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Forklift Finance · Finance Lease

Forklift finance lease

Fund forklift on finance lease and lease it over its useful life, with an option to buy at the residual. Indicative rates From ~7.6% p.a. (new, prime borrower) — subject to credit.

Quick answer

Forklift finance structured as finance lease means you lease it over its useful life, with an option to buy at the residual. Forklift finance funds counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, walkie stackers, pallet jacks, order pickers and telehandlers for NZ warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and yard operations. Most NZ forklift finance is structured as hire purchase, chattel mortgage or operating lease (commonly bundled with servicing for fleets).

Is finance lease right for forklift?

A finance lease can suit plant you will work intensively but may not want to own at end of life, turning the cost into a deductible lease rental with a residual buy-out option.

About forklift finance

Forklift finance funds counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, walkie stackers, pallet jacks, order pickers and telehandlers for NZ warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and yard operations. Most NZ forklift finance is structured as hire purchase, chattel mortgage or operating lease (commonly bundled with servicing for fleets). Indicative rates from ~7.6% p.a. for new forklifts from a recognised dealer, with terms up to 84 months. Used forklifts including ex-rental and auction units are funded by specialist NZ non-bank lenders.

Why finance lease

  • ✓Lease payments are deductible operating expenses
  • ✓No GST charged upfront on the asset — GST is on each lease payment
  • ✓Often easier approval than a traditional loan for new businesses
  • ✓Predictable fixed payments
  • ✓May suit assets with strong second-hand market (machinery, plant)

Trade-offs to weigh

  • –You do not own the asset during the term
  • –Buying out at end of term usually requires negotiating residual
  • –Less flexibility than hire purchase if you want to sell mid-term

Forklift finance at a glance

Indicative rate
From ~7.6% p.a. (new, prime borrower) — subject to credit
Typical term
48–84 months
Deposit / LVR
Up to 100% on new from a recognised dealer; 80–90% on used
Lenders
UDC Finance, Heartland Bank, Toyota Financial Services

What you can fund

LPG, diesel and electric counterbalance forkliftsReach trucksWalkie stackers and pallet jacksOrder pickersTelehandlers (rough-terrain forklifts)Container handlers and heavy industrial lifts

How finance lease is treated

Ownership during term Lender owns the asset
Ownership at end of term Lender (with option to purchase at residual)
Who claims depreciation Lender
GST treatment GST on each lease payment (not upfront)

See the full breakdown in the finance lease guide, compare all four structures on the comparison page, or read more on forklift finance.

Rates, terms and LVR are indicative market ranges for guidance only — not a quote, not financial or tax advice, and subject to lender credit approval. Confirm tax and accounting treatment with your accountant.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes. Finance Lease is a common way to fund forklift for New Zealand businesses — it means you lease it over its useful life, with an option to buy at the residual. A finance lease is an arrangement where the lender owns the asset and rents it to your business for an agreed term, with you taking on most of the risks and rewards of ownership economically. Lease payments are treated as an operating expense for tax purposes. All applications are subject to lender credit approval.