When buying a HOWO dump truck, one of the first decisions is whether to choose a 6x4 or 8x4 configuration. Both are widely used for construction, road building, quarry operations and bulk material transportation, but they are not designed for exactly the same working conditions.
A 6x4 truck is generally shorter, easier to maneuver and less expensive to maintain. An 8x4 truck offers an additional axle and usually a larger cargo body, making it worth considering for projects involving higher transport volumes.
However, a bigger truck does not automatically mean better productivity. The right choice depends on the material being transported, loading limits, road conditions and daily hauling distance.
This guide compares the HOWO 6x4 vs 8x4 dump truck using published vehicle specifications and practical purchasing considerations.
1. HOWO 6x4 vs 8x4: Key Differences
The numbers 6x4 and 8x4 describe a truck's wheel-position and driven-wheel configuration.
A HOWO 6x4 dump truck normally has three axles, including two driven rear axles. It is commonly called a 10-wheel dump truck.
A HOWO 8x4 dump truck has four axles, usually with two front steering axles and two driven rear axles. It is often referred to as a 12-wheel dump truck.
The additional front axle helps distribute the vehicle's weight across more axle positions, subject to the axle design and applicable regulations.
Here is a quick comparison:
Feature | HOWO 6x4 Dump Truck | HOWO 8x4 Dump Truck |
Axle configuration | 3 axles | 4 axles |
Driven axles | 2 | 2 |
Common wheel description | 10-wheeler | 12-wheeler |
Vehicle length | Generally shorter | Generally longer |
Cargo body | Usually smaller | Usually larger |
Maneuverability | Better for restricted spaces | Requires more operating space |
Purchase cost | Usually lower for comparable specifications | Usually higher |
Maintenance | Fewer tires and axle components | More tires and axle components |
Typical applications | General construction and road projects | High-volume material hauling and large infrastructure projects |
Both configurations are available with different HOWO engines, cabins, transmissions and cargo bodies. Individual specifications should always be checked before purchasing.
2. HOWO 6x4 vs 8x4 Dump Truck Dimensions
Truck dimensions affect more than cargo capacity. They determine whether a vehicle can enter a construction site, negotiate tight corners, pass under bridges and operate safely at loading points.
For international buyers, accurate measurements are also needed when planning shipping arrangements.
HOWO 6x4 Dump Truck Dimensions
A published SINOTRUK HOWO 6x4 configuration, chassis model ZZ3257V3847B1, provides the following specifications:
Specification | Measurement |
Overall length | 8,750 mm |
Overall width | 2,550 mm |
Overall height | 3,450 mm |
Cargo body length | 5,800 mm |
Cargo body width | 2,300 mm |
Cargo body height | 1,500 mm |
Nominal cargo body volume | Approximately 20 m³ |
This configuration uses a three-axle chassis and a relatively compact cargo body compared with larger four-axle trucks.
For contractors operating in smaller construction areas or on routes with limited turning space, the shorter overall length can be an advantage.
HOWO 8x4 Dump Truck Dimensions
For comparison, SINOTRUK publishes the following specifications for its HOWO 8x4 chassis model ZZ3317V3567B1:
Specification | Measurement |
Overall length | 10,750 mm |
Overall width | 2,550 mm |
Overall height | 3,450 mm |
Cargo body length | 7,300 mm |
Cargo body width | 2,300 mm |
Cargo body height | 1,700 mm |
Nominal cargo body volume | Approximately 28.5 m³ |
In these two examples, the 8x4 truck is about two meters longer and has approximately 42.5% more cargo-body volume.
That is a meaningful difference when transporting suitable bulk materials, but it also means the vehicle needs sufficient room for turning, loading and unloading.
Important: These figures are examples of specific published configurations, not fixed dimensions for every HOWO 6x4 or 8x4 truck. HOWO 371, TX, NX and T7H models may have different wheelbases, body sizes and overall dimensions.
For a broader explanation of truck sizes, see our Dump Truck Dimensions & Sizes Guide.
