Different industries finance equipment for different reasons — and lenders assess them differently too. A café buying a second oven, a gym fitting out a new studio, and a mining contractor funding site-ready gear all have unique cash flow patterns, asset profiles, and risk considerations.
This article explains how specialised industry equipment finance works in Australia, with a focus on gym equipment loans, hospitality equipment lending, and mining-related plant and machinery funding.
Important note: lender policy varies by asset type, business profile, and trading history. Approvals are subject to credit assessment, and you should confirm tax treatment with your accountant.
Gym and fitness equipment finance
Gym equipment loans and a fitness equipment loan can help fund:
- Treadmills, bikes, rowers and cardio equipment
- Pin-loaded and plate-loaded strength machines
- Free weights, racks and functional training rigs
- Studio fit-outs and eligible equipment packages
Lenders typically consider equipment quality, resale market, and how stable membership revenue is. For new gyms, supporting evidence like pre-sale memberships, leases, and a realistic break-even plan can materially improve outcomes.
Hospitality, kitchen and laundry equipment loans
Hospitality businesses often finance equipment to increase throughput and reduce downtime. Common facilities include:
- Restaurant equipment loans (ovens, fridges, freezers, dishwashers)
- Catering equipment loans (mobile equipment packages and prep gear)
- Bakery equipment loans (mixers, proofers, deck ovens, sheeters)
- Kitchen equipment loans (commercial cooklines and ventilation where eligible)
- Laundry equipment loans (washers, dryers, presses and folding machines)
Approvals often depend on trading history and cash flow consistency. Seasonal venues may benefit from a structure that keeps repayments manageable during quieter months. Used equipment can be financeable, but documentation, service history and supplier credibility become more important.
Printing, woodworking and industrial equipment finance
Many production businesses use asset finance to fund equipment that directly generates revenue, including:
- Printing equipment loans (digital presses, wide-format printers, finishing equipment)
- Woodworking equipment loan options (CNC routers, panel saws, edgebanders)
- Industrial equipment loan facilities for workshop and production machinery
Because some machinery is specialised, lenders may request more details such as machine specs, utilisation plans, and sometimes valuation evidence.
Mining and forestry equipment finance
A mining equipment loan can apply to a range of eligible assets depending on the lender, including earthmoving gear, material handling equipment, and contract-specific machinery. Similarly, forestry equipment loans may cover harvesters, forwarders, loaders, and chippers.
For mining and remote-site industries, lenders often focus on:
- Contract pipeline and counterparty strength
- Asset suitability and compliance requirements
- Insurance availability
- Cash flow timing (progress payments vs fixed monthly repayments)
Because contract timing can be uneven, the finance structure should be conservative — especially if a balloon/residual is used.
Common finance structures across these industries
- Chattel mortgage: ownership from day one, asset as security.
- Hire purchase: ownership at end, structured payments.
- Finance lease: flexibility and upgrade potential.
- Operating lease: rental-style, often used for defined lifecycle needs.
Rates and terms vary based on the asset, your credit profile, deposit (if any), and business cash flow.
FAQ
Are gym equipment loans available for new gyms?
Sometimes. New gyms may need stronger supporting evidence such as lease details, pre-sales/membership projections, and a realistic cash flow forecast. Lender appetite varies widely.
Can I finance used hospitality equipment?
Often yes, but lenders may be more conservative on older assets and may request service history, photos, and clear supplier documentation.
How do printing equipment loans work?
They’re typically asset finance facilities where the equipment is security for the loan. Lenders assess machine specs, resale market depth, and your business’s ability to service repayments.
Do mining equipment loans take longer to approve?
They can, especially if the equipment is high value or highly specialised. Contract evidence, compliance requirements, and valuation steps can extend timeframes.
What affects rates on specialised industry equipment finance?
Rates depend on your credit profile, term length, deposit, asset age/resale strength, and lender policy. Comparing total cost (fees and any residual) is more reliable than comparing rate alone.
Specialised industry equipment finance works best when the lender understands your asset category and your cash flow realities. With the right structure, you can fund revenue-producing equipment while keeping working capital available to run — and grow — the business.