether it is appropriate for you and speak to your accountant regarding tax matters before proceeding.
Other Types of Asset Finance
Chattel Mortgage Loans
A chattel mortgage is essentially a car loan specially drafted for business purposes. In the same manner as a car loan, the lender will provide funds or “mortgage” to purchase the vehicle or “chattel” and will use the purchased car as a security. Once the loan is paid in full, you take full ownership of the car.
Learn More →Novated Lease Loans
A novated lease is a type of loan that is sometimes offered to company employees as a salary packaging option as part of their employment agreement. Using a novated lease agreement also helps with managing and budgeting the vehicle running costs such as registration, servicing, petrol and insurance.
Learn More →Request a call back.
Leave your name and number and a Greenline broker will call you back within one business day. No obligation, no fee for our service in most cases.