Complete Sinotruk Howo Ghana Buyer’S Guide

Dec 11, 2024 | trucks

Introduction to Sinotruk HOWO in Ghana

Sinotruk has been a major player in the Ghanaian truck market since 2007. The company has sold thousands of trucks and continues to be a key supplier for various transportation needs. It operates a branch office and a large exhibition hall in the capital to provide after-sales services.

Market Dominance of HOWO Trucks

Sinotruk’s HOWO series, especially the HOWO 6X4 DUMP TRUCK, is the top-selling model in Ghana. With annual sales exceeding 500 units, this model is popular for its versatility, road adaptability, and durability. It is a trusted choice for both construction and mining due to its high carrying capacity and solid performance.

Sinotruk’s Product Range in Ghana

Sinotruk offers a variety of models in Ghana to meet the diverse needs of the market: – HOWO 6X4 and 8X4 dump trucks: Known for their high carrying capacity and low failure rate, these trucks are perfect for heavy-duty transportation tasks. – HOWO T7S Series tipper truck: A special model for the African market, featuring improvements in product features, interior design, and aesthetic appeal, making it more attractive to local businesses.

Local Adaptation for the Ghanaian Market

Sinotruk’s West African enhanced version of its tractor is designed for the local conditions in Ghana. It includes: – A three-layer frame for greater durability. – A super load-carrying design for heavy-duty operations. – Multiple leaf springs for front and rear suspension, offering extra strength and flexibility in Ghana’s tough terrain.

Sales Volume and Local Impact

Sinotruk is a leader in the Ghanaian truck market. Beyond its successful dump trucks, the company sells over 300 tractors annually, making it the largest local tractor brand. Sinotruk’s strong market presence has established it as a reliable and trusted name in the region.

Collaborations and Support Network

Sinotruk’s success in Ghana is also due to its collaborations with local partners. These partnerships ensure the easy availability of Sinotruk trucks and seamless distribution and support services across the country.

Reliability and Technology in Sinotruk Trucks

Sinotruk trucks are known for their advanced technology and reliability. The HOWO series is equipped with German MAN technology engines, providing high torque and low fuel consumption. The cabins, designed by European companies, offer maximum comfort for drivers, which is important for long-distance driving in Ghana’s challenging conditions.

Best-Selling Models in Ghana

Sinotruk Howo has become a well-known brand in Ghana, with its trucks widely used in construction, mining, and cargo transport. Below are the top-selling models in Ghana, recognized for their reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Howo 6X4 Model

The Howo 6X4 is one of the most popular trucks in Ghana due to its strong performance and high loading capacity. Key features include:

  • Annual Sales: Over 500 units sold annually in Ghana.
  • Uses: Suitable for construction, mining, and general cargo transport.
  • Road Adaptability: Performs well on various road conditions in Ghana.
  • Carrying Capacity: Gross vehicle weight of 25,000 kg, with an optional rated loading capacity of 12,850 kg or 12,640 kg.
  • Engine: Powered by the WD615.47 engine, a 371 HP 6-cylinder engine with water cooling, turbocharging, and intercooling, providing reliable performance in demanding conditions.
  • Transmission: HW19710 with 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, including Power Take-Off (PTO) for more versatility.
  • Front Axles: HF9 9000kg with a drum brake system for improved braking and safety.
  • Rear Axles: HC16 2X16000kg, with double-stage reduction and cast axle housing for better load handling.
  • Braking System: Dual circuit compressed air brake system with optional engine exhaust brake (EVB) and ABS for added safety.
  • Fuel Tank: 300 L fuel tank for long-distance operation.

