Asset & Equipment Finance
For business vehicles, trucks, yellow goods, machinery, equipment and other business assets.
What asset and equipment finance covers
Asset and equipment finance covers lending used to purchase business assets rather than property. The asset itself typically serves as security for the loan, which means approval is often faster and less documentation-intensive than property-secured lending.
Common structures include chattel mortgages, finance leases, commercial hire purchase and operating leases. The right structure depends on how your business accounts for the asset and your tax position.
Who needs asset and equipment finance
- Businesses purchasing commercial vehicles or fleet vehicles
- Transport operators financing trucks or heavy vehicles
- Construction and civil businesses financing excavators, loaders, forklifts or other yellow goods
- Manufacturers requiring machinery or production equipment
- Medical and allied health practices financing equipment
- Any business needing to preserve cash flow while acquiring essential assets
How lenders assess asset finance applications
- Asset type and age — newer assets with established resale markets are easier to finance
- Business trading history — most lenders prefer at least one to two years of operation
- Financial position — income, profitability and existing debt
- Asset value and depreciation — lenders assess whether the asset value supports the loan amount
- Credit history — both business and personal credit history are considered
- Industry — some industries attract higher perceived risk and may limit lender options
How Bridle Partners helps
- Identifying the right finance structure for your business and tax position
- Selecting lenders with competitive rates and appetite for your asset type
- Preparing a clear, complete application
- Managing approval through to settlement — often within 24–48 hours for straightforward deals
- Working alongside your accountant to ensure the structure suits your business
Documents usually required
- Two years of business financials or tax returns
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Asset invoice or purchase contract
- Driver licence or identification
- ABN registration
- Business Activity Statements (for larger amounts)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not considering the full cost of finance — comparing interest rates alone misses fees and balloon payments
- Choosing the wrong structure for your GST and accounting position — consult your accountant
- Financing older or niche assets without checking lender appetite first
- Not planning for the end of the loan term — balloon payments require cash or refinancing
Frequently asked questions
- What types of assets can be financed?
- We assist with business vehicles, commercial trucks, yellow goods (excavators, loaders, forklifts), machinery, manufacturing equipment, medical equipment and other business assets. Personal vehicles are generally outside scope.
- What is the difference between a chattel mortgage and a finance lease?
- A chattel mortgage is the most common structure for business asset finance — the business owns the asset from day one and the lender takes a mortgage over it as security. A finance lease means the lender owns the asset and the business makes lease payments. The right structure depends on your GST position, accounting treatment and cash flow.
- Do I need a deposit for asset finance?
- Some lenders offer no-deposit finance for well-established businesses with strong financials. Others require a deposit. The amount depends on the asset type, age, lender and borrower profile.
- Can a new business access asset finance?
- Yes, though options may be more limited. Some lenders specialise in start-up and early-stage business lending. Security, guarantor support and asset type all influence lender appetite for new businesses.
- How long does asset finance approval take?
- Many asset finance applications are approved within 24–48 hours for straightforward transactions. More complex applications involving older assets or large amounts may take longer.
Discuss your asset or equipment finance needs
Speak with Bridle Partners about the right structure and lender for your asset finance requirements.