Plant & Equipment covers the big-ticket commercial assets your business relies on every day — think machinery, heavy vehicles, forklifts and industrial gear that can usually be financed through equipment finance.
Simple definition
In asset finance, Plant & Equipment refers to high-value commercial assets like machinery, production lines, forklifts, yellow goods and workshop equipment used in day-to-day operations to generate income.
On a loan application these assets will often be classed as a specific asset type and treated as a depreciating asset over its useful life.
Where “Plant & Equipment” shows up in your finance deal
Your application or quote might describe the security as:
- “Plant & Equipment” on the asset schedule or invoice
- “Yellow goods, machinery or heavy vehicle” in the asset description
- “Business plant upgrade” on a low doc asset finance request
The more specific we can be about the asset — brand, model, age, condition and resale market — the easier it is to match it with the right lender and structure.
Examples of Plant & Equipment
- Excavators, loaders and other yellow goods
- Workshop machinery, fabrication gear and CNC equipment
- Forklifts, telehandlers and warehouse handling equipment
- Production lines, conveyors and packaging machinery
- Specialist tools & equipment used on-site
- Heavy vehicles that are part of a broader heavy vehicle or fleet setup
These assets are typically financeable under standard equipment finance or low doc structures, as long as they hold solid resale value and are used mainly for business.
How lenders view Plant & Equipment
When we talk to lenders about Plant & Equipment they’ll focus on:
- Remaining useful life — how many productive years the asset has left
- Condition and age — newer, well-maintained assets are easier to finance
- Resale market — how quickly the asset could be sold if needed
- Tax treatment — whether it may qualify as a instant asset write-off in a given year
Strong, income-producing Plant & Equipment is often one of the most financeable security types for SMEs, especially when paired with clear bank statements and BAS to support a low doc application.
Related terms & next steps
If you’re dealing with Plant & Equipment, these glossary pages and guides are worth a look:
When you’re ready, we can help you structure the right facility around your Plant & Equipment — from simple upgrades through to full fleet or workshop refreshes.
Quick FAQ: Plant & Equipment
Plant & Equipment refers to major commercial assets such as machinery, heavy vehicles and industrial equipment used in business operations.
Yes. It is one of the most financeable asset classes for equipment finance and low doc asset lending when the asset is income-producing and holds resale value.
Construction, mining, logistics, agriculture, trades, manufacturing and many other sectors rely heavily on Plant & Equipment to deliver work and generate revenue.
Finance terms are typically 3–7 years depending on the asset’s age, condition and remaining useful life.
No. Used equipment can also be financed if the condition, age and resale value meet lender standards.