trucks · Equipment & asset finance
Rigid truck finance
From a two-tonne pantech to a twin-steer eight-wheeler, rigid trucks are the everyday workhorse. We compare lenders and match the term to how hard the truck will be worked.
What is rigid truck finance?
Rigid truck finance is funding for a truck with the body mounted on a single chassis rather than towing a trailer, secured against the vehicle. Rigids run from small car-licence trucks up to heavy eight-wheelers, and are the most widely financed truck type in Australia because almost every trade and distribution business uses one.
Rigid trucks cover an enormous range of Australian work: couriers and furniture removals in light pantechs, building supply deliveries on crane trucks, waste and landscaping in tippers, and metro distribution in medium and heavy rigids with tail lifts. Isuzu has led the Australian truck market for decades, largely on parts availability and dealer coverage, which also supports resale and lender comfort.
The most common finance mistake is settling the truck and the body separately. If a cab chassis is bought from a dealer and then sent to a body builder, the total project cost should go on one finance contract, with progress payments arranged if needed. Doing it in two pieces often means the body ends up on more expensive unsecured finance. Talk to your broker before you order, not after.
Rigid truck finance at a glance
| Typical price range | $45,000 – $350,000 |
|---|---|
| Finance term | Up to 84 months |
| Useful life | About 15 years |
| New or used | Used Japanese light and medium rigids are plentiful and cheap to finance; new purchases suit businesses wanting warranty and a specific body build. |
| Indicative rates (Chattel mortgage) | 6.9% – 14.5% p.a. · rate history |
| Finance structures | Chattel mortgage (recommended), Truck finance, Equipment loan, Finance lease |
How lenders assess rigid truck finance
Rigid trucks are a volume asset and most panel lenders will fund one with minimal documentation for an established ABN. Light trucks that can be driven on a car licence attract the widest lender appetite. Bodies and equipment such as tail lifts, tippers, cranes and refrigeration units can be funded with the truck when they appear on the same invoice, and body-build costs from a third party can often be included with the right paperwork. Age limits usually require the truck to be under 15 years at term end.
Before you buy
- Check the GVM against what you actually carry — buying a truck you routinely overload creates compliance and insurance problems.
- Confirm whether the truck can be driven on a car licence; a 4,500 kg GVM limit changes who in your business can drive it.
- Get the body build quoted before you finance so the truck and body settle on one contract instead of two.
Commonly financed
Isuzu NPR 45-155 and FRR 110-260 · Hino 300 Series and 500 Series · Fuso Canter 615 · UD Croner PK · Iveco Eurocargo
Estimate rigid truck repayments
- Number of repayments
- 60
- Balloon at end of term
- $39,600
- Total interest (est.)
- $56,048
- Total repaid (est.)
- $254,048
This calculator provides an estimate only and does not account for fees, charges or the specific terms a lender may offer. It is not financial advice or an offer of finance.
Key terms
What is rigid truck finance?
Rigid truck finance is a secured loan or lease used to buy a truck with a fixed body on a single chassis, with the vehicle as security. Terms usually run 48 to 84 months and the body build can generally be funded with the truck.
What truck can I drive on a car licence in Australia?
A standard car licence generally allows you to drive a vehicle up to 4,500 kg gross vehicle mass. Above that you need a light rigid, medium rigid or heavy rigid licence depending on GVM and axle configuration. Rules are set by each state or territory.