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Machinery FinanceJuly 2026

How to Buy Machinery and Equipment at Auction in Australia | Overdrive Funding

Complete guide to buying machinery and equipment at auction in Australia — preparation, inspection, finance pre-approval, bidding and settlement at Ritchie Bros, Lloyds and Grays.

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Key Takeaways

  • Always get finance pre-approved before bidding at machinery or equipment auction — settlements are required within 48-72 hours.
  • Run a PPSR check on every machine you plan to bid on — confirm no finance encumbrances exist.
  • Inspect machines in person during the yard inspection period — or hire a professional inspection service.
  • Set a firm maximum bid before the auction and stick to it regardless of competition.
  • 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.

Australia's major machinery and equipment auctions include Ritchie Bros (the world's largest industrial auctioneer), Lloyds Auctions, Grays Online and Pickles. These auctions sell excavators, bulldozers, graders, forklifts, agricultural equipment and a wide range of commercial machinery — often at prices significantly below dealer retail.

Finance pre-approval is the most critical step before any machinery auction. Settlement at most auctions is required within 48 to 72 hours of winning a bid. Without pre-approved finance, you risk losing your deposit if you cannot settle on time. Overdrive Funding provides machinery auction finance pre-approval — contact us before the auction and we will compare 80+ lenders to establish your approved amount.

Inspect every machine you plan to bid on — in person at the yard inspection period, or through a professional inspection service for online auctions. For earthmoving equipment, check hours, undercarriage condition, hydraulics and engine condition. For forklifts, check the mast, tyres and fuel system. Set your maximum bid based on the machine's condition and estimated repair costs.

At Ritchie Bros auctions, all machines are sold without reserve — prices are purely determined by bidding competition. Grays and Lloyds may have reserves on some lots. Know the difference before you bid, and always set a firm walk-away price before entering the auction.

After winning a machinery or equipment auction bid, your broker activates your pre-approved finance immediately. You will need to provide the auction invoice and the machine's serial number and details. Settlement is typically completed by electronic funds transfer directly to the auction house.

Get Auction Finance Pre-Approval Today

Overdrive Funding provides fast auction finance pre-approval for trucks, machinery and equipment. We compare 80+ lenders to find the most competitive rate for your auction purchase — and with pre-approval in hand, you can bid with total confidence. Call Simon or fill in the form above to get started.


Low Doc, Light Doc & Full Doc Machinery Finance

When applying for machinery finance, lenders will generally offer Low Doc, Light Doc or Full Doc options. The right choice depends on your business structure, trading history, and the type of machinery you're purchasing.

Low Doc Machinery 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 Machinery 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 Machinery 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 Machinery 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 Machinery 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 Machinery 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

Can I finance equipment bought at auction?

Yes. We finance machinery and equipment purchased at Ritchie Bros, Lloyds, Grays, Pickles and other major Australian auctions. Pre-approval before the auction is essential — most auctions require settlement within 48 to 72 hours.

How do I get machinery finance pre-approved for auction?

Contact Overdrive Funding before the auction — we compare 80+ lenders and establish your pre-approval amount for auction machinery. You bid confidently knowing finance is ready to activate when you win.

Is Ritchie Bros the best auction for earthmoving equipment in Australia?

Ritchie Bros is the world's largest industrial equipment auctioneer and runs regular unreserved auctions across Australia covering excavators, bulldozers, graders, cranes and more. Lloyds and Grays also run strong machinery auctions. The best auction depends on the specific equipment you need — watch multiple platforms.

Do I need a PPSR check before bidding on machinery at auction?

Yes — always run a PPSR check on any machine you intend to bid on. Even at reputable auction houses, finance encumbrances can exist over individual machines. A PPSR check costs around $2 and takes minutes.

Can I buy machinery sight unseen at online auction?

Technically yes, but it is high risk for significant purchases. For online-only auctions where you cannot attend in person, consider hiring a professional machinery inspection service to inspect and report on the machine before you bid.

What machinery finance rates are available in Australia?

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

Can I finance used machinery?

Yes. Used machinery from dealers, private sellers, fleet disposals and auction is financeable. Lenders assess the age, hours, condition and resale market for the specific machine. Well-maintained machines from reputable sources are supported by most lenders.

Can I get low doc machinery finance?

Yes. Low doc machinery 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 available for low doc machinery applications.

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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