Construction and earthmoving businesses tend to have two finance needs at once: expensive machines and trucks that you buy and keep for years, and cash flow that moves with each job. This guide pulls together how finance works for both, with links to each detailed guide.
loan-o is a Brisbane finance broker based in Milton. We arrange equipment finance and business loans for builders, civil contractors and earthmoving operators across South East Queensland and beyond, comparing options from a panel of 50+ bank and non-bank lenders. This guide is general information, so check the tax side and the details of any offer with your accountant.
1. Machines, trucks and plant
Lenders look at the asset as well as the business. These guides cover what they check for each type of equipment.
- Excavator and earthmoving equipment finance Structures, what lenders check, used machines and private sales.
- Tipper truck finance in Queensland The truck, the body and your contracts.
- Plant and machinery finance in Brisbane What counts as plant and how new and used machines are treated.
- What documents do you need to finance a truck or work ute?
- Financing a used vehicle or equipment Inspections, ownership checks and private sales.
2. Choose the structure
- Equipment finance guide for Australian businesses The full overview of structures, assets and costs.
- How does a chattel mortgage work?
- Chattel mortgage vs lease Ownership, GST timing and cash flow.
- What is a balloon or residual payment?
- Instant asset write-off and equipment finance Check the current rules with your accountant.
3. Cash flow between jobs
Progress payments, retentions and slow-paying head contractors can leave a gap between spending on a job and getting paid for it.
4. Finance for your situation
5. Local and next steps
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Finance is subject to lender approval, lending criteria, terms, conditions, fees and charges. The information in this article is general and does not take into account your personal or business needs. It should not be treated as personal financial, tax, legal or credit advice.
Last reviewed: 22 October 2026. This content provides general information only. It should not be treated as personal financial, tax, legal or credit advice.
Frequently asked questions.
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Yes, many lenders finance used machines and trucks. Expect checks on age, condition and ownership, and for private sales, an inspection and a PPSR search. Our guides on excavator finance and on financing a used vehicle or equipment cover what to expect.
Lenders look at how steady and well documented your income is, often through bank statements, BAS and contracts. Irregular income does not rule out finance, but the structure and the lender matter. A broker can match you to lenders that understand contracting.
It depends on how long you will keep the asset, your cash flow and your tax position. A chattel mortgage gives you ownership from day one. A lease can suit equipment you expect to replace sooner. Check the tax side with your accountant.
Options include invoice finance, which advances cash against unpaid invoices, and a line of credit, which gives you a limit to draw on. Each has different costs and conditions, so compare them for your situation.
Often yes, but lenders look at trading history, credit file, the asset and any deposit. A newer ABN can mean fewer options or different terms. A broker can compare lenders that suit your situation.
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