A practical, search-friendly guide for fleet buyers, drivers and site managers who are looking at the HOWO 371 (371 hp) family — what the numbers mean on paper, what it will realistically carry on site, and the things experienced operators notice after 50,000+ km.
Quick snapshot
- Engine: WD615 series, rated ~371 HP (turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel).
- Common drivetrain: 6×4 for dump/tractor variants; also available in 8×4 and tractor configurations.
- Typical payload: most dump/rig configurations carry roughly 30–40 tonnes depending on body size and local regulations.
(Facts and typical configurations are based on manufacturer specs and trade listings.)
What the “371” number really means
Manufacturers label this family **HOWO 371** to indicate the engine rating of approximately 371 horsepower. In practice that means strong low-end torque for heavy loads — typical WD615 engines in the 371 tune produce **high torque between ~1100–1600 rpm**, which is why these trucks feel powerful when climbing or starting with a full bed.
Common configurations & real-world capacity
The HOWO 371 is offered as dump (tipper) trucks, tractor heads and rigid chassis for custom bodies. The most common commercial setups are:
- 6×4 dump truck (most common) — body lengths ~5.8–6.0 m, **practical load 25–35 t** depending on body thickness and local GVW limits.
- 8×4 heavy tipper — used where higher legal GVW is allowed; can be specified for **~35–40 t** payloads.
- Tractor (prime mover) — used with semi-trailers when long-haul or larger payloads are needed.
Rule of thumb: published “rated loading” is a starting point — actual payload varies with body weight, axle specs and local road/GVW rules. Check curb weight vs permitted GVW before quoting a payload for contracts.
Key specs (typical)
Typical items to note when comparing offers:
- Engine model: WD615.47 (or similar WD615 family) — ~9.7 L displacement, 6 inline cylinders.
- Rated power: ~371 HP @ ~2200 rpm.
- Peak torque: around 1,200–1,450 Nm in the low-mid rpm band (useful for heavy starts and hills).
- Transmission: HW19710 or equivalent — typically 10 forward & 2 reverse gears.
- Fuel tank: varies by spec — commonly **300–500 L** (some long-haul spec tanks go higher).
Fuel consumption & operating cost (what to expect)
Real-world fuel consumption depends heavily on load, route and driver behavior. In heavy-duty, loaded construction use you should expect **higher consumption** than a highway tractor — operators commonly see between 40–60 L/100 km in severe stop/start quarry work and much less on steady highway pulls. For planning budgets, use a conservative number for site work and track actual consumption for the first 1–2 months to set realistic daily fuel allowances.
Common issues operators report (and quick fixes)
- Injector and fuel pump wear — keep fuel filters changed on schedule and use clean diesel. If you see black smoke under load, inspect injectors and timing first.
- Turbocharger problems — caused by oil starve or dirty intake. Use correct oil grade and inspect intake tubing for debris after dusty work sites.
- Brake system wear — heavy tipper work shortens drum/linings; inspect brake adjusters and reline intervals more frequently on heavy-route trucks.
- Suspension & axle checks — overloaded trips shorten leaf springs and bearings; confirm axle ratings before accepting load changes.
Inspection tip: a quick pre-shift 5-point walkaround (tires, oil, coolant, mounting bolts, lights) catches the majority of avoidable breakdowns.
Buying checklist (new or used)
- Ask for the exact engine model & serial and confirm hp/torque on paperwork.
- Check curb weight vs rated GVW and the declared payload for the specific body fitted. If buying used, weigh the vehicle loaded and empty if possible.
- Verify the transmission model and get service history for clutch/gearbox work.
- Inspect underbody and cross-members for rust or impact damage if the truck worked in mines/quarries.
- Request recent fuel/economy logs if available — trends tell you more than a single reading.
Practical setup recommendations
If you run HOWO 371s on mixed construction/highway duty:
- Use a stepped maintenance schedule — tighter intervals for filters and oil on dusty sites.
- Fit wheel nut indicators and heavy-duty guards on tipper bodies to reduce downtime from sudden failures.
- Train drivers on low-rpm shifting to exploit the WD615 torque band — this lowers clutch wear and improves fuel use.
Where to find reliable parts & service
Sinotruk/HOWO have global dealers and many independent workshops stock common wear parts (pumps, injectors, suspension). For heavy duty fleets, keep a small parts kit (filters, belts, a spare starter and master injectors if possible) to avoid long waits in remote regions.
If you want, I can turn this into an Excel checklist for inspections or a short maintenance log template you can print and keep in the cab.