Howo 6X4 Heavy Duty Truck

Another popular model in Ghana is the Howo 6X4 Heavy Duty Truck, known for its excellent loading capacity and durability. This model is ideal for larger and more intensive transport tasks. Key features include:

  • Customization: Designed for short and medium-distance transportation, as well as breakwater projects.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Offers excellent value for money under specific working conditions, making it a popular choice among businesses in Ghana.
  • Loading Capacity: Maximum loading capacity of 50,000 kg, perfect for heavy-duty transportation.
  • Cargo Box Dimensions: Cargo box size of 8500x2300x1500 mm and a volume of 30 m³.
  • Engine Options: Powered by the WD615.47 engine (371 HP Euro II), with optional 400 HP and 430 HP variants for more power and efficiency.
  • Transmission: Similar to the 6X4 model, it features 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears for optimal performance.
  • Axles: VGD95 front axles with 2x9500kg capacity and HC16 rear axles for better load handling.
  • Fuel Tank: 400 L fuel tank for longer operational hours.
  • Start & Stop Switch: A safety feature outside the cabin to prevent unauthorized engine starts, reducing accident risks.

These models have proven reliable and efficient, making them the preferred choice for many companies in Ghana looking for heavy-duty vehicles.

Key Features of Sinotruk HOWO Trucks

sinotruk howo trucks offer a range of features designed for performance, comfort, and reliability in heavy-duty tasks. Whether for transportation, construction, or specialized hauling, HOWO trucks are built to handle tough conditions.https://www.tiktok.com/@ncbethebest1/video/7377496886090960133

Engine and Performance

Sinotruk HOWO trucks are equipped with powerful engines designed for various commercial needs:

  • SINOTRUK HOWO 6X4 tipper truck:
    • Engine: 380HP, model WD615.96C, 6-cylinder inline, water-cooled, turbocharged, and intercooler.
    • Maximum Output: 380hp at 2000 rpm (DIN).
    • Torque: 1590Nm at 1200-1500 rpm.
    • Displacement: 9.726L.
    • Fuel Consumption: 195g/kWh.
  • SINOTRUK HOWO 371HP dump truck:
    • Engine Model: WD615.47, with 371HP.
    • Maximum Torque: 1500Nm at 1100-1600 rpm.
    • Fuel Type: Diesel.
  • SINOTRUK HOWO A7 420hp 8X4:
    • Engine: 420hp, 302kw, built for heavy-duty tasks such as sand carrying.
    • Torque: 1650Nm at 1100-1600 rpm.

These engines ensure reliable performance, even in the toughest conditions.

Cabin and Comfort

Sinotruk HOWO trucks prioritize driver comfort and safety, offering several cabin options:

  • HW76 Cabin:
    • Comes with one sleeper and air conditioning.
    • Optional air suspension for the driver seat.
    • Available in left-hand or right-hand drive, with space for 3 passengers.
  • HOWO E7 6X4 Dump Truck:
    • New HOWO E8 cab designed for comfort.
    • Features an ergonomic design with modern interfaces for a better user experience.

These cabins ensure a comfortable environment, even on long trips.

Additional Features

Sinotruk HOWO trucks are equipped with features that improve performance and durability:

  • Transmission: The HW19710 transmission offers 10 forward and 2 reverse gears, providing smooth shifts and better control.
  • Clutch: A single-plate dry coil-spring clutch, 430mm in diameter, with hydraulically assisted air operation.
  • Tires and Axles:
    • Tires: 12.00R20 or 13R22.5, with 10+1 pieces.
    • Front Axle: Double T-cross section beam for better steering.
    • Rear Axles: Pressed axle housing with planetary wheel reduction and differential lock for better traction.
  • Cargo Box:
    • Dimensions: 5400x2300x1450mm, with a capacity of 18m³.
    • Made from carbon steel, ensuring durability for heavy-duty hauling.

These features help the truck perform efficiently in various operations.

Specialized Models for African Markets

Sinotruk Howo trucks are built to meet the needs of the African market. These models are designed for durability, performance, and adaptability to different transportation conditions. They are well-suited to handle the tough terrains and heavy workloads found in industries such as construction, mining, and transportation across Ghana and other African countries.

