HOWO vs Shaanxi Delong Mining Truck: Which is Better for Your Mine?
When buying a mining truck, the last thing you want is a one-line conclusion like: "Delong is more durable, so just buy Delong blindly," or "HOWO parts are cheap, so it's definitely more cost-effective." In an actual mining area, whether a truck is good or not isn't judged by brand brochures, but by road conditions, load capacity, gradient, transport distance, maintenance conditions, and driver skill level.
Let's break down the Sinotruk HOWO mining truck and the Shaanxi Automobile Delong mining truck.
I. The Verdict First: These Two Trucks Play Different Games
Shaanxi Automobile Delong Mining Truck: The "tough guy" faction of mining areas. Heavy loads, rough roads, steep slopes, ore, coal gangue, open-pit mine short-haul transport, and unpaved surfaces are its home turf. The Weichai + Fast + Hande/Man axle combination has a rock-solid reputation in the heavy-load circle.
Sinotruk HOWO Mining Truck: This splits into two categories. The standard HOWO dump truck leans more toward muck, sand, gravel, rated loads, and short hauls. However, HOWO also has heavy-tonnage products like the TX/TH7 heavy-duty version and the "Mining Overlord" series, featuring a MAN-technology foundation and Sinotruk's self-developed powertrain. Comfort, lightweight design, and power matching are quite well executed.
In one sentence: For "pure heavy-load mining on rough roads," Delong is more reliable; for "rated-load transport / prioritizing comfort / lightweight / existing Sinotruk fleet users," HOWO is also a solid choice.
II. Powertrain Comparison: Weichai's Brute Force VS MAN Technology + Sinotruk Self-Development
1. Shaanxi Automobile Delong Mining Truck
The mainstream configuration is:
Weichai WP12 / WP13 / WP13H: ranging from 460 to 560 hp
Fast 12/13-speed transmission
Hande/MAN-technology rear axles with larger ratios, providing strong low-speed torque
Typical character: strong low-RPM torque, no hesitation on slopes, crisp start under heavy load
Common specs for the Delong mining reinforced version include 460–550 hp, 12.00R20 mining tires, multi-leaf springs, metal bumpers, oil-bath air filters, and reinforced drive shafts.
Suitable for:
Uphill and downhill hauling
Loading stone, iron ore, granite, coal gangue
Roads with potholes, mud, gravel, and steep berms
Maximizing payload per trip
2. HOWO Mining Truck
The HOWO lineup is complex:
MC11 / MC13: MAN technology, good low-end torque, fuel consumption and reliability have a stable reputation among Sinotruk owners
Also available with Weichai WP13 series
Sinotruk HW series transmissions
Frame made of high-strength fine-grain steel; models like the TH7 feature better cabs, interiors, and ergonomics than traditional construction vehicles.
Suitable for:
Sand and gravel plants, cement plants, coal mine short hauls
Rated load / quasi-heavy load
Frequent driver shifts, emphasis on driving comfort
Fleets already using Sinotruk vehicles, with familiar parts and drivers
III. Chassis and "Durability": Delong Is Rougher, HOWO Is More Refined
This is the point veteran drivers care about most.
Shaanxi Automobile Delong
The Delong mining version is built on the principle of "don't break first":
Locally thickened frame, dense cross members
Multi-leaf suspension, four U-bolts
Brake sealing and electrical connectors designed for muddy, watery environments
Weichai engines without EGR reduce carbon buildup and EGR valve failure points.
Drawbacks are also obvious:
Relatively high tare weight
Fuel consumption is not advantageous in short-distance rated-load operations
Less flexible in urban muck scenarios
HOWO
HOWO isn't fragile; its product orientation is simply broader:
Mature lightweight dump truck designs, hassle-free for urban muck, municipal works, and rated-load construction sites
Heavy-duty / mining versions are also capable, but in "pure hell-level mining areas," veteran mine owners trust Delong more
MC engines with EGR routes save on urea, but the EGR cooler and HCI injector are key maintenance items.
