Last updated: 8 December 2025 – all rates & tax rules verified this week
Written & reviewed by the Ding Financial team – Australian Credit Licence 222640, equipment finance specialist brokers
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
All information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, taxation, or legal advice.
Rates, approval times, and eligibility are indicative only and vary based on individual circumstances, credit profile, forklift type/age, and lender criteria.
There are no guarantees on interest rates, approval speed, or funding timelines.
Tax benefits (including the $20,000 instant asset write-off) depend on your specific situation and current ATO rules.
Please contact Ding Financial or your own adviser before making any decisions.
Forklift Finance NSW – Competitive Rates, Fast Approvals
Finance electric forklifts, LPG forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and walkie stackers across NSW warehouses. Compare 25+ specialist lenders, understand the $20k instant write-off, and get indicative quotes from Ding Financial. Trusted by 180+ NSW warehouse and logistics businesses.
Get a No-Obligation Indicative QuoteImportant Tax & Financial Disclaimer
General Information Only: The information provided on this page is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered as professional tax, legal, or financial advice.
Seek Professional Advice: You must seek professional advice from a qualified accountant, tax advisor, or financial planner regarding your individual tax circumstances, strategies, and current regulations before making any financial decisions.
ATO Requirements: For official information about tax deductions, instant asset write-offs, depreciation schedules, and current ATO requirements, always cross-reference with the Australian Taxation Office website:
Tax laws and regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the ATO and consult with professional advisors before making equipment finance decisions.
Forklift Types & Indicative Finance Pricing
Electric Counterbalance
Capacity:
1.5–3.0 tonne typical
New Price Range:
$35,000–$65,000
Used Price Range:
$15,000–$40,000 (3–10 years old)
Finance Rate:
6.5–9.0% p.a.*
Best for: Indoor warehouses, distribution centers, smooth concrete floors
LPG/Diesel Counterbalance
Capacity:
2.5–5.0 tonne typical
New Price Range:
$45,000–$80,000
Used Price Range:
$20,000–$50,000 (3–10 years old)
Finance Rate:
6.5–9.5% p.a.*
Best for: Outdoor yards, heavy-duty applications, longer operating hours
Reach Truck
Capacity:
1.4–2.5 tonne typical
New Price Range:
$45,000–$75,000
Used Price Range:
$25,000–$50,000 (3–8 years old)
Finance Rate:
7.0–9.5% p.a.*
Best for: Narrow aisles, high-bay racking (up to 12m), space-efficient warehouses
Order Picker
Capacity:
1.0–2.0 tonne typical
New Price Range:
$55,000–$90,000
Used Price Range:
$30,000–$60,000 (3–8 years old)
Finance Rate:
7.5–10.0% p.a.*
Best for: E-commerce fulfillment, piece-picking, high-level access (up to 14m)
Walkie Stacker
Capacity:
1.0–2.0 tonne typical
New Price Range:
$12,000–$25,000
Used Price Range:
$5,000–$15,000 (3–10 years old)
Finance Rate:
8.0–11.0% p.a.*
Best for: Small warehouses, retail backrooms, container loading/unloading
Pallet Jack (Electric)
Capacity:
1.5–2.5 tonne typical
New Price Range:
$8,000–$18,000
Used Price Range:
$3,000–$10,000 (3–10 years old)
Finance Rate:
9.0–12.0% p.a.*
Best for: Ground-level pallet transport, loading bays, dock-to-stock operations
*Indicative rates only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, forklift age/hours, deposit amount, and lender criteria. Contact Ding Financial for personalized quotes across all forklift types.
$20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off 2025–26 – Forklift Eligibility
This is general information only – eligibility varies.
Consult your accountant and cross-reference with ato.gov.au
Which Forklifts Qualify for Instant Write-Off?
✅ Typically Qualify (Under $20k ex-GST)
- Walkie stackers: New ($12k–$18k) or used models (often under $15k)
- Electric pallet jacks: Most new units ($8k–$16k)
- Small electric counterbalance: Used 1.5 tonne units (5+ years old, ~$15k–$18k)
- Forklift attachments: Side shifters, rotators, clamps (typically $3k–$12k each)
⚠️ Typically DO NOT Qualify (Over $20k ex-GST)
- New counterbalance forklifts: Most electric/LPG units ($35k–$80k)
- Reach trucks: New units ($45k–$75k), used often still over $20k
- Order pickers: New units ($55k–$90k)
- High-capacity forklifts: 4–10 tonne models (well over $20k)
Note: These must be depreciated over useful life (typically 7–10 years for forklifts). Consult your accountant for depreciation schedules.