Robust Engine and Power Options

Sinotruk Howo trucks come with powerful engines that meet EURO II or EURO 4 emission standards. They are equipped with the SINOTRUK WD615.47 EGR engine, offering options of 380hp, 400hp, and 440hp. These engines deliver a maximum output of 273Kw @ 2200 rpm, ensuring the trucks can easily handle Ghana’s challenging roads and carry heavy loads.

Heavy Load Capacity and Frame Design

A standout feature of Sinotruk Howo trucks is their impressive payload capacity. Depending on the configuration, these trucks can carry up to 45 tons, making them ideal for large construction and mining projects. The local three-layer frame design enhances the truck’s ability to handle heavy loads and tough roads, ensuring reliability and long-term durability.

Axles and Suspension for Tough Roads

Sinotruk Howo trucks are fitted with heavy-duty axles, such as the HF9 front axle and HC16 rear axle. These axles are designed to handle high stress and provide excellent load-bearing capacity, making them perfect for the demanding environments in Africa. This design ensures stability even when the trucks are fully loaded.

Adaptable for Various Regions

Sinotruk Howo trucks are available in both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) versions. This makes them suitable for different countries and driving conditions across the continent.

Fuel Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

Despite their heavy-duty capabilities, Sinotruk Howo trucks are known for their fuel efficiency, using around 38 liters per 100 km, depending on the model and usage. This makes them a cost-effective option for businesses looking to reduce operational costs while maintaining high performance.

Warranty and Durability

Sinotruk Howo trucks are famous for their reliability and ease of maintenance, which is crucial in regions where access to spare parts and repair services may be limited. These trucks come with a one-year warranty, providing extra peace of mind for buyers. They are built to withstand Africa’s tough roads, ensuring long-lasting durability and minimal downtime.

Sales Performance and Market Presence

Sinotruk has a strong presence in Africa, selling over 1,000 heavy trucks annually. With a market share of over 50% in recent quarters, Sinotruk Howo trucks are recognized for their ability to meet the diverse transportation needs of Africa.

These specialized features make Sinotruk Howo trucks a reliable and efficient choice for buyers in Ghana and other African markets, helping them tackle the region’s unique transportation challenges.

Reliability and Maintenance

The SINOTRUK HOWO series, including the SITRAK G7, is known for its high reliability and strong maintenance support, making it a top choice in Ghana’s competitive trucking market.

Reliability of SINOTRUK HOWO

sinotruk howo vehicles, especially the 6X4 dump truck, are recognized for their low failure rate, which contributes to their popularity. The vehicle’s chassis has a high carrying capacity and great road adaptability, ensuring good performance in different environments. Users value the high reliability and cost-effectiveness of these trucks, especially the MC11 electric control high pressure common rail engine, which offers advanced technology and great fuel efficiency. The engine’s B10 durability ensures a lifespan of up to 1.5 million miles, earning praise for its reliability.

The SITRAK G7, which uses MAN technology, further boosts the reliability of SINOTRUK vehicles. Made with the same production equipment and inspection standards as MAN, the SITRAK G7 ensures excellent reliability, confirmed by German MAN experts. During quality checks, SITRAK trucks ran between 70,000 to 140,000 miles without any breakdowns, showing stability similar to MAN’s vehicles.

Maintenance and Service Support

SINOTRUK offers comprehensive maintenance services to keep trucks in optimal condition throughout their lifespan. The “1234T” program for SITRAK trucks includes several key benefits:

  • One-to-one service: Personalized service for each user.
  • Free repairs and maintenance: Service visits at 5,000 miles, 15,000 miles, and 30,000 miles.
  • Quick response time: Faults are fixed within 24 hours, and a replacement vehicle is provided if the issue is not resolved within this time.

