| 65 A different approach to contractor financing T T Kelly Deeks TDF Solutions TDF Solutions differentiates itself from by taking a long-term, on-the-ground approach. TDF Solutions is expanding its reach across the South Island as demand grows for specialist equipment, flexible financing, and hands-on support from contractors operating in civil, agricultural, transport, and forestry sectors. While it is commonly associated with forestry, sales manager Scott Bonnington says the company now supplies more than 40 pieces of machinery across multiple industries, with values ranging from $70,000 to $1.2 million. Scott says the breadth of work runs well beyond logging. ‘ “Recently, we’ve supplied Kenworth chiller trucks for long-haul operators and agriculture, and we’re doing more in civil and general contracting.” He says customers typically seek equipment that supports revenue generation, expanding output or filling a gap, with TDF supporting owners and standard lenders to provide a solution. “If a business has standard lending that allows four trucks, but they really need a fifth to get over the line, that’s where we can work with lenders and owners.” TDF operates a lease-to-buy model that Scott says suits contractors with strong workflow but tight cash flow. Clients can secure a machine with a monthly lease, rather than the normal, say 10%, deposit, preserving working capital for staffing, fuel, and other operational needs. “Customers use their cash flow for another part of the business, while the machine helps them generate income. It really is a solution,” he says. STRENGTH YOU CAN RELY ON – TIGERCAT AND CABLEPRICE Tigercat forestry machines are engineered for maximum productivity and durability in the performance professionals trust to get the job done. At CablePrice, we’re proud to stand behind TDF solutions with world-class equipment and service that keep your operations moving forward. Choose Tigercat and CablePrice – where innovation meets reliability. PROUDLY SUPPORTING TDF SOLUTIONS Proudly supporting Puklowski Silviculture YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR FORESTRY & OUTDOOR GEAR Wire rope sales & service Harvester chain sharpening Chainsaw/harvester bars & chain Safety equipment & PPE Clothing & footwear Fishing & hunting 4/38 ELLIS STREET, BRIGHTWATER • LOGGER.CO.NZ • 0800 LOGGING Proudly supporting TDF Solutions Ltd The Trinder Group proudly supporting TDF Solutions with expert engineering services – from design to manufacture. Through strong local collaboration, our partnership delivers innovative solutions to the Forestry, Civil, Mining and Agriculture industries. CONTACT US : NATHAN@TR I NDER . CO . NZ WWW. TR I NDER . CO . NZ PH . 03 544 8024 • Ful l Design, Research & Development Capabi l i ty • Ful l Workshop and Mobi le Engineer ing Operat ions • Fleet (Heavy Transport ) • Structural Engineer ing including Bui ldings and Infrastructure • Machinery Design and Manufacture Scott says TDF Solutions differentiates itself from by taking a long-term, on-the-ground approach. The team spends time on-site with clients, inspecting operations, meeting crews, understanding upcoming issues, and building a relationship, rather than assessing credit solely from accounts and historical performance. “We work with our customers holistically with a forward focus,” Scott says. “We like to look at what is going to happen once you’ve got the equipment. We mitigate risk by going on-site and finding out what’s actually happening.” This approach has paid dividends for customers that may not have quite met mainstream lending criteria. Scott recalls a transport client, who financed three trucks during a difficult period. “They were struggling, and standard lending was not quite able to bridge the gap,” he says. “We worked with the owner and the lenders, the client got the work done with those trucks, and now they own them outright. Sometimes, if you need an asset, you need it.” TDF also provides consultative support, connecting operators, sharing operational insights, and assisting with specification and procurement. “We’ve had customers ask us to build specialised units,” says Scott. “We like to look at what is going to happen once you’ve got the equipment. We mitigate risk by going on-site and finding out what’s actually happening.” “They give us the specifications, and we handle design, pricing, engineering, build, and delivery,” he says. “Instead of talking to eight different suppliers and hearing eight different things, we remove a lot of headaches for our customers and deliver a finished product.” Scott says TDF prides itself on being personable, with a customer base that values trust, continuity, and confidentiality. “We punch above our weight, and we know most of our customers’ families. That’s the level we’re involved at.” With forestry and civil contracting being two high-risk industries for Health & Safety, Scott says access to safer modern equipment remains a major driver. New Zealand contractors are increasingly focused on efficiency, operator safety, and compliance, and TDF’s lease and lease-toown pathways offer an avenue for upgrading without over-capitalising, while maintaining strong existing relationships with mainstream lenders. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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