3. Payload Capacity: How Much Can Each HOWO Dump Truck Carry?
Payload capacity is often the most misunderstood specification when comparing dump trucks.
Some buyers assume that an 8x4 truck can always carry substantially more weight simply because it has a larger body. In practice, there are three different measurements to consider:
Cargo body volume: The physical space available for materials, measured in cubic meters.
Rated payload: The load mass permitted for the specific vehicle under its technical and regulatory ratings.
Gross vehicle weight: The total weight of the vehicle, including the truck itself, fuel, occupants and cargo.
These measurements are related, but they are not interchangeable.
Why Cargo Volume Is Not the Same as Payload
Consider a simplified example.
A HOWO 6x4 truck has a cargo body of approximately 20 m³. A HOWO 8x4 truck has a cargo body of approximately 28.5 m³.
If the transported material has a bulk density of 1.5 tonnes per cubic meter, filling both bodies completely would produce the following theoretical material weights:
These calculations demonstrate the weight that a full cargo body could contain. They are not approved vehicle payload ratings or recommended loads.
The actual permissible load may be substantially lower.
This is especially important for dense materials such as wet sand, crushed stone and mineral aggregates. A truck can reach its weight limit long before its cargo body is full.
Before selecting a vehicle, request its official gross weight rating, curb weight, axle ratings and applicable road-registration limits. On private construction or mining sites, manufacturer operating limits and site safety requirements still apply.
The practical lesson is simple: never select a dump truck based on cubic meters alone.
4. Which Configuration Is Better for Construction Work?
For everyday construction work, a HOWO 6x4 dump truck is often a practical choice.
It is suitable for operations such as transporting soil from excavation sites, delivering sand and gravel, supporting road construction and moving materials between nearby work areas.
The shorter wheelbase configurations can make a difference when entering narrow access roads or working around buildings and construction equipment.
A 6x4 truck may also offer lower purchase and tire replacement costs than a comparable 8x4 model.
However, larger projects may benefit from the additional cargo-body volume of an 8x4 truck.
For example, a contractor moving large quantities of suitable bulk material between an aggregate yard and a road construction project may prefer a four-axle truck, provided the route permits its dimensions and loaded weight.
The best decision depends on the actual permitted payload and the number of trips required—not simply the nominal body size.
5. HOWO 6x4 vs 8x4 for Quarry and Mining Applications
Quarry operations place different demands on dump trucks than normal highway transportation.
Vehicles may need to operate on unpaved roads, climb gradients, turn inside confined loading areas and handle abrasive materials.
An appropriately specified HOWO 8x4 can be attractive for higher-volume quarry transport, particularly on maintained haul roads with sufficient turning space.
However, an 8x4 truck is not automatically better on every rough road.
Its longer chassis can create challenges on uneven ground, sharp inclines or narrow site roads. Axle loading, ground clearance, suspension design and tire selection must all be considered.
A HOWO 6x4 may be easier to operate where access roads are narrow and loading locations change frequently.
For especially demanding mining work, a purpose-built mining dump truck may be more appropriate than either standard road-oriented configuration.
Buyers should also check the cargo body's steel grade, floor thickness, side-wall thickness and hydraulic tipping system. These components can be just as important as the axle configuration when transporting rock or abrasive aggregates.
6. Fuel Consumption and Maintenance Costs
Operating cost is another important factor in the 6x4 versus 8x4 decision.
An 8x4 dump truck generally has more tires and additional axle-related components to inspect and maintain. It may also have a higher unladen weight.
These factors can increase certain operating expenses.
A 6x4 truck may be less costly to purchase and maintain, particularly when carrying smaller loads over short distances.
However, selecting a smaller truck for a high-volume project can increase the number of trips required.
If a correctly loaded 8x4 can transport more material per journey, the reduction in trips may help offset its higher ownership costs.
Fuel efficiency should therefore be evaluated in terms of fuel consumed per tonne transported, not only liters per 100 kilometers.
Before comparing quotations, consider:
Actual payload allowed on the planned route.