For truck owners, regular inspections are recommended before and after starting the engine. These checks include vital components like the brake system, tire pressure, and other critical systems. Detailed instructions for daily maintenance, vehicle upkeep, and safety regulations are provided in the driver’s manual to ensure optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

By following these maintenance schedules and using the recommended special oils for engines and transmissions, truck owners can prevent premature wear and ensure long-lasting durability of their SINOTRUK HOWO trucks.

Applications and Uses

The Sinotruk Howo trucks are versatile and designed for various heavy-duty tasks. They are commonly used in industries that require transporting large amounts of materials, especially in tough environments.

Mining and Heavy-Duty Applications

  • Mining Operations: Sinotruk Howo mining dump trucks are built for open-pit mining and underground mining. These trucks play a vital role in transporting minerals, overburden, and waste rock in open-pit mines. Their high gradeability allows them to tackle steep slopes, making them ideal for the rough terrain of mining sites[2][5].
  • Heavy Transport in Mining: In underground mining, these trucks navigate narrow tunnels and steep inclines, ensuring efficient transportation of materials from the mine’s interior to the surface[5].

Construction and Infrastructure Projects

  • Construction Sites: Sinotruk Howo trucks are used in construction and infrastructure projects, such as hydropower sites and steel mills. Their sturdy design and high load-carrying capacity make them perfect for hauling construction materials, sand, gravel, and debris over difficult terrain[2][5].

Transportation in Ghana

  • Versatile Transportation: In Ghana, these trucks serve various transportation purposes. They are used as flatbed trailers for general cargo, oil tankers for fuel and liquids, and dump trailers for materials like sand and gravel. The trucks are also used as low-bed trailers for transporting heavy equipment and oversized loads[1][4].
  • Short-Distance Transshipment: These trucks are frequently used for short-distance transshipment, offering flexibility in logistics across different regions[2][5].

The Sinotruk Howo trucks are valuable assets in industries like mining, construction, and logistics due to their adaptability and reliability in harsh environments.

Market Presence and Sales

Sinotruk has made a strong impact on the Ghanaian market, with a solid presence in the country. The company’s strategy focuses on both sales and after-sales services, ensuring customers receive full support throughout their ownership.

 

Annual Sales Volume

  • HOWO 6X4 Dump Truck: Sinotruk sells over 500 units of the HOWO 6X4 dump truck annually in Ghana, showing strong demand for the model in the country.
  • West African Enhanced Tractor: Sinotruk’s enhanced tractor version sells more than 300 units each year in Ghana.
  • Global Sales: In 2023, Sinotruk sold a total of 335,000 vehicles worldwide, including 130,000 heavy trucks exported. While exact sales data for Ghana is not provided, the country remains an important market in Africa.

Established Branch and Local Support

  • Sinotruk operates a fully established branch office in Ghana, offering key after-sales services and customer support. This includes a large exhibition hall in the capital, where customers can engage directly with the brand and access necessary services.
  • The company collaborates with local partners to strengthen its market position, ensuring smooth distribution and operational support across the country.

Sales Performance and Market Reach

  • Despite global challenges in the automotive industry, Sinotruk has experienced steady growth in overseas heavy truck sales. In some regions, the company now holds a market share of over 50%. Specific sales figures for Ghana are not available.
  • Sinotruk’s products are sold in over 110 countries and regions, with Ghana being a key market for the company’s expansion in Africa.

Local Partnerships and Facilities

  • Sinotruk has partnered with local companies like ZONDA TEC GHANA LIMITED, further solidifying its presence. The grand opening of the second phase of the Sinotruk assembly plant in Ghana underscores the company’s commitment to the market and future growth in the region.

Buyer Considerations

When purchasing a SINOTRUK HOWO truck in Ghana, consider the following key factors to make the best decision for your needs.

Cost-Effectiveness and Pricing

SINOTRUK HOWO trucks offer great value, especially for tasks like short and medium-distance transportation and breakwater projects. For example, the HOWO 8X4 dump truck is priced between $23,100 to $25,410, making it a competitive choice. The HOWO A7 420hp 8X4 dump truck has a negotiable price, typically within a similar range, providing flexibility based on negotiation.

