Buy with a chattel mortgage
You own the forklift from day one, with the lender holding security over it. Suits machines you plan to run for years.
Keep pallets moving
Forklift Finance for Warehouses, Yards and Factories
When the forklift stops, so does everything else. Fund a replacement or an extra unit quickly and keep your cash for the rest of the business.
Down a forklift?
What happens when your only forklift breaks down?
In most warehouses and yards, the forklift is the machine nobody thinks about until it stops. Then the trucks back up at the dock, staff stand around waiting, and stock that should be shipping sits on the floor. A single breakdown can cost far more than a repayment.
Forklift finance lets you buy or lease a replacement, or add a second unit for busy periods, without pulling a large sum out of working capital. The forklift itself secures the loan, which makes it a well-understood asset for lenders.
Whether you run a timber yard, a cold store, a brewery or a distribution centre, the approach is similar: choose the right machine, line up the paperwork, and get it delivered before the backlog grows.
Forklift finance is a secured business loan or lease used to buy new or used forklifts, reach trucks, pallet stackers and telehandlers. The forklift is the security, so lenders can move quickly. With the dealer's quote, your ID and recent bank statements ready, next-business-day settlement is possible for straightforward applications.
Buy, lease or rent
Three ways to fund a forklift
The right structure depends on how hard the machine will work and how long you plan to keep it.
Finance lease
The lender owns it and you lease it for a fixed term with a residual. Useful if you rotate fleet on a regular cycle.
Rental or operating lease
You pay to use the forklift, sometimes with servicing included, and hand it back at the end. Handy for seasonal peaks.
Which forklifts and materials-handling gear can be financed?
Most materials-handling equipment with a serial number and resale market can be considered, new or used, from a dealer or sometimes from a private seller.
- Counterbalance forklifts: electric, LPG and diesel
- Reach trucks and order pickers
- Walkie stackers and electric pallet jacks
- Container handlers and rough-terrain forklifts
- Telehandlers
- Batteries, chargers and attachments bought with the machine
How quickly can I get forklift finance?
Speed depends mostly on how ready you are. Approval and settlement can move fast when the tax invoice or quote, ID and bank statements are ready, and next-business-day settlement is possible for straightforward applications.
Here is a typical scenario: a food distributor's forklift fails on a Wednesday, two days before a large order goes out. The dealer has a suitable used unit in stock, the owner emails the quote and statements that afternoon, and the replacement is on the dock in time. If you are in a similar spot, see urgent equipment finance for what to do first.
Should I buy a new or used forklift?
A new forklift brings warranty, the latest safety features and often better battery technology. A used machine can be on the floor faster and costs less upfront, which can matter when the business is under pressure.
Lenders fund both, though older units may face age limits or need an inspection. Check the hours on the meter, service history and battery condition before you commit. Our guide to used equipment finance covers what lenders look for in second-hand gear.
Apply today… cashed up tomorrow!
Need the gear on site this week?
Start the 60-second enquiry now. When your documents are ready and the deal is straightforward, being cashed up as soon as tomorrow is possible for eligible applicants.
Is it better to lease or buy a forklift?
If the forklift works every shift and you look after it well, owning it can make sense, because it keeps earning long after the loan is repaid. If you prefer predictable costs and regular upgrades, or only need extra capacity for part of the year, leasing or renting may suit better.
We break down the trade-offs in equipment lease vs loan. For tax and GST treatment of each option, talk to your accountant, as it depends on your structure and how the asset is used.
Can I fund a whole warehouse fit-out at the same time?
Yes. Many businesses finance forklifts alongside racking, mezzanines, dock levellers and shelving. Some of these items can be funded as equipment, while others may sit better in a fit-out loan or broader business facility.
If you are taking on a new warehouse or a big contract, a combined approach can save time and simplify repayments. Tell us the full picture when you enquire and we will suggest the cleanest structure.
What if a big new contract needs extra forklifts fast?
Winning a new customer is great news until you realise the warehouse cannot physically handle the extra volume. A second or third forklift, more racking and a few casual staff can all be needed in the same fortnight.
Equipment finance can cover the machines, while a working capital facility can carry wages and stock until the new customer starts paying. Trading businesses may be able to access unsecured or line-of-credit options typically from $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements. Read more about working capital loans and business expansion loans.
Bring the whole plan to us at once and we can stage the funding so nothing holds up the start date.
Get your forklift sorted
There is no credit check when you first enquire, a real person looks at your situation, and your details are not passed around to a crowd of lenders. Please complete the form accurately so we can match you first time, subject to lender approval.
Have the dealer's quote handy? Start the 60-second enquiry and let us know how soon the forklift needs to be working.
Trust and process
Clear, secure finance enquiries
Loanster keeps the enquiry process straightforward: no credit check to enquire, a real person looks at your situation, and your details are not sprayed out to a pile of lenders.
Secure online enquiry
Personal details are submitted through a secure form and are not sent through URL query strings.
Australian business context
Enquiries can include ABN, BAS, ATO, bank statement and asset details where relevant.
Lender criteria apply
Approval, pricing, loan amounts and funding times depend on lender assessment.
Clear next steps
Loanster helps identify what information may be needed before a lender can make a decision.
Common questions
Forklift Finance for Warehouses, Yards and Factories FAQs
Can I finance a forklift with no deposit?
Many established businesses can finance the full price, subject to lender approval. Newer businesses or those with credit issues may be asked for a deposit or trade-in.
Can I finance a forklift battery or charger?
Yes, batteries, chargers and attachments are often included when bought with the forklift. Standalone replacement batteries may also be fundable, depending on the lender.
Do I need a forklift licence to get finance?
The lender assesses the business, not the operator. You will still need properly licensed operators to use the forklift on site.
Can I buy a forklift from a private seller?
Often, yes. The lender may want proof of ownership, the serial number and confirmation that no finance is owing on the machine.
Is forklift finance available for new businesses?
It can be. Newer businesses may need a deposit or stronger supporting documents, but a forklift is well-understood security for lenders.
Can I add a second forklift for peak season?
Yes. Some owners buy a second unit, while others use a rental for the busy months. We can help you weigh up which suits your cash flow.
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All equipment loan options
See every equipment loan page on Loanster in one place.
Start your enquiry
See what you may qualify for
Tell Loanster what kind of finance you are looking for and the team will guide you through the next step. Please fill in the form accurately so we can match you first time. Finance is subject to lender approval, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions.
Prefer to talk? Call 03 9999 7370.
Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
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