Choosing between the Ford F550 DUMP TRUCK and the Sinotruk HOWO Dump Truck comes down to a few key factors: performance, durability, cost, and how well the truck fits your needs.
The Ford F550 is a powerful truck known for its strong build and advanced technology. It’s reliable and perfect for heavy-duty work. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular choice in North America and beyond.
On the other hand, the SINOTRUK HOWO offers an affordable option with solid performance, making it a great choice for emerging markets.
Both trucks have their strengths. The best choice depends on your budget, needs, and where you plan to use it. Let’s go over the key differences to help you make the right decision.
Engine and Performance

Ford F550 Engine and Performance
The Ford F550 Dump Truck is powered by a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine, delivering 475 horsepower at 2200 rpm and 1,050 lb-ft of torque at 1800 rpm. This enables the truck to reach a maximum towing capacity of 37,000 pounds, making it suitable for various heavy-duty tasks. The F550 also offers a 7.3L V8 gasoline engine option, providing 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.
With its TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission, the F550 delivers smooth shifts and optimal performance.Engine options: Diesel (6.7L V8) and Gasoline (7.3L V8),Horsepower: 475 (diesel) / 430 (gasoline),Torque: 1,050 lb-ft (diesel) / 475 lb-ft (gasoline)Transmission: 10-speed automatic,Maximum towing capacity: 37,000 pounds,GVWR: 19,500 lbs
Sinotruk Howo Engine and Performance
The SINOTRUK howo dump truck features a WD615.47 Euro II 6-cylinder diesel engine, producing 371 horsepower at 2200 rpm and 1,450 Nm (1069 lb-ft) of torque between 1300-1600 rpm. While the Howo has a larger engine displacement of 9.726L, its horsepower is lower compared to the Ford F550. The truck uses the HW19710 transmission, with 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, designed for tough, heavy-duty work.
The Sinotruk Howo can carry a maximum payload of 40 tons in the 8×4 model.Engine: WD615.47 Euro II 6-cylinder diesel,Horsepower: 371,Torque: 1,450 Nm (1069 lb-ft),Displacement: 9.726L,Transmission: HW19710 (10 forward, 2 reverse gears),Maximum payload capacity: 40 tons (8×4 models),Fuel consumption: 195 g/kWh
Key Differences
Engine Options | Ford F550 | Sinotruk Howo |
---|---|---|
Engine Type | Diesel and Gasoline | Diesel |
Horsepower and Torque | Higher horsepower and torque | Lower horsepower and torque |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Manual with fewer gear options |
Payload Capacity | Lower payload capacity | Higher payload capacity (8×4 models up to 40 tons) |
The Ford F550 is a better fit for markets where customization, advanced technology, and support are crucial. It’s designed with safety and comfort in mind, making it ideal for North American buyers who need versatility. On the other hand, the Sinotruk Howo strikes a good balance between cost and performance. This is especially true in regions where managing operational costs is important. The Howo’s higher payload capacity and simpler design make it an excellent choice for heavy-duty work in developing markets.”
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Payload and Towing Capacity
Ford F-550 Dump Truck
Payload capacity: Up to 12,750 pounds,Conventional towing capacity: Up to 18,500 pounds,Gooseneck/5th wheel towing capacity: Up to 31,600 pounds (with a diesel engine),Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Options include 17,500 lbs, 18,000 lbs, 19,000 lbs, or 19,500 lbs,Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): Up to 43,000 pounds with a diesel engine,The Ford F-550 is versatile and precise. It offers a variety of configurations, making it ideal for jobs that require towing lighter to medium-duty loads.
Sinotruk HOWO Dump Truck

Payload capacity: 30-40 tons (66,000-88,000 lbs),Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Up to 31,000 kg (68,300 lbs),Towing capacity: Up to 30-40 tons,Cargo box sizes: Up to 20 cubic meters,Drive configurations: Available in 6×4 or 8×4 options,The Sinotruk HOWO is built for heavy-duty tasks. It offers a significantly higher payload and towing capacity than the F-550. This makes it perfect for handling large, heavy loads over long distances. It’s widely used in industries that need reliable performance under tough conditions.
