Forklift Financing

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Page written by Alastair Woods. Last reviewed on October 30, 2024. Next review due 2025.

Forklifts are essential business equipment for all types of organisation, but with sticker prices ranging from R15,000 to R50,000, they don’t come cheap. Paying this kind of cost using working capital is not only financially inefficient, it can also be prohibitive. However, there’s an answer to this problem: Forklift financing. Pay for the equipment as you use the equipment. Give your organisation the machinery it needs without hurting cash flow.

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What is forklift financing?

Forklift financing – also known as equipment financing – is a type of business loan used to support the purchase of new or used forklifts. This type of financing gives organisations an alternative way to pay for one or more forklifts without putting strain on working capital by buying machinery with cash.

What are the benefits of financing a forklift?

Financing your forklift purchase has many benefits:

Retain valuable working capital for use elsewhere in your business
Immediate equipment acquisition – may show as an asset on your balance sheet
Low or no down payment
Buy over time – pay for your forklift with affordable monthly payments
Preserve other credit lines

How does forklift financing work?

There are two types of forklift financing:

Finance (also known as a forklift loan)

Forklift finance is a straightforward business loan. You make a down payment on the forklift and then pay off the balance of the purchase price, plus interest, with regular payments over a fixed-term contract. The equipment acts as security for the loan. When the agreement comes to an end, the forklift is paid for and yours to keep.

Advantages of a forklift loan

Own the forklift outright when the contract ends
Add the machinery as an asset to your balance sheet from date of purchase

Disadvantages of forklift loan

Higher monthly payments because you are paying back the total forklift price

Lease

A forklift lease is really a long-term rental agreement. Because you are only financing some of the purchase price, leasing typically has lower monthly payments than a finance/loan. With a lease, you make a down payment and then pay a regular sum plus interest each month to use the forklift. At contract end you can either give the equipment back to the lender, renew the lease at a different cost per month, or buy the forklift for the fair market value – this is commonly known as a ‘balloon payment’.

Advantages of a forklift lease

Lower monthly payments
Option to buy the machinery or lease a newer forklift at contract end can give you better financial flexibility and/or a more modern machine

Disadvantages of a forklift lease

Balloon payment could be more than the forklift is worth at contract end
Becomes a liability on your balance sheet

Get started with Swoop

Working with business finance experts can make all the difference when applying for forklift financing. Contact Swoop to discuss your borrowing needs, get help with your application and compare top-quality forklift financing from a choice of lenders. Give your business the equipment it needs without putting strain on cash flow. Register with Swoop today.

Written by

Alastair Woods

Alastair is South African and has a depth of experience in small business financing and strategy. He has led the launch and development of several successful ventures related to fintech, biotech and agriculture. Alastair studied economics and finance at the University of Cape Town, and then went on to complete his Masters at the University of Edinburgh.

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