HOWO 6x4 vs 8x4 Truck: payload and fuel consumption comparison
Comparison of Load Capacity & Fuel Consumption: HOWO 6×4 vs 8×4 Trucks
6×4 refers to 3-axle layout (1 steering axle + tandem rear drive axles); 8×4 means 4-axle layout (dual front steering axles + tandem rear drive axles, commonly known as 4-front-8-rear rigid truck). The comparison focuses on mainstream National VI HOWO models with 371/400/430hp engines, covering legal rated load, actual overloaded haulage, and fuel consumption under empty/fully loaded conditions.
I. Rated Load Capacity (Complying with China GB1589 National Standard)
| Item | HOWO 6×4 Tipper/Cargo Truck | HOWO 8×4 Tipper/Cargo Truck | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 12.3～13.5 tons | 15.5～16.5 tons | Approx. +3 tons (heavier chassis for 8×4) |
| Legal Rated Payload | 11.5～12.5 tons | 14.5～18 tons | +3～5.5 tons |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | 25 tons | 31 tons | +6 tons |
| Max Practical Overload Limit (Construction Site) | 20～25 tons | 30～38 tons | Approx. +10 tons (for sand, gravel & muck transportation) |
II. Fuel Consumption per 100km (L/100km) under Empty, Rated Full Load & Rough Construction Road Heavy Load
1. HOWO 6×4 (371~430hp)
Empty unladen: 14～18L/100km (suburban paved roads)
Rated full load (12t cargo, paved highway): 27～33L/100km (long-distance trunk transport)
Heavy load on rough site road (20t payload): 34～39L/100km (short-distance muck haulage)
2. HOWO 8×4 (375~400hp)
Empty unladen: 18～22L/100km (higher curb weight plus extra tyres raising rolling resistance)
Rated full load (18t cargo, paved highway/national road): 32～38L/100km (highway & national highway haulage)
Heavy load on rough site road (30t payload): 39～48L/100km (short-distance earth & rock transportation)
Core Fuel Consumption Rules
Under identical cargo weight: 8×4 consumes 5%~12% more fuel due to heavier chassis and extra tyre rolling resistance.
At maximum legal rated load: 8×4 delivers 25%~35% higher single-trip cargo volume, cutting fuel cost per ton of cargo effectively.
For sporadic partial-load & light goods haulage: 6×4 is more fuel-efficient; for regular full-load heavy cargo, 8×4 brings better comprehensive economic benefits by higher single shipment volume.
III. Additional Key Differences for Model Selection
Turning Radius: 6×4 ≈8.2～8.8m; 8×4≈10～10.5m. 6×4 features superior flexibility for narrow construction sites and rural narrow lanes.
Tyre & Maintenance Cost: 6×4 fitted with 10 tyres vs 12 tyres on 8×4; the 8×4 has roughly 15% higher spending on tyres and brake lining replacement.
Application Scenarios
✅ 6×4: Short-distance small-batch sand/gravel delivery, rural green channel logistics, unstable cargo volume, narrow-site construction projects
✅ 8×4: Fixed large-volume muck yards, mine stone haulage, bulk construction material transportation with consistent full-load supply
IV. Quick Selection Guidance
Daily payload ≤12 tons + narrow rough working conditions → Choose 6×4 for lower fuel cost and flexible maneuverability
Daily payload ≥15 tons + stable heavy-cargo supply → Choose 8×4; extra fuel expense is offset by larger single-trip haulage capacity