ARAS vs HELI Forklifts: A Complete Comparison for Middle East Buyers

Dec 12, 2025

When choosing forklifts for warehouses, industrial sites, or logistics operations in the Middle East, two names often come up: ARAS Forklifts and HELI Forklifts. Both offer reliable lifting solutions, but they differ significantly in technology, pricing, availability, and after-sales support. This blog provides a complete comparison across all forklift categories—electric, diesel, LPG, and heavy-duty—so Middle Eastern buyers can make informed decisions based on performance, cost, and long-term value.

1. Brand Overview ARAS vs Heli

ARAS Forklifts

ARAS is a UAE-based supplier known for offering durable, cost-effective forklifts tailored to regional needs. Their equipment focuses on reliability, simple maintenance, and affordability. ARAS is particularly strong within the UAE market and nearby GCC regions, where customers value competitive pricing and quick service response.

HELI Forklifts

HELI is one of the world’s top forklift manufacturers with a global presence spanning 60+ countries. Known for advanced engineering, innovation, and a vast product lineup ranging from 1-ton electrics to 40+ ton container handlers, HELI is often the preferred choice for industries requiring heavy-duty performance, smart features, and a strong service network.

2. Performance & Durability

ARAS

ARAS forklifts are built with rugged steel frames, reinforced masts, and heavy-duty components designed for long life in hot and dusty Middle Eastern environments. Their diesel and LPG models emphasize simple mechanical structures that are easier to maintain and less prone to breakdowns. Electric models from ARAS also focus on durability, offering consistent performance even under continuous warehouse use.

HELI

HELI forklifts excel in engineering sophistication. Their newer models include enhanced stability, stronger drivetrains, and improved energy efficiency. For heavy-duty applications like construction, ports, and high-frequency warehouse operations, HELI’s performance edge becomes apparent. Their equipment often includes intelligent stability systems, optimized hydraulic controls, and higher load capacities.

Verdict:

ARAS is ideal for everyday warehouse and medium-duty tasks.
HELI is preferred for high-intensity operations requiring advanced stability and power.

3. Features & Technology

ARAS

ARAS focuses on essential operator features:

Ergonomic seating
Good visibility
Standard safety systems
Easy-to-access components

Their trucks prioritize practicality over high-tech features. This approach keeps prices down and simplifies operation, especially for SMEs.

HELI

HELI invests heavily in innovation. Their electric and IC forklifts often include:

Smart safety sensors
Optional AI collision detection
Intelligent steering control
Advanced braking and stability systems
LCD operator displays
Telematics options for fleet management

These features appeal to companies prioritizing safety, data-driven operations, and high efficiency.

Verdict:
ARAS delivers essentials; HELI delivers innovation.

4. Fuel Options & Energy Efficiency

Electric Forklifts

ARAS offers lithium-ion and lead-acid models up to 10 tons. They provide quiet operation, low operating cost, and minimal maintenance—ideal for warehouses and retail facilities.
HELI offers a wider range of electric forklifts with fast-charging capabilities, long-life batteries, and up to 15% energy savings in new-generation models.

Diesel & LPG Forklifts

ARAS diesel and LPG options are straightforward, durable, and affordable.
HELI diesel and LPG forklifts include refined engines, better emission control, and higher lifting performance.

Hybrid & New Energy

HELI offers hybrid and supercapacitor forklift models globally.
ARAS currently does not provide hybrid solutions.

Verdict:
For energy efficiency and green technology, HELI leads.
For cost-effective IC and electric options, ARAS is strong.

5. Pricing & Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

ARAS

ARAS is highly competitive on price compared to major international brands. Lower upfront cost, simple maintenance, and availability of affordable spare parts make ARAS very attractive for small to mid-sized businesses in the UAE.

Their total cost of ownership remains low due to:

Sturdy components
Reduced breakdown frequency
Fuel-efficient engines
Lower service costs

HELI

HELI’s pricing is moderate—not as expensive as Japanese brands but higher than regional or economy alternatives. Buyers pay more upfront but gain:

Higher resale value
Better energy efficiency
Longer service life
Access to advanced features

Verdict:

Budget-conscious buyers: ARAS
Long-term value and performance: HELI

6. Availability & Distribution in the Middle East

ARAS

ARAS is headquartered in Dubai and primarily serves the UAE and surrounding GCC markets. Their advantage lies in:

Quick delivery within the UAE
Direct support from their Dubai facility
Strong local understanding of UAE regulations and customer needs

HELI

HELI has a well-established regional network with distributors across:

UAE
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Qatar
Bahrain

They maintain showrooms, warehouses, and service centers throughout the GCC, making HELI one of the most accessible global brands in the region.

Verdict:
ARAS dominates UAE-local support.
HELI dominates GCC-wide availability.

7. Maintenance, Service & Spare Parts

ARAS

ARAS offers:

Fast on-ground service teams
Preventive maintenance programs
Stocked spare parts for common models

However, the scale of their service network is smaller than global brands, and parts for less common models may require import lead time.

HELI

HELI’s large GCC dealer network ensures:

Trained technicians
Wide availability of OEM parts
24/7 service for many regions
Strong after-sales infrastructure

Large fleets and heavy industries prefer HELI for this reason.

Verdict:
HELI leads in service network scale.
ARAS provides strong, personal UAE-focused support.

8. Brand Reputation & Trust

ARAS

ARAS has built a reputation in the UAE for:

Reliable machines
Fair pricing
Quick support
Customer-focused service

However, the brand is still growing its recognition compared to global OEMs.

HELI

With over six decades of manufacturing experience and a global footprint, HELI is widely recognized for:

Consistent quality
Engineering reliability
Broad product range

It is trusted by major logistics companies, contractors, and industries worldwide.

Verdict:
ARAS = Strong local reputation
HELI = Globally established leader

Final Conclusion: Which Brand Should You Choose?

Choose ARAS if you want:

Lower upfront cost
Reliable performance for everyday operations
A durable machine without unnecessary complexity
Strong UAE-based after-sales support
Ideal for SMEs, warehouses, small logistics firms

Choose HELI if you want:

Cutting-edge technology and safety features
Heavy-duty or specialized forklifts
Strong parts availability across the GCC
Higher long-term value and better resale
Ideal for large warehouses, manufacturing plants, construction, ports

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