Key Differences
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Payload | The HOWO has a much higher payload capacity, ranging from 30-40 tons compared to the F-550’s 12,750 pounds. |
Towing | The F-550 stands out with its flexible towing options, offering both gooseneck and conventional towing, each with specific ratings. |
Target Applications | The HOWO is better suited for heavy-duty work, while the F-550 is more flexible for jobs that need precise towing performance and various configurations. |
Dump Body Specifications
Ford F550 Dump Body
Length: 11’6″ (3.5 m),Width: 96″ (2.44 m),Side Height: 22″ (0.56 m),Capacity: 5-7 cubic yards,Floor: 10-gauge steel,Sides: 12-gauge steel,Tailgate: 12-gauge steel with a boxed perimeter and two vertical braces,Hoist: Front-mounted telescopic cylinder
Sinotruk HOWO Dump Body
Length: 5800 mm (19 ft),Width: 2300 mm (7.5 ft),Side Height: 1500 mm (4.9 ft),Capacity: 16-20 cubic meters (21-26 cubic yards),Floor Thickness: 8 mm steel,Side Thickness: 6 mm steel,Lifting Type: Central or front lifting ram,Hoist Cylinder: Φ220*980 mm (for 6×4 model)
Key Differences:
Attribute | Sinotruk HOWO | Ford F550 |
---|---|---|
Capacity | 16-20 cubic meters | 5-7 cubic yards |
Material Thickness | Floor: 8 mm, Sides: 6 mm | Not specified |
Size and Structure | Larger in length, width, and height | Smaller, suitable for lighter tasks |
Lifting Mechanism | Central or front lifting ram | Front-mounted telescopic cylinder |
Flexibility | Less customization | More customization options |
Overall Suitability | Larger, heavier operations | Lighter, more varied tasks |
Drivetrain Options
Ford F550 Dump Truck Drivetrain
Configurations: The Ford F550 is available in 4×2 and 4×4 options. You can choose depending on your need for traction or off-road ability.Transmission: It has a TorqShift 10-Speed SelectShift Automatic transmission. This gives smooth shifts and better control, especially on highways.Engine Options:6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel: Delivers 330 HP at 2200 rpm and 950 lb-ft of torque at 1800 rpm for strong pulling power.7.3L PFI V8 Gas: Provides 335 HP at 3750 rpm and 468 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm, making it great for lighter-duty tasks.
Sinotruk Howo Dump Truck Drivetrain
Configurations: The Howo Dump Truck offers 4×2, 6×4, and 8×4 axle configurations, giving you more options for different loads and terrains.Transmission: The Howo uses manual transmission options, such as HW15710, HW19710, HW19710T, HW19712, and HW20716. These give you more control over the truck’s power delivery, though they require more skill and effort from the driver.Engine Options:The Howo is equipped with WD615 series engines, which meet Euro II-V emissions standards.Power ranges from 266 HP to 375 HP, with torque between 1100 Nm and 1560 Nm, offering versatility for various jobs.Clutch: Features a reliable single-plate dry diaphragm spring clutch with a 430mm diameter, ensuring dependability under heavy loads.
Key Differences:
Feature | Ford F550 | Sinotruk Howo |
---|---|---|
Transmission | Automatic | Manual |
Axle Configurations | 4×2, 4×4 | 4×2, 6×4, 8×4 |
Torque | 950 lb-ft (6.7L diesel engine) | 1560 Nm (about 1150 lb-ft) |
Power Range | 330-335 HP | 266 HP to 375 HP |
Overall, the Ford F550 gives a more modern automatic driving experience with higher torque in the diesel version, while the Howo offers more configuration choices and a wider engine power range with manual transmission.
Comfort and Technology
Ford F550
Spacious Cab: The Ford F550 has a roomy, ergonomic cab for a comfortable driving experience. The adjustable seats give great support, and there’s plenty of storage for long trips.Advanced Infotainment: The Ford F550 comes with an advanced infotainment system and a large touchscreen for easy navigation and media access. It also supports a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, perfect for staying connected on the move.Driver Assistance Technologies: It includes optional features like lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, which enhance safety and make driving more comfortable.Climate Control: The truck has dual-zone automatic climate control, keeping the cabin at a comfortable temperature no matter the weather outside.Tire Pressure Monitoring: The tire pressure monitoring system gives real-time updates on tire health, improving safety and efficiency.
Sinotruk Howo
Comfortable Cab: The Howo dump truck has a comfortable cab with air conditioning and adjustable seats, making it great for long workdays.GPS Tracking: The GPS tracking system allows real-time tracking of the vehicle’s location, which is useful for fleet management and optimizing routes.Safety Features: The Sinotruk Howo comes with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for better control and stability, especially in tough driving conditions.Retarder System: The retarder system helps with braking on slopes, so you don’t need to use foot brakes, which is useful for rough terrain.Air Suspension: The air suspension system provides a smoother ride, reducing the impact of rough roads and improving overall comfort.
