Back to Resources
Blog

Equipment Finance for Small Business Australia: The Complete Guide (2026)

8 May 2026Co-Pilot Team
Equipment Finance for Small Business Australia: The Complete Guide (2026)

If you're running a small business in Australia and need equipment — machinery, vehicles, tools, or technology — you don't have to drain your cash reserves to get it. Equipment finance lets you use the asset while you pay it off, keeping your working capital where it belongs: in your business.

If you’re running a small business in Australia and need equipment — machinery, vehicles, tools, or technology — you don’t have to drain your cash reserves to get it. Equipment finance lets you use the asset while you pay it off, keeping your working capital where it belongs: in your business.

What Is Equipment Finance?

Equipment finance (also called asset finance) is a loan or lease arrangement that lets Australian businesses acquire equipment without paying the full cost upfront. The equipment itself acts as security, which typically means faster approvals and competitive rates — even for newer businesses.

Types of Equipment Finance Available in Australia

  • Chattel Mortgage — You own the asset from day one. Great for tax deductions and GST claims.
  • Finance Lease — The lender owns the asset, you lease it. Lower repayments, with the option to purchase at the end.
  • Commercial Hire Purchase — You take ownership once all repayments are made.
  • Operating Lease — Pure rental with no ownership. Best for equipment that becomes obsolete quickly.

What Can You Finance?

  • Trucks, utes, vans, and commercial vehicles
  • Construction and earthmoving equipment
  • Agricultural machinery and farm equipment
  • Medical and dental equipment
  • Manufacturing and production machinery
  • IT hardware, solar panels, and fit-outs

How Much Can You Borrow?

Most Australian lenders will finance anywhere from $10,000 to $5 million+ depending on your business profile. At Co-Pilot Finance & Insurance, we work with 40+ lenders to find the right fit — from sole traders to large SMEs.

Do You Need Good Credit?

Not necessarily. While strong credit helps you access lower rates, many lenders specialise in low-doc and adverse credit equipment finance. Our brokers are experienced in finding solutions for businesses that have been knocked back elsewhere.

How Long Does Approval Take?

With the right documents ready, many equipment finance applications are approved within 24-48 hours. At Co-Pilot, we aim to have a decision for you the same day in most cases.

Ready to Apply?

Talk to the team at Co-Pilot Finance & Insurance today. We’ll match you with the right lender, structure, and rate for your situation — without the banks and without the runaround.

Apply for Equipment Finance

Written by

Co-Pilot Team

Contributor · Co-Pilot Finance & Insurance

Co-Pilot Team is a contributor at Co-Pilot Finance & Insurance, an Australian brokerage specialising in business finance, personal finance, and insurance.

Meet the team →