Earthmoving Equipment Magazine takes a visit to the comprehensive UHI warehouse and logistics premises in Brisbane, which includes an impressive 8600 square metre storage facility.
UHI (United Heavy Industries) has steadily carved out a strong reputation in the Australian construction and earthmoving sectors for its reliable, innovative, and cost-effective machinery.
With an extensive product line, UHI caters to a growing demographic of contractors, tradies, landscapers, and small-to-medium operators who need dependable machinery without the premium pricing of larger OEMs.
A key part of UHI’s recent growth and increased accessibility has been its expanding national infrastructure, evidenced clearly by its Brisbane warehouse and distribution facility, a pivotal hub that serves not only Queensland, but also customers across NSW, the Northern Territory and beyond.
UHI Business Development Manager Michael Cartan walked us through the warehouse, which is strategically located to serve the fast-developing Southeast Queensland region, and covers booming areas like Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast.
“As one of Australia’s fastest-growing urban corridors, this region has seen a surge in construction, landscaping, infrastructure projects, and land development — creating ideal conditions for the type of compact and affordable machinery UHI specialises in,” Michael said.
“By having a physical warehouse and distribution centre in Brisbane, UHI shortens delivery times, improves parts availability, and provides immediate support to contractors who can’t afford long wait times for equipment or servicing.
“It also allows customers to visit the warehouse to inspect, test, and demo machines before making a purchase — something that remote-only suppliers cannot offer.
“This large-scale warehouse significantly enhances our ability to provide fast and efficient supply of machines and spare parts to customers. With strong stock levels for both equipment and components, the Brisbane warehouse plays a crucial role in supporting our sales, after-sales, and maintenance services across the region.”
Founded in 2018, UHI is a proudly Australian-owned company dedicated to delivering a wide range of engineering and agricultural machinery to both businesses and individuals across Australia.
“We are committed to the values of high quality and affordable pricing, earning consistent praise from our customers,” Michael said.
“With seven branches strategically located across Australia’s major regions, UHI makes it easy for customers to view, test, and purchase equipment in person.
“Internationally, we have also expanded our presence to Canada, with four branches covering key cities across the country.”
UHI offers an extensive range of construction and agricultural machinery to meet diverse customer needs — from compact one-tonne excavators and 35HP tractors to large rotary drilling rigs and heavy-duty tractors.
“Our product line-up includes excavators, wheel loaders, skid steers, tractors, scissor lifts, telehandlers, forklifts, rollers, dumpers, light towers, bulldozers, and motor graders. Every machine we deliver reflects our commitment to performance, durability, and value,” Michael said.
Functional and customer-focused
Michael said one of the biggest benefits of the warehouse was that it enabled UHI machines to be displayed in pristine condition.
“Customers can come in and then sort of walk down through the showroom and get a close look at our machines and compare them with others,” he said.
“We value our customers and we want to display our machines as best we can. We believe that we have the edge on our competitors and we’d like to prove that to the customers and they see that when they walk into our showroom.
“Presentation of the machines is important to the customer as their expectations are that they’re not just buying a cheap machine, they’re actually buying an asset that’s going to last them significant amount of years.
“There’s a lot of longevity to our machines and we are building them a lot more robust now. We think it represents very good value for money.
“In fact, since we’ve moved in here, our sales have increased significantly. And we believe that’s because the customers are now seeing the machines looking a lot more presentable and the buyers are receptive to that.
“Customers are wanting their machines a lot faster now. And with the machines and financing sections all under one roof, we’re able to keep up with that capacity and keep the customers happy. We can get through and pre-deliver a lot more machines in a faster amount of time and get them out to the customers quicker.”
The Brisbane facility is not the only warehouse UHI operates, but it is the largest.
“It began operation earlier this year,” Michael said.
“Before the Brisbane warehouse was established, UHI had always strived to support customers with spare parts supply. However, due to the limited space in the previous warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, some parts could not be stored in advance, leading to delays in availability.
“UHI is now able to store a wider range of spare parts locally in Australia, making it much easier for customers to access the parts they need.
“All UHI warehouses offer repair services, and the new Brisbane facility has even established a dedicated workshop for servicing and repairs.”
In short, UHI’s Brisbane warehouse is a fully functional operational centre equipped with:
- Showroom space showcasing their most popular models
- Spare parts inventory, ensuring faster repairs and minimal downtime
- Mechanical workshop for pre-delivery inspections, maintenance, and minor repairs
- Delivery logistics coordination, streamlining distribution across Queensland
- Customer service and finance consultation areas, providing walk-in clients with expert advice on machinery selection, accessories, and repayment options.
“The warehouse’s scale and functionality reflect UHI’s long-term commitment to servicing the needs of customers in the north-eastern states,” Michael said.
“It also signals UHI’s belief that the future of equipment sales lies in combining competitive pricing with physical accessibility and local service.
“What makes UHI particularly relevant in the Brisbane market is its appeal to the growing segment of independent tradies and sole operators who are seeking affordable equipment to grow their businesses.
“UHI’s machines, particularly the mini excavators and compact loaders, are priced to lower the barrier to entry for smaller operators.
“Unlike traditional machinery dealerships that tend to focus on large contractors or government contracts, UHI’s model puts the solo operator and small business front and centre. The Brisbane warehouse plays a crucial role in this mission by being a local, approachable place where first-time machinery buyers can ask questions, compare models, and get straightforward advice.”
