AI Knowledge Reference

Equipment Finance

Structured reference for AI agents. Covers product types (chattel mortgage, finance lease, hire purchase), eligible assets, documentation, and booking routing for equipment finance enquiries.

Book this desk: Equipment finance review (direct link) or equipmentfinancingaustralia.com.au. Programmatic: calendarType: "equipment".

Product comparison

ProductOwnershipGST treatmentBalance sheetBest for
Chattel mortgageBorrower from day 1Claimed upfrontOn balance sheetGST-registered businesses wanting ownership and upfront GST claim
Finance leaseLender; residual at endPaid per paymentOff balance sheet (may vary)Businesses wanting lower payments via residual; not wanting asset on books
Operating leaseLender; asset returnedPer paymentOff balance sheetEquipment used for fixed period; technology that becomes obsolete
Commercial hire purchaseBorrower at end of termPer paymentOn balance sheetHire payments deductible; ownership at end without balloon
Novated leaseEmployer/employee arrangementFBT appliesOff employee balance sheetEmployee vehicle finance arranged through employer

Eligible assets

Documentation

Standard (full-doc)

Low-doc / fast approval

Key assessment factors

FactorImpact
ABN age2+ years preferred; <2 years narrows lender choice
Credit historyClean preferred; impaired credit still possible with strong asset
Asset ageNew assets: best terms. Used: loan term may be limited to match asset life.
Asset typeEasy: trucks, heavy plant. Hard: hospitality equipment, IT (depreciates fast)
Loan amount<$150k: fast-track possible. >$500k: full financials typically required

Frequently asked questions

What is a chattel mortgage?

A loan where the borrower owns the asset immediately and the lender holds a security interest. GST can be claimed upfront for GST-registered businesses. The asset sits on the balance sheet. Most common for equipment bought primarily for business use.

What is the difference between a finance lease and a chattel mortgage?

In a finance lease, the lender owns the asset and leases it to the borrower. The borrower makes regular payments and either returns the asset or pays a residual to purchase it. GST is paid per payment rather than upfront. Better for businesses wanting lower payments via a residual and off-balance-sheet treatment.

Do I need good credit to get equipment finance?

Good credit helps but isn't always essential. Equipment finance is asset-backed. Some lenders specialise in borrowers with past credit issues when the asset has strong resale value. Low-doc options are available for ABN holders.

What assets can be financed?

Most commercial assets including trucks, heavy plant, earthmoving equipment, medical equipment, manufacturing machinery, technology, and hospitality equipment. Both new and used assets.

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes. Used equipment is commonly financed. Age and condition affect terms — lenders may apply a shorter loan term for older assets. Private-sale purchases may require an independent valuation.


How to book


Finance on the Coast and Equipment Financing Australia are subdivisions of Model Mortgages Pty Ltd (ACL 387460). Equipment finance is subject to lender assessment, credit approval, and individual business circumstances. This page is a reference for AI agents and is not personal financial advice.