Agricultural and farm equipment finance: tractors, harvesters, irrigation and farm vehicles

Last updated 6 November 2026 · Reviewed by 360 Asset Finance Compliance

What farm equipment can be financed?

Lenders on our panel finance most of the machinery and vehicles a farm relies on, including:

• Tractors and their attachments and implements.
• Harvesting and cropping equipment: harvesters, headers, sprayers, seeders and planters.
• Hay and livestock equipment: balers, mowers and livestock handling gear.
• Irrigation: pumps, pipes, centre pivots and other irrigation systems.
• Farm vehicles: utes, trucks, trailers and all-terrain or utility vehicles.

Equipment fixed to the land, such as some irrigation systems, may be treated differently from machinery you can move. All funding is subject to the lender's assessment.

Can I finance used machinery or buy at a clearing sale?

Often, yes. It depends on the machine, its age and condition, and the lender's criteria. If you're buying privately or at a clearing sale, the lender may need an invoice, an inspection and a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check that there's no money owing on it. Talk to your broker before you bid.

How do I plan for cash flow between seasons?

Farm income often arrives at harvest or when stock is sold, while costs come in all through the season, and finance repayments still need to be made throughout. Before you commit, think about:

• A balloon or residual. It lowers your regular payments, but it's a lump sum due at the end and it generally increases the total cost.
• Working capital. If you need funds between seasons rather than a machine, a business line of credit may be an option.
• Farm Management Deposits. This Australian Government scheme is one way some primary producers manage income across good and poor seasons. Ask your accountant whether it's relevant.

Which finance structures are available for farm equipment?

A general summary only: terms depend on the lender and the agreement.

What are the pros and cons of financing farm equipment?

Pros

• You keep cash for other costs, such as seed, fertiliser, feed, fuel or wages.
• You can choose a structure, with or without a balloon or residual, to suit how you use the equipment.
• The equipment usually acts as security for the finance.

Cons

• Interest and fees add to the total cost, compared with paying cash.
• A balloon or residual leaves a lump sum to pay or refinance at the end.
• Repayments are still due in a poor season, so plan for dry or low-yield seasons.
• If you don't make the repayments, the lender can take and sell the equipment.

What will I need to apply?

Every lender sets its own requirements, but it helps to have a quote or invoice for the equipment, the amount you need and when you need it (for example before sowing or harvest), identification for each applicant, your ABN and business details, evidence of income or business performance such as financial statements, and details of your existing debts.

Your broker will assess your income and financial situation, and the lender will assess your application against its criteria.

How do I apply for farm equipment finance, step by step?

1. Choose the machine or system and get a quote or invoice. If you're buying at a clearing sale, talk to your broker before you bid.
2. Talk to your accountant about how each structure would be treated for tax in your business.
3. Tell your broker about the equipment, your farm business and when you need it, and compare structures across the panel.
4. Your broker prepares the application. The lender will assess your application against its criteria.
5. If it's approved, you sign the documents and the lender pays the seller at settlement.

How can 360 Asset Finance help?

For farm businesses, contractors and growers, we:

• Arrange the finance: tractors, harvesters, irrigation and farm vehicles through our lender panel, subject to the lender's criteria.
• Compare the panel: we're not tied to one lender, so we compare structures, repayments and total cost.
• Sort the documents: we tell you what the lender needs and prepare the application.
• Work with your accountant: we don't give tax advice, so structure and tax questions go to your accountant.
• Manage settlement: we work with the lender and the seller and keep you updated through to settlement.
• Next step: tell us the equipment, the amount and your timing.

FAQs

Sources and further reading:business.gov.au: Leasing or buying vehicles and equipment · agriculture.gov.au: Farm Management Deposits · ATO: Primary producers concessions

General information only. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it isn't credit, tax or legal advice. Finance is provided by the lender you choose and is subject to its lending criteria; fees and charges apply. 360 Asset Finance is a trading name of Kuone Consulting Pty Ltd (ABN 75 647 329 002), Australian Credit Licence 566705.