
Haoluo and Haowo both refer to SINOTRUK HOWO, commonly known as Haowo, while Haoluo is the official Chinese designation on the certificate of conformity. Below are the relevant details: 1. Haowo is a heavy-duty truck model produced by SINOTRUK Jinan Truck Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, and is one of the company's flagship products. HOWO is the English designation for Haowo, primarily used for export vehicles. 2. For the Haowo dump truck's drive rear axle, the following three aspects should be noted during use and maintenance: (1) Maintain the proper oil level: Regularly check the oil levels in the wheel-side reducer and the axle's main reducer during use. Insufficient oil can lead to premature wear of moving parts and, in severe cases, cause burning and corrosion. However, excessive oil is also not advisable, as it can result in high temperatures or even oil leaks. (2) Correct use of the differential lock: The inter-wheel differential lock on the rear drive axle ensures that the left and right wheels automatically differentiate when turning, preventing tire wear and mechanical damage. If one side of the vehicle's wheels slips on a smooth or muddy surface, rendering the vehicle unable to move, engaging the differential lock will turn the left and right half-shafts into a rigidly connected axle, allowing the vehicle to exit the problematic surface. (3) Avoid overloading: The Haowo rear drive axle is designed for a load capacity of 13 tons, with the axle housing wall thickness typically being 16 mm. Severe overloading or concentrated loads can cause deformation or tearing of the axle housing. Always adhere to the load limits specified for the driving conditions.

A few days ago, I drove these two models and gained some insights. Haolu and Howo are both brands under Sinotruk, but they target completely different markets. Haolu leans towards the mid-to-high-end segment, featuring a more spacious and comfortable cab, making it particularly suitable for long-haul transportation. The seats come with air suspension for shock absorption, ensuring comfort even after eight hours of driving. It’s powered by a Weichai engine, delivering strong performance while being fuel-efficient. On the other hand, Howo follows a practical approach with a much more affordable price, making it ideal for short-distance cargo transport. Service centers are widespread, but the configuration is simpler, and the leaf-spring seats can cause back pain over long drives. In terms of handling, Haolu’s power steering makes the wheel lighter, while Howo’s steering is heavier and takes some getting used to. If I had to choose, I’d go for Haolu for long-distance trips and Howo for urban and rural deliveries—it all depends on your needs.

Several truck-driving friends around me often discuss this. HOWO mainly targets the general freight market, with lower vehicle prices and affordable maintenance, commonly seen as sand and gravel trucks on construction sites. It uses Sinotruk's own MC series engines, which mechanics are familiar with. HOWO-A7 is positioned more towards the high-end segment, frequently seen in cold chain logistics and express delivery trunk lines. Its cabin has better sealing, powerful air conditioning, and features like cruise control. There are also differences in transmissions: HOWO-A7 uses ZF's AMT automatic transmission, while HOWO mostly employs Fast Gear manual transmissions. Their load capacities are similar, but HOWO-A7's frame uses high-strength steel for greater durability. When buying used, pay attention to the nameplate to distinguish them and avoid being misled by dealers.

The answer depends on usage scenarios. For mountainous areas with steep slopes, HOWO's retarder is particularly effective, allowing long descents without brake overheating. In plain regions, HOWO offers better fuel economy, saving enough for half a year's fuel. Interior differences are notable: HOWO features LCD instrument clusters and reversing cameras, while HOWO sticks to mechanical gauges and radio. In the used car market, HOWO has lower resale value but cheaper, readily available parts, whereas HOWO commands higher prices but finding well-maintained units is tough. For green channel cargo, HOWO is recommended due to its superior cargo compartment sealing.

Once at a service station, I chatted with two drivers about this. The Howo leans towards the basic model, suitable for newcomers to the industry, with a light clutch, clear gear shifts, and low maintenance costs. The Howo A7 is much more high-tech, equipped with lane departure warning and anti-fatigue systems, making night highway driving more reassuring. The engine tuning is also different; the Howo A7 has greater low-speed torque, making hill climbs effortless, while the Howo excels in high-speed burst power for quick overtaking. The Howo A7's fuel tank can hold 1000 liters, reducing the need for frequent gas station stops on long northwest trips. There are also differences in tire configurations: the Howo A7 uses tubeless tires for better fuel efficiency, while the Howo often employs steel-belted tires for greater puncture resistance.