Durability and Road Adaptability

SINOTRUK HOWO trucks are built for high durability and adaptability to tough roads, which are common in Ghana. These trucks feature wear-resistant plates and high-strength cargo containers, and the West African enhanced version includes a three-layer frame and super load-carrying design to improve overload capacity. The trucks also use multiple leaf springs for the suspension, which helps handle heavy loads and rough terrain.

Engine and Transmission Reliability

SINOTRUK trucks come with dependable engines, such as the D12.42-20 420HP engine, known for its low oil consumption, low noise, and long life, reaching up to 1.5 million km. The HW19710 transmission is designed for heavy-duty use, with strong bearing capacity and a reliable structure that boosts overall performance and longevity.

Maintenance and Spare Parts

SINOTRUK offers a full spare parts catalog to make maintenance and repairs easy. The parts are certified with ISO9001, CE, TÜV, ROHS, and CCC for quality assurance. Additionally, the trucks have a long oil change interval, with the first oil change due after 100,000 km, which can lower maintenance costs over time.

Safety and Cabin Features

The cabins of the SINOTRUK HOWO trucks are made from an integral steel-framed structure, providing high collision resistance and external force resistance for added safety. The trucks also include advanced safety features such as dual circuit compressed air brakes, spring energy compressed air systems on both front and rear wheels, and an engine exhaust brake to improve safety during operation. The trucks’ high-quality exterior is ensured by an automatic painting line, which improves corrosion resistance and contributes to a higher salvage value.

Considering these factors will help you choose a truck that offers long-term performance, durability, and cost-efficiency.

Maintenance and Support

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your Sinotruk HOWO truck performing well. Proper care helps ensure its optimal function and extends its lifespan.

Maintenance Schedule

  • First Maintenance: Perform the first maintenance after the truck has traveled 2000-4000 km.
  • Routine Maintenance: After the first maintenance, service the truck every 10,000 km (or every 5,000 km for off-road vehicles).
  • Key Checks at Every Maintenance Interval:
    • Electrical system: Check instruments, lamps, wipers, and air conditioner.
    • Battery: Inspect electrolyte levels, cell voltage, and battery terminals, and apply grease to the electrodes.
    • Clutch: Check and adjust the clutch stroke, and inspect the wire ropes.
    • Wiring: Regularly check the electric components and wiring harness of the electronically controlled systems every 250 hours.
    • Visual inspection: Check for leaks and ensure the cargo body is secure.

Specific Maintenance Tasks

  • Air Filter Maintenance:
    • Clean the dust cup regularly (except for automatic exhausting types).
    • If the indicator light turns red, clean the main filter element.
    • Replace the safety filter core after cleaning the main filter core five times.
  • Lubrication Maintenance:
    • Use CH-4 grade engine oil and 85W/90 GL-5 gear oil for heavy-duty vehicles.
    • Check lubrication for critical components such as the water pump, clutch release shaft, and release bearing at each service.
  • Electrical System Checks:
    • Ensure that all electrical components, including instruments, lamps, wipers, and air conditioner, are functioning properly.

Warranty and Support

  • Warranty Period: Sinotruk provides a one-year or 100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) on its trucks from the date of shipment.
  • Warranty Exclusions:
    • Damage from severe overloading or forced operation is not covered.
    • Unauthorized repairs or disassembly by third parties will void the warranty.
    • Normal wear-and-tear items like brake linings, light bulbs, fuses, and oil consumption are not covered.

Local Support

  • Support in Ghana: Sinotruk has a branch in Ghana, providing local maintenance services. The company also offers training for workers in assembly, repair, and maintenance, ensuring high-quality service in the region.

Additional Tips

  • Welding Safety: Always disconnect the power supply (battery cables) before welding parts to prevent damage to electrical components. Damage from welding would not be covered by the warranty.