Overdrive Funding helps Australian construction businesses access competitive machinery and vehicle finance. From a first excavator to a full plant and vehicle fleet, we compare the market, negotiate the deal and manage everything from start to finish.
Construction is a business of mobilisation. You win a tender, and suddenly you need the plant, the utes and the crew on site — often weeks before the first progress claim is paid. Finance that moves at the speed of your work, structured so it doesn't strangle cash flow between claims, is what separates builders who scale from builders who stall.
What construction businesses finance
- Excavators, bulldozers, loaders, skid steers and graders
- Telehandlers, boom lifts, scissor lifts and cherry pickers
- Tipper trucks, concrete trucks, crane trucks and water trucks
- Utes, vans and site vehicles for supervisors and crews
- Compactors, pavers, crushers and attachments
- Site sheds, generators, compressors and fit-out equipment
- Refinancing existing plant to release equity for a new project
Assets can be new or used, bought from dealers, private sellers or auctions anywhere in Australia. See our machinery finance options and business vehicle finance options for the full picture.
Structuring finance around progress claims
The defining cash flow problem in construction is the gap between doing the work and being paid for it. Retentions are held, head contractors pay late, and variations get argued over while your subbies and suppliers still need paying on time.
Asset finance should be structured with that reality in mind. A balloon of 20–40% keeps monthly repayments low so a delayed progress claim doesn't put you under. Seasonal or structured repayments can be arranged with some lenders where work is lumpy. And plant that's already owned outright can be refinanced to release equity for mobilisation on a new job — often faster and cheaper than an unsecured facility.
Rates, deposits and low doc approvals
Low doc (no financials) machinery finance is available up to $500k for the right profiles. Business vehicle finance is available low doc up to $300k. Deposits generally range from 10–30%, with $0 deposit available on stronger applications.
Established ABN (2+ years), new plant, full doc
Established ABN, used plant, low doc
Newer ABN (under 12 months)
Prior credit issues, specialist lender
| Borrower profile | Typical rate | Typical deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Established ABN (2+ years), new plant, full doc | From 6.1% | $0 – 10% |
| Established ABN, used plant, low doc | 7% – 10% | 10% – 20% |
| Newer ABN (under 12 months) | 9% – 12% | 10% – 30% |
| Prior credit issues, specialist lender | 12% – 15% | 20% – 30% |
Rates are indicative only and subject to lender assessment, asset age, term and your individual circumstances.
Funding the gaps between claims
Plant finance buys the machine. It doesn't cover the wages, materials and subcontractors you carry while waiting on a claim. Construction businesses commonly pair machinery finance with invoice finance against progress claims, business overdrafts and lines of credit for working capital, a cash flow loan to mobilise on a new tender, or insurance premium funding to spread public liability and plant premiums monthly.
Why builders use a broker
Construction is an industry many banks treat as high risk. They see lumpy income, retention exposure and subcontractor risk, and they price accordingly — or decline outright. Specialist lenders understand the sector and will assess your work in hand, your experience and the resale value of the plant.
We know which lenders have appetite for construction this month, which will fund a 2014 excavator for a three-year-old ABN, and which will move fast enough for a mobilisation deadline. Our service is completely free. We're paid by the lender only after a deal settles, so there's no cost to you—even if you choose not to proceed.
Get a quote
Looking for the best rate on machinery and vehicle finance for your construction business? You're in the right place. Speak directly with Simon and our team, or get a free quote online.