💡 Pro Strategy: Split Your Purchase
Many warehouse operators structure purchases like this:
• Forklift: $45,000 (depreciated over 10 years)
• Attachments: $8,000 side shifter + $6,000 rotator = $14,000 (instant write-off)
• Battery/Charger: $15,000 (separate asset, instant write-off)
Result: $29,000 immediately deductible (attachments + battery), saving ~$8,700 in tax (at 30% company rate). This is legitimate provided each is genuinely a separate asset. Consult your accountant.
Featured Projects – Real NSW Forklift Deals Closed by Ding Financial
Results vary. Anonymised case studies with $ amounts, tax saved, industry, suburb.
Western Sydney E-Commerce
Assets: 3x Toyota electric counterbalance (2.5T) + 2x order pickers
Total Finance: $285,000
Structure: Finance lease, 60 months
Indicative Tax Saving: ~$85,500 over term (full lease payments deductible)
Industry: E-commerce fulfillment
Suburb: Eastern Creek, NSW
Inner West Manufacturing
Assets: 2x Mitsubishi LPG forklifts (3.5T) + attachments
Total Finance: $125,000
Structure: Chattel mortgage, 60 months, 20% balloon
Indicative Tax Saving: ~$18,000 first year (depreciation + attachments write-off)
Industry: Food manufacturing
Suburb: Marrickville, NSW
Central Coast Logistics
Assets: 5x Crown reach trucks (2.0T)
Total Finance: $320,000
Structure: Hire purchase, 72 months
Indicative Tax Saving: ~$96,000 over term (full repayments deductible)
Industry: 3PL warehousing
Suburb: Somersby, NSW
Hunter Manufacturing
Assets: 1x Hyster diesel forklift (5.0T)
Total Finance: $68,000
Structure: Chattel mortgage, 60 months, 30% balloon
Indicative Tax Saving: ~$10,200 first year (depreciation)
Industry: Steel fabrication
Suburb: Tomago, NSW
Northern Beaches Retail
Assets: 3x walkie stackers + 2x electric pallet jacks (all under $20k each)
Total Finance: $52,000
Structure: Chattel mortgage, 48 months, instant write-off applied
Indicative Tax Saving: ~$15,600 immediate (full instant write-off)
Industry: Hardware retail
Suburb: Brookvale, NSW
South West Distribution Center
Assets: 4x Raymond electric counterbalance (2.0T)
Total Finance: $185,000
Structure: Finance lease, 48 months
Indicative Tax Saving: ~$55,500 over term (lease payments fully deductible)
Industry: Pharmaceutical distribution
Suburb: Moorebank, NSW
Official ATO $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off
Based on official Australian Taxation Office guidance - current for 2024-26 financial years
$20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off
Official ATO instant asset write-off for eligible forklifts and warehouse equipment
Eligibility Requirements
- •Business aggregated turnover less than $10 million
- •Asset cost less than $20,000 (ex GST if registered)
- •First used or installed ready for use 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025 (law) | 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026 (announced)*
- •Using simplified depreciation rules
- •Both new and second-hand assets qualify
How It Works
- •Per-asset basis: Write off multiple assets under $20k each
- •Immediate deduction: Claim full business portion in year of purchase
- •GST treatment: Exclude GST if registered, include if not
- •Business use only: Only claim business portion (not private use)
Assets $20,000 or More
If your asset costs $20,000 or more, it goes into the small business simplified depreciation pool:
- • 15% deduction in the first year
- • 30% deduction each subsequent year
- • If pool balance falls below $20,000, write off the entire balance
Important Exclusions & Limits
Passenger vehicles limited to $69,674 for depreciation purposes (excludes motorcycles and disability-modified vehicles)
- • Assets leased out (>50% of time)
- • R&D assets (special rules apply)
- • Capital works & buildings
- • Horticultural plants
Practical Example
Purchase: Computer for $6,800 (80% business use)
Instant Write-Off: $5,440 (80% of $6,800) in the year of purchase
Total cost ($6,800) is below $20,000 threshold ✓
Business can claim $5,440 deduction immediately, not spread over multiple years
* Legislative Status: The $20,000 instant asset write-off for 2024-25 (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025) is confirmed law. The extension for 2025-26 (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026) has been announced by the government but is not yet legislated. While the government has committed to this extension, it requires parliamentary passage before becoming law.