Average distance traveled per load.
Number of loaded journeys per day.
Road conditions and average operating speed.
Fuel consumption under comparable conditions.
Tire replacement and routine maintenance costs.
There is no universal fuel-consumption advantage for either configuration. Engine specification, gearing, load and driver behavior can produce substantial differences.
7. Which HOWO Dump Truck Is Better for African Markets?
HOWO dump trucks are offered to buyers across African markets, including Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia and other countries.
However, choosing a suitable export vehicle requires more than selecting a familiar brand.
For smaller construction contractors or operators working on restricted access roads, a HOWO 6x4 may be worth considering.
For large infrastructure projects and higher-volume material transport, an 8x4 configuration may offer advantages where road conditions and loading regulations permit its use.
Buyers should verify several points before importing a truck:
Road regulations: Check permitted axle loads, gross vehicle weight, vehicle dimensions and registration requirements in the destination country.
Engine and emission standards: Confirm that the specified engine and emissions certification meet applicable import requirements.
Spare parts and maintenance: Check the availability of suitable engine, gearbox, axle and braking-system components.
Vehicle condition: When buying used or refurbished trucks, request clear inspection records and photographs of the actual units.
Shipping requirements: Confirm vehicle dimensions, shipping method, destination port and quotation terms before arranging payment.
A truck that performs well in one country may not be the best choice for another market with different road restrictions or operating conditions.
8. How to Choose Between a HOWO 6x4 and 8x4
If you are still deciding between the two configurations, start by answering four questions.
What material will the truck transport?
Soil, gravel, sand and crushed rock have different bulk densities. Estimate the material's weight before deciding on cargo-body volume.
How much material must be moved each day?
Calculate the total daily transport volume and the actual allowable payload per trip. A larger truck makes sense only when it produces a practical productivity advantage.
What are the road and site conditions?
Check road width, turning areas, gradients, bridge limits and unloading space. A longer truck may not be suitable for every location.
What is the total operating budget?
Compare purchase cost, fuel, maintenance, tires, inspection, shipping and import expenses.
For a business operating several dump trucks, these expenses can have a greater long-term impact than a small difference in the initial purchase price.
9. Explore HOWO Dump Trucks for Sale at Ant Automobile
Ant Automobile supplies HOWO commercial trucks for overseas buyers, including new, used and refurbished dump truck configurations.
Depending on availability, customers can explore different 6x4 and 8x4 models, engine specifications and cargo-body designs.
Related vehicle listings include:
You can also browse our complete HOWO Dump Truck Collection.
When requesting a quotation, please tell us your destination country, preferred drive configuration, material type, required quantity and operating conditions.
Our team can help you review available configurations, confirm truck details and discuss suitable export arrangements.
Contact Ant Automobile for a HOWO Dump Truck Quotation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a HOWO 6x4 and 8x4 dump truck?
A HOWO 6x4 dump truck normally has three axles, while an 8x4 model has four. The 8x4 generally offers a longer chassis and larger cargo-body options, while the 6x4 is often easier to maneuver in restricted spaces.
What are the dimensions of a HOWO 6x4 dump truck?
One published HOWO 6x4 configuration measures 8,750 × 2,550 × 3,450 mm. Other models and body configurations may have different dimensions.
What is the cargo capacity of a HOWO 8x4 dump truck?
HOWO 8x4 trucks are available with different cargo-body capacities. One published model has an approximately 28.5 m³ body. The actual permissible payload depends on the vehicle rating and applicable weight limits.
Is a HOWO 8x4 always better for heavy loads?
No. An additional axle can help distribute weight, but vehicle suitability depends on axle ratings, the permitted gross weight, road conditions and operating requirements. A purpose-built mining truck may be more appropriate for certain heavy-duty sites.
Which dump truck should I buy, a 6x4 or 8x4?
Choose based on the materials you transport, route restrictions, legal payload, site access and total operating cost. A 6x4 may offer better flexibility, while an 8x4 may be more suitable for higher-volume operations.