In summary, while both trucks offer great comfort, the Ford F550 shines with its advanced technology, like 5G connectivity and driver-assist systems. The Sinotruk Howo, however, excels in safety and durability with its strong braking systems and air suspension, making it ideal for challenging conditions.
Price and Availability
Ford F550 Dump Trucks
Price Range: New Ford F550 Dump trucks cost between $82,945 for the 2023 F-550SD model and $83,650 for the 2024 F-550 XL model.Used Options: Used Ford F550 dump trucks range from $1,900 for older models to $562,500 for well-maintained, high-spec trucks.Availability: Ford F550 trucks are easy to find through dealerships across the United States, making them readily available for buyers in North America.
Sinotruk Howo Dump Trucks
Price Range: New HOWO Dump Trucks generally cost between $45,000 and $50,000.Used Options: Used Howo dump trucks are priced from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the model and condition.Availability: Sinotruk Howo trucks are available through Chinese manufacturers and exporters, but they can be harder to find in the US market, especially in some regions. Howo trucks are more common in developing markets and large-scale industrial or mining operations.
Key Differences
Criteria | Ford F550 | Sinotruk Howo |
---|---|---|
Price | Generally more expensive, offers more customization options, and is a more reliable choice in North America. | Less expensive, but fewer customization options. |
Availability | Easier to find in the US. | May require sourcing from international suppliers. |
Support | More dealership support and customization options. | Often sold in bulk for commercial or industrial use. |
Reliability and Support
Ford F550
Built on Ford’s trusted Super Duty chassis with over 100 years of experience in truck manufacturing.Wide dealer network in North America with over 3,000 Ford dealerships offering parts and service.3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.Ford’s TeleAssist remote diagnostics system lets technicians diagnose problems remotely.97% parts availability within 24 hours via Ford’s parts distribution system.
Sinotruk HOWO
Founded in the 1960s, Sinotruk is one of China’s largest heavy truck makers.Growing global presence with over 40 overseas KD assembly plants and 1,000+ service stations worldwide.Standard 2-year/250,000 km warranty on major parts.24/7 customer support hotline in key markets.Parts availability can be more limited outside of China, with 80-85% availability within 48 hours in many regions.Both brands invest heavily in reliability testing. Ford runs tough durability tests at its Michigan Proving Grounds, while Sinotruk has a large 1.8 million square meter R&D and testing center in Jinan, China.
Customer satisfaction surveys show 85-90% satisfaction rates for both brands among commercial users. Ford performs slightly better in North America, while Sinotruk excels in developing markets.
Environmental Considerations
Category | Ford F550 | Sinotruk Howo |
---|---|---|
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions | The Ford F550 gets around 20 mpg on the highway, helping to improve fuel efficiency. It runs on a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine, which can use a mix of 20% biodiesel. | The Sinotruk Howo comes with an advanced emission control system that meets National VI standards. This system helps improve fuel efficiency while reducing both costs and environmental impact. |
Recycling and Sustainable Materials | Ford uses eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental impact: | |
Recycling and Sustainable Materials | Closed-loop recycling for aluminum, recycling around 20 million pounds of aluminum scrap each year. | |
Recycling and Sustainable Materials | Recycled plastic is used for cloth seats. | |
Recycling and Sustainable Materials | Shredded jeans are used for soundproofing inside the truck. | |
Recycling and Sustainable Materials | Rice husk-based polymers are used for some wiring sheaths. | |
Carbon Footprint | The Sinotruk Howo works to reduce its carbon footprint by improving engine combustion and using advanced exhaust gas treatment systems to lower harmful emissions. | |
Noise Pollution | Both trucks contribute to noise pollution, which is common in dump trucks. Noise can affect local environments and communities. Both manufacturers are working on design improvements to reduce this impact. | Both trucks contribute to noise pollution, which is common in dump trucks. Noise can affect local environments and communities. Both manufacturers are working on design improvements to reduce this impact. |
Sustainable Development | Sinotruk focuses on improving its operations to minimize its environmental impact. This includes streamlining production and reducing waste, helping to ensure a more sustainable future for the brand. |
summary
In conclusion, both the Ford F550 Dump Truck and the Sinotruk Howo Dump Truck have their unique advantages, making them suitable for different operational needs. The Ford F550 stands out for its superior build quality, advanced technology, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for demanding environments, particularly in regions like North America. On the other hand, the Sinotruk Howo offers exceptional value for money, robust performance, and affordability, making it a strong contender in cost-sensitive markets and emerging economies.