How long has Heli been manufacturing forklifts? What is their reputation in the global market?
Heli began manufacturing forklifts in 1958, building a standard of reliable equipment manufacturing that lasts to this day. Heli is one of the world’s Top 7 Forklift Manufacturers by volume. It is the largest Chinese forklift brand, known and trusted across multiple industries like construction, agriculture, and oil & gas.
Where are Heli forklifts manufactured?
Heli forklifts are manufactured in Hefei, China, at one of the most vertically integrated and advanced forklift production facilities in Asia. The Heli company controls much of its own supply chain—machining, casting, assembly, and testing—to keep product quality consistently high.
Heli also manufactures parts and major components for other global OEM brands such as Hyster-Yale, Jungheinrich, and NobleLift. Their engineering capabilities enable millions of forklifts to work productively the world over.
What types of forklifts does Heli offer (e.g., electric, IC-LPG, IC-Diesel, pallet jacks, reach trucks, rough terrain)?
Heli offers a full line of material handling equipment, including:
This broad portfolio makes Heli a fit for everything from warehousing to construction to supply yards.
What is the standard manufacturer’s warranty on a new Heli forklift (e.g., overall coverage, powertrain, specific components)?
Our standard warranty is serviced by Industrial Forklifts for U.S. warranty claims, based out of our corporate office in Phoenix, AZ.
Warranty lengths are as follows:
We work with the U.S. Heli dealer network to perform warrantable repairs for customers. We also work with local engine dealers (Kubota, Cummins, and PSI) for engine service.
How readily available are genuine Heli spare parts? What’s the typical delivery time for parts not in stock?
We stock Heli parts at U.S.-based warehouses, with most common parts ready to ship same-day. For non-stock items, typical lead times range from 5–15 business days, depending on the component and port status. As a dealer, you can count on direct factory support and consolidated freight options to keep fleets running.
How does Heli compare to other well-known forklift brands like Toyota, Crown, Hyster-Yale, Mitsubishi, etc., in terms of quality, reliability, and innovation?
While it may not have the same U.S. brand recognition as Toyota or Crown, Heli delivers excellent value and reliability, particularly in high-cycle or rental environments where ROI is critical. Consider Heli’s lower acquisition cost, easy-to-use designs, and its durable construction as its major advantages.
Heli has followed a path of “pragmatic innovation” for decades. R&D focuses on reliable electronics systems, strong steel framing, and ease of maintenance. It’s just one of many reasons why Heli is the #1 Chinese forklift brand, and the #7 forklift brand in the world.
How does the total cost of ownership (TCO) for a Heli forklift compare to its competitors?
Heli offers a notably lower TCO in the material handling space. It maintains this low TCO through:
Customers in rental, retail, and fleet management consistently see TCO advantages of 15–25% compared to Tier 1 brands.
What is the process for ordering a Heli forklift?
Order your next Heli forklift through your authorized Heli dealer. The process generally includes:
See our Find a Dealer page to locate your nearest dealer.
What is the typical lead time for a new Heli forklift order?
Lead times vary based on model and availability. Here are the general standards:
Tariff status, port congestion, and model complexity may influence these estimates.
Do you offer financing options or lease programs for Heli forklifts?
Yes. We work with well-known financing partners such as U.S. Bank and Byline Financial Group to bring you competitive rates. We also encourage our dealers and customers to check with their local banks/credit unions for their financing terms.
As a dealer, what are some things I could convey to my customers about Heli’s value?
Heli products strike an excellent balance between reliability and value. Customers should know that Heli forklifts give them a productive operator experience, with simplified maintenance, all at a competitive price.
Are Heli purchases affected by tariffs? In what way?
Yes. Any equipment items imported from China are subject to U.S. tariffs under HTS Code 8427, and any related components (such as attachments) under HTS 8431.20.
These tariffs can affect final pricing. However, many dealers, as well as Industrial Forklifts itself, choose to absorb or offset a portion of those costs to remain competitive. If a tariff applies to your purchase, you may see its effect listed in pricing details at the time of sale.
Do Heli products work with automation systems?
Not all Heli units are ready for autonomous systems integrations. However, some electric models can integrate with some fleet management platforms. Please contact Industrial Forklifts if you want to inquire about a specific model.
What type of batteries do electric Heli trucks use?
Heli electric forklifts are available with lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries. We recommend using lithium-ion batteries to take advantage of their fast charging, zero maintenance, and longer cycle life than lead-acids.
Where do I go for aftermarket support? Does it originate in China?
You’ll find aftermarket parts and support right here in the U.S. As a Heli distribution partner, Industrial Forklifts helps our customers take care of support and parts acquisition. We store our own parts inventory, and assist dealers in stockpiling Heli parts, for warranty-related support work.
I have a question not addressed here. Who should I contact about it?
Ask our team! Please reach out to Industrial Forklifts’ customer support team at 888-639-4354 for product-specific guidance, warranty questions, or technical issues. You can also contact your local Heli dealer (see our Find a Dealer page to help).