Important: This information is based on ATO guidance current as of December 2024. Tax laws change regularly. Consult a registered tax agent or accountant to ensure your specific situation qualifies for the instant asset write-off. Record keeping requirements apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical interest rate for forklift finance in NSW?
Indicative rates range from 6.5–12% p.a. depending on forklift type, age, credit profile, and deposit.
New forklifts (mainstream brands): 6.5–9.0% p.a.
Used forklifts (3–8 years): 8.0–10.5% p.a.
Older/smaller equipment (pallet jacks, walkie stackers): 9.0–12.0% p.a.
Contact Ding Financial for personalized quotes across 25+ lenders.
Should I finance new or used forklifts?
New forklifts: Better warranty (3–5 years), lower maintenance costs, higher resale value. Finance rates 6.5–9% p.a.
Used forklifts: 30–50% lower purchase price, immediate availability, proven track record. Finance rates 8–10.5% p.a.
Our recommendation: New if high usage (multi-shift operations), used for single-shift or intermittent use. Consider total cost of ownership (purchase + maintenance + downtime) over 5 years.
How much deposit do I need for forklift finance?
New forklifts: 10–20% deposit typical
Used forklifts (3–8 years): 15–25% deposit
Older equipment (10+ years): 25–35% deposit
Low doc or bad credit: 30–50% deposit
Some specialist lenders offer 100% finance for prime borrowers with strong cashflow (higher rates apply).
Can I finance forklift attachments separately?
Yes, attachments (side shifters, rotators, clamps, forks) can be financed separately or bundled with forklift.
Separate finance benefits: May qualify for $20k instant write-off if attachment under $20k ex-GST.
Bundled finance: Simpler documentation, single monthly repayment.
Ding Financial recommends separating attachments if close to $20k threshold for instant write-off eligibility.
Should I choose chattel mortgage, hire purchase, or lease?
Chattel mortgage: Best if GST-registered (claim GST upfront) and want to own forklift. Claim depreciation + interest.
Hire purchase: Best if not GST-registered. Full repayment deductible. Own forklift at end.
Finance lease: Best if want lower monthly repayments and upgrade flexibility. Full lease payment deductible. No ownership until lease end.
Consult your accountant for tax-specific advice based on your business structure.
How long does forklift finance approval take?
Pre-approval: 24–48 hours with complete documentation
Final approval: 3–5 business days (includes forklift inspection if used)
Settlement: 1–2 business days after final approval
Total timeframe: 5–9 business days from application to forklift delivery
Urgent applications can be fast-tracked (speak to Ding Financial).
Can I claim the $20,000 instant write-off for forklifts?
Only forklifts costing under $20,000 ex-GST qualify (typically walkie stackers, pallet jacks, or used small electric units).
Most new counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, and order pickers exceed this threshold and must be depreciated.
Pro tip: Split purchase into forklift + attachments + battery to maximize immediate deductions (consult accountant).
Verify current rules at ato.gov.au.
Do I need to insure financed forklifts?
Yes, lenders require comprehensive insurance covering theft, damage, and third-party liability.
Typical costs: $800–$2,500 per year depending on forklift value and usage.
Coverage required: Market value or agreed value, lender noted as interested party.
Some lenders offer bundled insurance (slightly higher rates but convenient single payment).
Can I upgrade my forklift mid-contract?
Yes, by paying out existing loan and refinancing. If forklift value exceeds payout, equity rolls into new finance.
Example: 3 years into 5-year loan, $40k owing, forklift worth $55k → $15k equity toward new $70k forklift → only finance $55k.
Early payout fees may apply (typically 1–3 months interest). Check your contract for specific terms.
Who can I contact for forklift finance advice in NSW?
Contact Ding Financial (Australian Credit Licence 222640) for no-obligation quotes and advice.
📞 1300 DING FIN
🌐 www.ding.financial
Ding Financial compares 25+ lenders to find best rates and structures for NSW warehouse and logistics businesses.
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Trusted by 180+ NSW warehouse and logistics businesses. Compare 25+ lenders, understand your tax options, and get fast approvals.