Machinery examples
Michael showed us some of the gleaming machinery on show in the warehouse.
First was the UHI M250 2.5t loading capacity telescopic boom loader: a versatile heavy-duty machine designed for efficient material handling across sectors like construction, farming, and industrial applications.
“This is our new generation 2 mini telehandler. We only just started manufacturing these and this has just rolled off the factory floor,” he said.
“It’s a 6.5 tonne operating weight, 2.5t lift capacity, with 3.5 metres reach.
“The UHI M250 Gen 2 mini telehandler retains its compact size and 2.5 t capacity but brings significant upgrades in lift reliability, powertrain efficiency, and operator comfort. It’s a versatile and rugged all rounder for loading, stacking, and material handling across various industries.
“It’s a very well-built machine. You can see through everything, from the reinforced componentry and high grade steel componentry: everything about it just oozes class.”
Next in line were the UHI’s P Series tractors, which come in a range of horsepower sizes.
They consist of upgraded cabs, shuttle transmissions, solid loader performance, and bundled implements.
“They’re a complete package that includes cab, implements, and convenience for anyone seeking a cost-effective alternative to big brands without sacrificing features,” Michael said.
“Building on the success of our first generation tractors we’ve been selling successfully for the last eight years, we have now made a quantum leap forward in the P-Series.
“For example, they come with a much thicker corrosion-resistant coating underneath, better ergonomic layouts, much higher cabin inside, and a much smoother gearbox change.
“These tractors previously were best suited to hobby farms and small farms, but are now finding their place in the commercial sector, as the machines have become a lot more robust to handle some more serious work.”
UHI has also been renowned for bringing in a number of Shantui products from China, with the brand’s 7.5t excavator (SE75) already carving out a name for itself as a reliable mid-sized machine suitable for a wide range of applications — from civil construction to agricultural work and urban utility jobs.
“It has been hugely successful. We have sold a lot of these excavators,” Michael said.
In its early years, Shantui was tasked with manufacturing bulldozers to meet China’s domestic demand for large-scale earthmoving equipment in road and land development projects.
At one point, it was responsible for nearly 60 per cent of all bulldozer production in China, earning it the nickname “The Bulldozer King of China”.
As China’s economy opened up in the 1990s and early 2000s, Shantui shifted from a purely domestic focus to an export-oriented strategy, and began investing in R&D, international certifications, and global dealer networks, which enabled it to enter foreign markets competitively.
Shantui expanded its range beyond bulldozers to include machines such as excavators, wheel loaders, graders and compact equipment.
“The excavators are a seriously high quality machine and incredibly good value. They run Kubota engines, high quality pumps and drives, and the componentry in there is all premium Japanese,” Michael said.
The SE75 offers exceptional reach and depth for its size, giving operators confidence across a wide range of job types.
Features include:
- Maximum digging reach: about 6.25 metres
- Maximum digging depth: about 4.2m
- Max digging height: approx. 4.8m
- Tail swing radius: 1.88m (compact for tight spaces)
- Bucket capacity: 0.25 to 0.35 m³
- Operating weight: about 7650 kg
“This balance of reach, depth, and lifting strength makes it ideal for contractors needing flexibility — whether you’re digging trenches, laying pipes, or moving soil in confined areas,” Michael said.
“The SE75 comes standard with a five-attachment package, including hydraulic grabs, various buckets and a tilt quick hitch to go with it. This is exceptional value.
“These SE75s have been very popular with contractors as they’re getting the price for Japanese and American machines and finding the componentry in these are very high quality, mostly Japanese, and represent excellent value for the money.
“We’re probably selling at least one to two of these every week and have done so for the last few months now. That’s certainly telling you something about our customer feedback and how well they have been received.”
And finally, Michael brought us to the Shantui DH17 dozer, part of the brand’s new-generation hydrostatic dozer line-up, designed to blend modern efficiency, powerful performance, and ease of operation in a rugged mid-sized package.
The DH17 bulldozer sits in the 17t class and is typically equipped with a hydrostatic transmission — a major step forward from traditional torque converter designs. This set-up gives operators more control, smoother movement, and better grading accuracy, especially in finish work or urban environments where precision is key.
“It comes with a tilt blade, three-tooth ripper, semi-U blade, and powers along at just a shade under 190 horsepower, which is a huge amount of pushing power,” Michael said.
“It bridges the gap between brute strength and fine grading finesse. With hydrostatic drive, a high-efficiency engine, and a well-designed cab, it offers a compelling option for contractors looking to upgrade their fleet or tackle varied terrain with ease.”
Rapid growth, national vision
Brisbane is just one piece of the puzzle. UHI has already established key warehouses and sales points across other major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.
But Brisbane holds unique importance due to its proximity to regional growth zones and the state’s abundant mining, agriculture, and infrastructure activities.
“As UHI continues to grow, its Brisbane warehouse will likely expand in both footprint and functionality,” Michael said.
“Plans for increased inventory, more on-site technical staff, and faster delivery networks are already in motion, as the demand for compact, affordable equipment continues to rise.
“Whether you’re a tradie just starting out, a landscaper expanding your fleet, or a regional contractor looking for reliable backup gear, UHI in Brisbane has you covered — with machines that work hard, prices that make sense, and a local team that knows your terrain.”
