The first decision is when the machine must work
Record the intended first-use date, the delivery commitment and what must happen between arrival and productive use. Include implements, setup, operator training and any transport or storage needs.
An order deposit or progress payment can be due well before the point when a provider pays the supplier. Confirm those dates separately. If a delay would miss the operating window, price the practical backup: existing equipment, hire or a contractor.
Follow the deposit through to delivery
This hypothetical $60,000 machine requires a $15,000 order deposit in January and a $45,000 balance at March delivery. Assume the proposed finance pays $42,000 at delivery; the business therefore pays a further $3,000 of the price then. Another $4,000 of transport and setup is paid from cash.
| Timing | Business cash | Proposed finance |
|---|---|---|
| January order deposit | $15,000 | $0 |
| March price balance | $3,000 | $42,000 |
| March transport and setup | $4,000 | $0 |
| Total | $22,000 | $42,000 |
Swipe or scroll the table sideways to see every column.
The total acquisition budget is $64,000. The $22,000 business contribution is not all paid on one day. Check cash available in January and March against the season’s receipts and other inputs. These amounts illustrate timing only; they do not describe a deposit requirement or available facility.
Buying capacity versus using a contractor
Compare the expected seasonal work with the annual commitment. Include finance payments, maintenance, transport, storage and the cost of keeping the machine ready between uses. Set these against a contractor or hire quote for the same work, dates and scope.
Ownership may provide control over timing, while an alternative may reduce the initial commitment. Test actual availability and response times rather than giving either option an assumed advantage. Include a lower-use season and a repair at the busiest time.
Used machinery, support and repayment timing
Hours, maintenance history, parts access and service support help explain the machine’s remaining working life. A cheaper purchase can lose its advantage if it needs repairs during a narrow seasonal window. Follow the relevant seller and security checks before committing.
Ask for the actual repayment dates, fees, final payment and early-payout terms. Seasonal schedules may be available for some proposals, but they should not be assumed. Compare every payment with the operating cash cycle, not only the annual income total.
Bring the machinery timetable to Atlas
We can help identify the amount and timing of the funding need, compare the purchase options and prepare the supplier and business information for the next step. Include the role of the machine, existing finance and what a delayed delivery would mean for the season.
If the business also needs cash for inputs or labour before income arrives, flag that alongside the asset enquiry so it can be considered separately.
What to prepare
- Machine and implement quote with individual descriptions and values
- Deposit, progress-payment, delivery and first-use dates
- Seasonal cash plan and current repayment commitments
- Used-equipment condition, parts and servicing evidence
- Contractor/hire alternative or backup plan where relevant
- Cash contribution and final-payment/replacement plan
Common questions
Can tractor implements be considered with the tractor?
They may be, but identify each implement, price and supplier payment date. Confirm the funding treatment rather than assuming the package is assessed as one asset.
Are seasonal repayments available?
Availability varies by provider and proposal. Ask for the exact payment calendar and compare it with the farm’s own receipts and existing debt.
Can the finance cover an order deposit?
This needs to be established before the order is placed. Some purchase stages may require business cash before final supplier payment. Bring the deposit and delivery terms into the enquiry.
Is an older machine automatically excluded?
There is no universal rule to apply. Asset type, condition, age and the proposed term matter to the provider; the farm also needs to assess useful life and service support.
General information only. Product terms and availability vary. Check the actual proposal and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances.