Grow Your Business Without Draining Your Cash Flow
Whether you’re running a construction company, trade business, medical practice or hospitality venue, your equipment is essential to productivity. But purchasing gear outright isn’t always practical—especially when capital is better invested elsewhere.
For most small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia, equipment finance is a smart, tax-effective way to access the tools and machinery you need—without tying up your cash.
What Is Equipment Finance?
Equipment finance allows businesses to purchase or lease equipment and pay it off over time, typically over two to seven years. The equipment itself often serves as the security for the loan, reducing the need to offer other business or personal assets.
What Can You Finance?
If it’s used primarily for business purposes, it’s likely eligible for financing. This includes:
- Utes, trucks, vans and trailers
- Excavators, forklifts, and construction machinery
- Medical, dental or allied health equipment
- Commercial kitchen appliances and catering fit-outs
- Manufacturing and printing equipment
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems, computers and office tech
- Solar installations or energy-efficient upgrades
Types of Equipment Finance
| Loan Type | Key Features |
| Chattel Mortgage | You own the asset from day one; GST may be claimable if registered |
| Equipment Lease | You lease the asset; lender retains ownership; may include servicing or upgrades |
| Hire Purchase | You pay over time and own the equipment at the end |
Each structure has different tax and ownership outcomes—your accountant can help you decide which is best.
Why Choose Equipment Finance Over Cash Purchases?
- Protect cash flow – preserve working capital for marketing, hiring, or operations
- Tax efficiency – claim interest, depreciation, and possibly the instant asset write-off
- Access higher-quality gear – reduce maintenance costs and improve performance
- Plan with confidence – fixed monthly repayments make budgeting easier
How to Qualify for Equipment Finance
Most lenders will want to see:
- An active ABN (ideally GST-registered)
- Six months or more of trading history
- Business bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
- A clean credit file (or a valid explanation for blemishes)
Low-doc options may be available if your business has strong revenue or asset backing.
How Fast Can You Get Approved?
With the correct documentation and a clear asset quote, many equipment finance applications can be approved within 24 to 72 hours, especially for dealer purchases.
Private sales may require additional checks and paperwork, which can slightly extend the timeline.
What Is a Balloon Payment?
A balloon payment (also called a residual) is a lump sum due at the end of your loan term. It reduces your monthly repayments.
At the end of the term, you can:
- Pay the balloon in full
- Refinance the residual amount
- Trade in or upgrade your equipment
Balloon payments work best when structured around your asset lifecycle and future cash flow plans.
Mistakes to Avoid with Equipment Finance
- Not checking if GST can be claimed
- Choosing an overly short term that strains cash flow
- Forgetting to arrange asset insurance
- Failing to compare finance options or lenders
Working with a broker helps you sidestep these issues.
Case Study: Sydney Carpenter Secures New Ute
A self-employed carpenter needed a new work vehicle but didn’t want to part with $55,000 upfront.
Lyft Money arranged:
- A five-year chattel mortgage
- $0 deposit
- $11,000 balloon payment
- Repayments under $800 per month
- GST claimable on the next BAS
He had the vehicle financed and delivered within 72 hours—while preserving his business savings.
Why Work with a Finance Broker?
Lyft Money specialises in helping Australian businesses:
- Compare more than 40 commercial lenders
- Match with the right structure and repayment terms
- Finance both dealer and private sales
- Secure fast approvals for essential equipment
Our goal is to help you finance smarter – not harder.
Final Thoughts: Finance the Tools That Power Your Business
Equipment finance gives your business the ability to upgrade, expand or replace essential tools – without compromising your working capital or growth goals.
It’s fast, flexible, and tax-efficient when structured properly.
Get the Right Equipment Finance for Your Business
Talk to the team at Lyft Money today to access tailored equipment finance solutions designed for SMEs across Australia.
Enquire now about Equipment Finance with Lyft Money.