So:
For urban muck / sand & gravel rated load: HOWO is very appealing.
For hard rock mines / long-term full buckets / rough road impact: Delong gives more peace of mind.
IV. Maintenance and Parts: HOWO Wins on "Availability," Delong Wins on "Mining Compatibility"
HOWO: Sinotruk has a large fleet presence; ordinary dump truck parts are easy to buy, repair technicians are plentiful, and individual owners have an easier time.
Delong: In mining areas, Weichai + Fast + Hande is the "common language of the mining circle." Even in remote mines, mechanics can dismantle them with their eyes closed, and aftertreatment parts are highly interchangeable.
If you're in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, northern Shaanxi, Yunnan-Guizhou, or Xinjiang major mines: Delong's service network has a strong presence.
If you're near quarries in the Pearl River Delta, urban construction muck, or short-haul sand & gravel: HOWO is more convenient.
V. Fuel Consumption and Operating Costs
Don't believe claims like "this truck definitely saves fuel." Mining truck fuel consumption depends on three things:
How much you load
How many slopes there are
Whether the driver treats the accelerator like an enemy
General rules:
Delong high-horsepower Weichai: loads well, climbs slopes effortlessly, but may "use more fuel due to excess power" in rated-load short hauls
HOWO MC engine: better fuel economy in rated / medium-load conditions, sometimes lower urea consumption
HOWO with Weichai: fuel consumption is close to Delong, but aftertreatment logic depends on Sinotruk calibration.
When calculating total cost, don't just look at fuel:
Risk of discontinuation, body quality, tire brand, axle ratio, hoist cylinder brand
In mining areas, the most expensive thing is downtime, not fuel
VI. On Comfort: HOWO Has Been Doing It Better Lately
Mining truck drivers aren't robots.
The HOWO TH7, TX high-roof double sleeper, air-suspended seats, large screens, sound insulation, and sleeper space are more comfortable than traditional "rough construction site trucks."
The Delong X5000/X6000 isn't bad either, but its overall character still prioritizes "getting the job done first, then talking about comfort."
If your mine involves:
Two shifts
Difficulty hiring drivers
Long-distance in-pit transport
Frequent night shifts
HOWO's comfort level is a hidden competitive advantage.
VII. How to Choose: Match the Scenario
Choose Shaanxi Automobile Delong Mining Truck if:
Open-pit mine, hard rock mine, coal gangue, granite
Large gradients, rough roads, full-bucket operation
Single-vehicle 40–70 ton transport
Need "fewer breakdowns, strong climbing power"
Mining area maintenance system is familiar with Weichai and Fast
→ Delong X3000 / X5000 mining reinforced version or super-strong version should be on your shortlist without hesitation.
Choose Sinotruk HOWO Mining Truck if:
Sand, gravel, cement, coal mine rated load / quasi-heavy load
Urban periphery, plant short haul, muck transport
Value cab comfort, lightweight design, parts convenience
Fleet already uses Sinotruk systems; drivers and workshops are familiar
Buying TX/TH7 heavy-duty version or HOWO "Mining Overlord"-class products
→ HOWO isn't "weak"; it's just "don't pit a rated-load truck against a Delong mining king."
VIII. Veteran Driver's Summary
Delong is the "old hand who survives in the mine," while HOWO is the "construction vehicle that gets the job done with a human touch."
Pure mine, heavy load, rough terrain, steep slopes: Delong is more reliable
Rated load, short haul, comfort, easy repair: HOWO is better value
Large mine bidding, long-term operation: Look at TCO (purchase + fuel + tires + maintenance + residual value), not slogans
Individual owner's first truck: Buy whichever has closer parts supply and more familiar mechanics
If you really have to choose between the two, here's a practical piece of advice:
"Choose Delong for eating rocks on the mountain, choose HOWO for hauling sand and gravel at the foot of the mountain; if money isn't an issue, buy two of each and run them for three months—whoever has less downtime wins."