Complete Comparison: HOWO vs. Shaanxi Delong Heavy Trucks

1. Brand & Technical Origin

1.1 HOWO (Sinotruk, Jinan)

• Technical Foundation: Adopted early Volvo FM chassis technology. The high-end Sitrak series uses German MAN technology, while HOWO focuses on cost-effective engineering and logistics trucks.

• Power System: Dual power solutions include self-developed MC MAN-series engines (MC11/MC13) and Weichai engines.

• Axle: Self-developed HC16/HC18 heavy-duty axles with simple structure, low spare part costs and low maintenance thresholds.

• Market Positioning: Cost-effective engineering trucks, short-distance port haulage, standard-load long-haul logistics, special chassis for pump trucks and mixer trucks.

1.2 Shaanxi Delong (Shaanxi Automobile, Xi’an)

• Technical Foundation: Based on German MAN F2000 chassis technology, specially optimized for heavy-load, mountain and mine working conditions.

• Power System: Mainly equipped with Weichai WP12/WP13 engines with strong low-speed torque for superior climbing performance; Cummins engines are optional.

• Axle: Equipped with Hande MAN axles, supporting 500,000km maintenance-free operation with powerful wheel-side reduction load capacity.

• Market Positioning: Mountain dump trucks, mine heavy-load trucks, muck trucks, LNG trucks, high-comfort long-haul tractors.

2. Core Powertrain Differences (Engine / Transmission / Axle)

Engine

• HOWO: MC engines feature light weight and balanced fuel consumption with standard maintenance intervals. Spare parts are widely available in northern China with low maintenance costs and moderate high-power acceleration performance.

• Shaanxi Delong: Large-displacement Weichai engines provide stronger low-speed torque, showing excellent climbing advantages in Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan mountainous areas. It leads the industry in LNG/CNG gas truck technology with optional large-capacity gas cylinders.

Transmission

• Both brands adopt Fast transmissions as standard configuration.

• High-end Shaanxi Delong models are widely equipped with ZF automatic transmissions, featuring smooth shifting, low noise and high durability, matched with heavy-duty multi-plate clutches for strong torque resistance.

• HOWO is mainly equipped with manual Fast transmissions with limited optional automatic versions, focusing on cost performance.

Axle & Chassis (Most Obvious Gap)

1. HOWO Chassis

   1. Adopts double-layer thickened frame with high rigidity, suitable for frequent short-distance heavy-load operations at ports and docks.

   2. HC16 axles have a simple structure with universal spare parts, repairable by ordinary roadside repair shops.

   3. Relatively high chassis center of gravity and high cab ground clearance, resulting in heavy steering during heavy-load in-situ turning.

2. Shaanxi Chassis

   1. Hande maintenance-free axles extend maintenance cycles, with enhanced shock absorption and stabilizer bars adapted to rough mountain roads.

   2. Reinforced suspension steel plates and factory-standard wheel reduction axles deliver stable performance for 100-ton-level mine heavy loads.

   3. Lower chassis center of gravity reduces rollover risks and suppresses bumps on rough roads effectively.

3. Cab & Driving Comfort

Shaanxi Delong (X3000/X5000/X6000) — Clear Advantages

• Excellent sealing and sound insulation with low high-speed wind noise.

• Standard airbag shock-absorbing seats, extra-wide sleeper berth and abundant soft interior materials.

• The latest X6000 model is fully upgraded with intelligent configuration, large central control screen and premium shock absorption system, ideal for long-haul drivers.

HOWO (TX/TH7/T7H)

• Interior is dominated by hard plastic with rugged workmanship, average mute performance and obvious high-speed wind noise.

• Advantages include wide field of vision, durable body structure, simple maintenance and lower entry-level model prices.

4. Applicable Scenarios (Core Selection Reference)

✅ Choose HOWO If You Need:

1. Short-distance shuttle transportation at ports, docks and steel markets with standard or compliant heavy loads.

2. Mixer trucks, pump trucks and sanitation special-purpose chassis (highest market occupancy).

3. Budget-limited fleets pursuing low maintenance costs and universal spare parts.

4. Plain highway standard-load long-haul logistics with lightweight and fast return on investment.

5. Operations in northern China with extensive township-level service networks.

✅ Choose Shaanxi Delong If You Need:

1. Mountainous area operations, Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan routes, mine muck transportation and frequent long-gradient climbing.

2. Long-term overloaded transportation, sand and stone mine haulage and harsh rough road conditions.

3. LNG gas trucks (Shaanxi ranks first in domestic gas heavy truck sales).

4. Long-distance trunk line tractors requiring long-hour driving comfort.

5. Southern and southwestern China engineering markets with leading dump truck market share.

5. Price, Spare Parts, After-sales & Resale Value

1. New Vehicle Price: For identical horsepower and configuration, HOWO is10,000–30,000 RMB cheaper, while high-end Shaanxi models have higher premium.

2. Maintenance & Spare Parts

   1. HOWO: Low-cost and highly versatile spare parts, compatible with most small repair shops with the lowest overall maintenance cost.

   2. Shaanxi: Original Hande axles and Weichai parts are durable but slightly pricey; sufficient spare parts reserve for mine and southwest market scenarios.

3. After-sales Network

   1. HOWO: Dense service outlets across northern plains and port areas.

   2. Shaanxi: Complete service stations in southwest mountainous regions, construction sites and mining areas with professional dump truck exclusive services.

4. Resale Value

   1. Dump Trucks: Shaanxi has higher residual value and better market liquidity for mine trucks.

   2. Port & Logistics Tractors: HOWO enjoys faster second-hand transaction turnover.

6. Pros & Cons Summary

HOWO Advantages & Disadvantages

• Low purchase cost, affordable maintenance and easily accessible spare parts.

• High-rigidity chassis, durable for short-distance port heavy-load operations.

• Balanced fuel consumption of MC engines and superior lightweight design.

• Mature and stable chassis for special vehicles (mixers/pump trucks).

• Disadvantages: Inferior cab comfort and sound insulation compared with high-end Shaanxi models.

• Insufficient climbing torque under heavy loads versus Weichai-powered Delong.

• Heavy steering and average stability on rough roads.

Shaanxi Delong Advantages & Disadvantages

• Powerful Weichai torque with outstanding climbing and mine heavy-load performance.

• Hande maintenance-free axles reduce maintenance frequency and improve attendance rate.

• Comfortable and soundproof cab for fatigue-free long-haul driving.

• Well-matured LNG truck solution with long endurance and low operating costs.

• High market recognition in dump and muck truck segments.

• Disadvantages: Higher purchase price for the same configuration.

• Higher original spare part prices and higher maintenance technical thresholds for small shops.

• Inferior lightweight performance for plain standard-load transportation compared with HOWO.

7. Quick Selection Guide

• Port haulage, plain short shuttle, mixer/pump truck, budget priority → HOWO

• Mountain muck transport, mine heavy load, LNG truck, long-haul trunk line, frequent climbing → Shaanxi Delong