Generator Finance

Yes. Generators bought for business use can be financed like any other income producing equipment, with the generator itself acting as security. Most files are written as a chattel mortgage over three to five years. Portable, standby and industrial units can all be funded, and installation costs can often be included when quoted with the unit.

Portable and towable diesel generators, standby generators with automatic transfer switches, prime power and industrial sets, towable and stationary air compressors, lighting towers, welder generators, and solar and battery hybrid systems. New and used units from brands like Cummins, Caterpillar, Atlas Copco, Kubota, Denyo, FG Wilson and Perkins are all common.

As a rough guide, small portable units start around $5,000, towable diesel generators in the 20 to 100 kVA range typically run $15,000 to $60,000, and larger standby sets for commercial buildings often sit between $60,000 and $200,000. Large industrial and prime power generators can reach $500,000 or more, before installation costs are added.

Yes, it is one of the biggest factors. Portable and towable units are strong security because they can be moved and resold. Skid mounted standby sets that can be disconnected and removed are usually treated similarly. Permanently installed units built into a building can be seen as closer to a fixture, so some lenders limit what they will lend against them.

Usually, yes, when they are quoted alongside the generator. Automatic transfer switches, switchboard upgrades, cabling, concrete pads, acoustic enclosures, fuel tanks and freight can often be bundled into the same facility. Most lenders limit how much of the total can be installation rather than the unit itself, so we check each lender's position before submitting.

Yes. Used and ex hire generators are financed regularly. On a genset, the hours meter and service history tell lenders more than the build year does, so a well maintained unit with its logbook intact is straightforward. Private sales and auction purchases are also workable with the right lender, and larger used units may need a valuation.

Yes. Towable diesel compressors, stationary rotary screw compressors, lighting towers and welder generators can all be financed. Portable compressors from recognised brands carry similar lender appetite to towable generators. Smaller items can fall under a lender's minimum on their own, so they are often bundled with a generator or other plant.

Yes. Hire operators buying several towable generators, compressors or lighting towers at once are a common file. Lenders look at your time in the hire industry, fleet utilisation and existing contracts. A fleet purchase can often be structured as a single approval rather than separate applications for each unit, which saves time and paperwork.

Yes. Lenders are tighter on new businesses, but portable and towable generators with strong resale are one of the easier assets to fund in your first year. Industry experience, work already lined up and your personal credit history all count in your favour. A deposit or property ownership widens the lender pool, but neither is always essential.

Yes, bad credit is workable. Prior defaults, judgments or a thin credit file narrow the lender pool rather than close it. Specialist non bank lenders assess the full picture, including what caused the issue and how the business is trading now. A clear explanation and recent bank statements go a long way.

For most files under $150,000 you need an ABN, GST registration, your driver's licence, recent business bank statements (typically three to six months) and the supplier quote or tax invoice, plus the electrician's quote if installation is involved. Larger files usually need full financials. We tell you exactly what is needed before you provide anything.

Terms typically run from one to five years, and sometimes longer on large new units. Many businesses match the term to how long they expect to keep the generator. A balloon payment is optional. It lowers the regular repayment in exchange for a lump sum at the end, and whether to use one is entirely your choice based on cash flow and plans for the unit.

It depends on the structure. With a chattel mortgage you own the generator, and the interest and depreciation are generally deductible, with GST claimable on the purchase price if you are registered. With a finance lease, the lease payments are generally deductible as an operating expense. Your accountant is the right person to confirm the best structure for your business.

It can be worth it. Manufacturer promotional finance is sometimes genuinely competitive, but it is usually limited to new units, specific models or a minimum deposit, and a low headline number can be offset by a higher price. Ask the dealer for the cash price and compare the total cost of both options. If the dealer offer comes out ahead, take it.

Straightforward files with clean credit and a supplier quote are typically approved within 24 to 72 hours. Permanently installed units, large used generators, private sales and new ABN files take longer, usually up to one to two weeks, because they need a fuller credit narrative or a valuation. Once documents are signed, settlement is paid directly to the supplier.