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Equipment FinanceJuly 2026

Before You Buy Commercial Equipment: The Complete Checklist | Overdrive Funding

The complete before-you-buy checklist for commercial equipment in Australia — applies to any business equipment purchase including machinery, tools and production equipment.

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Key Takeaways

  • Always get finance pre-approved before you commit to buying — it gives you certainty on budget and negotiating power.
  • Run a PPSR check on any used equipment to confirm there are no finance encumbrances.
  • Inspect the equipment in person — photos and descriptions alone are not sufficient for large purchases.
  • Compare 80+ lenders through a broker for the most competitive finance rate.
  • Equipment finance deals: We guarantee the best deal available in the market and our services are free — we're paid a "referral fee" by the lender after settlement, no cost to you.

Equipment Research

  • Define exactly what you need the equipment to do — capacity, throughput, features
  • Research multiple brands and models — avoid buying the first option you find
  • Check parts, service and warranty availability in your region
  • Research resale values — affects future finance and business exit options
  • Get at least 3 quotes for new equipment to understand market pricing

Finance Pre-Approval

  • Get finance pre-approved before you commit to a purchase — this confirms budget and gives you negotiating power
  • Compare 80+ lenders through a broker for the most competitive equipment finance rate
  • Understand the full cost of finance — monthly repayments, total interest, fees and any balloon
  • Choose the right finance structure for your tax position — chattel mortgage, finance lease or operating lease
  • Check if the equipment qualifies for instant asset write-off under ATO rules

Condition and Inspection

  • Inspect the equipment in person before committing — photos alone are not sufficient for significant purchases
  • Test the equipment under normal operating conditions wherever possible
  • Check all safety systems, guards and compliance labels
  • Inspect consumable parts — their remaining life affects the true cost of the purchase
  • Ask for full service records and maintenance history
  • Identify any non-standard modifications and assess whether they are compliant

Ownership and Title Checks

  • Run a PPSR check — verify no finance encumbrances exist over the equipment
  • Verify the seller has clear title to sell the equipment
  • Check serial numbers match any documentation provided
  • Request a written receipt or contract of sale
  • For imported equipment — verify compliance with Australian Standards and import duties paid

Warranties and After-Sales

  • Understand the warranty — manufacturer warranty vs dealer warranty vs no warranty
  • Check if warranty is transferable from the original buyer
  • Identify the nearest authorised service centre for the brand
  • Ask about extended warranty options for high-value equipment
  • Understand the parts supply chain — are parts available in Australia?

Get Pre-Approved Before You Buy

The single most important step before buying any commercial equipment is getting your finance pre-approved. Pre-approval confirms your budget, gives you negotiating power and prevents the situation of finding the perfect machine only to discover you cannot get it financed. At Overdrive Funding, we compare 80+ lenders and can provide pre-approval in as little as 24 hours — call Simon or fill in the form above.


Low Doc, Light Doc & Full Doc Equipment Finance

When applying for equipment finance, lenders will generally offer Low Doc, Light Doc or Full Doc options. The right choice depends on your business structure and the financial records you're able to provide.

Low Doc Equipment Finance

Financial Statements RequiredNo
BAS Statements RequiredNo
Business Bank StatementsNo
Approval SpeedFastest
Interest RatesHigher
Borrowing CapacityUp to $500k
Ideal OutcomeQuick approval with minimal paperwork

Light Doc Equipment Finance

Financial Statements RequiredNo
BAS Statements RequiredUsually
Business Bank StatementsYes
Approval SpeedFast
Interest RatesCompetitive
Borrowing CapacityUp to $500k
Ideal OutcomeBalance of flexibility and pricing

Full Doc Equipment Finance

Financial Statements RequiredYes
BAS Statements RequiredSometimes
Business Bank StatementsSometimes
Approval SpeedStandard
Interest RatesMost Competitive
Borrowing CapacityUp to $10m+
Ideal OutcomeBest pricing and maximum borrowing power

Which Option Is Right For You?

Our finance specialists will assess your circumstances and recommend the most suitable option for your business.

If You Are...Recommended Option
Self-employed or businesses with limited financial recordsLow Doc
Businesses with bank statements and BAS availableLight Doc
Businesses with full financialsFull Doc

Low Doc Equipment Finance

Low Doc finance is designed for borrowers who want a simple, streamlined approval process. In most cases, no financial statements or BAS statements are required. Approval is generally based on your ABN history, credit profile, and the asset being financed.

Light Doc Equipment Finance

Light Doc finance provides a middle ground between Low Doc and Full Doc lending. Borrowers can often qualify using recent business bank statements and limited supporting documentation, without the need for full financial accounts.

Full Doc Equipment Finance

Full Doc finance is suitable for borrowers who can provide complete financial records and supporting documentation. This option typically offers the most competitive rates and highest borrowing capacity.


Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get finance pre-approved before buying equipment?

Yes — always. Finance pre-approval confirms your exact budget, gives you negotiating power with sellers and prevents the risk of finding your ideal machine only to discover it cannot be financed. Overdrive Funding can provide finance pre-approval within 24 hours in most cases.

What is a PPSR check and why is it important?

A PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) check verifies whether any financier holds a security interest over a piece of equipment. If you buy equipment with an existing finance encumbrance, the financier may have the right to repossess it even after you have paid the seller. A PPSR check costs around $2 and takes minutes — it is an essential step before buying any second-hand equipment.

What finance structure is best for equipment purchases?

The right structure depends on your tax position and how you use the equipment. Chattel mortgage is most common for owner-operator businesses. Finance lease suits businesses that prefer to keep equipment off their balance sheet. Operating lease suits businesses with short equipment cycles. Speak to us before buying — we can recommend the right structure for your specific situation.

Can I get finance for used equipment from a private seller?

Yes. We finance equipment from dealers, private sellers, auction and fleet disposals. Lender requirements for private sale equipment may differ from dealer purchases — speak to us before finalising a private sale to confirm finance eligibility.

What equipment finance rates are available in Australia?

Equipment finance rates in Australia start from around 6.1% per annum for established businesses with clean credit financing new equipment from major brands. Used equipment, new ABNs and adverse credit attract higher rates. Comparing 80+ lenders through a broker identifies the sharpest available rate.

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes. Used equipment from dealers, private sellers and auction is financeable. Lenders assess the age, condition and resale market for the specific equipment. Well-maintained equipment from reputable sources is supported by most lenders on our panel.

Can I get low doc equipment finance?

Yes. Low doc equipment finance is available up to $500,000 without tax returns or BAS. You need your ABN, driver's licence and recent bank statements. Same-day conditional approvals are common.

Can I get no deposit equipment finance?

Yes. No deposit equipment finance is available for eligible businesses with 2+ years ABN, active GST registration and clean credit. The equipment's resale value and your business history determine no-deposit eligibility.

Can you arrange insurance for my equipment?

Yes. Overdrive Funding works with trusted insurance partners who can arrange the right cover alongside your finance application. Whether you need comprehensive, CTP, public liability or fleet cover, we can connect you with specialist providers to protect your equipment from day one.

Can you beat my current finance quote?

We often can. Overdrive Funding has access to exclusive lenders offering discounted rates that aren't available directly through banks, dealers or other brokers. If you have an existing quote, send it to us and we'll compare it against our full panel of 80+ lenders — free of charge with no impact on your credit score.

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  • Approved in 24–48 hours, valid for 90 days
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