Used Howo 371HP vs. 420HP Which Engine Saves More Fuel & Money

Picking the right engine power changes everything. It can mean the difference between making money and breaking down in the middle of nowhere. In the heavy-duty markets of Africa and Southeast Asia, the Sinotruk Howo A7 and the classic HW76 are very popular choices. But when you look at the stock lists, you usually see two main engine choices: the 371HP and the 420HP.

Many people think “bigger is better.” But this idea can cost you money. One of the biggest choices when buying a tractor truck is matching the engine torque to the road. If you pick the wrong one, you might waste diesel on flat ground. Or, you might break a gearbox trying to climb a hill with a heavy load. Before you look at the specs, it helps to check a list of refurbished heavy trucks. This lets you see how the different chassis and cabins look.

The Technical Core: WD615 (371HP) vs. D12 (420HP)

To choose well, you have to look under the cab. The difference is not just fifty horsepower. It is about two completely different ways the engines are built. The 371HP uses older, simple tech. The 420HP uses a modern, high-pressure system.

The WD615.47 (371HP) is like an old friend. It uses a mechanical fuel injection pump. This means no tricky computers and no sensitive sensors. You can use lower-grade diesel, and it keeps running. It is a simple machine that likes to work. This makes the used howo tractor truck with this engine a top pick for far-away places.

The D12.42 (420HP) is a different animal. It usually uses a common rail fuel system. This technology sprays fuel at much higher pressures. It gives you better combustion and more torque at low speeds. It pulls harder and goes faster. But, it demands cleaner fuel and a driver who treats it well.

Quick Engine Specs

Fuel Economy Analysis: Who Is the Real Winner?

Some people say a smaller engine always saves fuel. That is not true. Fuel economy depends on how hard the engine has to work to move the load. Cost is important when buying a tractor truck. But if you burn 5 extra liters of diesel every 100 kilometers, you will lose more money than the truck price difference in just one year.

Scenario A: Flat Terrain and Standard Loads (40-55 Tons)

Imagine a flat highway. You are driving from the port to the city. Here, the Howo 371HP wins. It sits in its “sweet spot.” It does not work too hard. Using a 420HP engine here is wasteful. It is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. You are just wasting energy.

Scenario B: Hilly Terrain and Heavy Loads (60-80+ Tons)

If your road has steep climbs, the Howo 420HP saves money. A 371HP engine struggles here. The driver has to change gears constantly. The engine screams at 2200 RPM just to crawl up the hill. That burns fuel fast. The 420HP engine has the torque to climb that same hill in a higher gear. It runs at a lower, quieter RPM. It sips less fuel while doing the hard work.

Maintenance and Durability in Used Trucks

A used truck is only good if it stays on the road. The fact that spare parts are easy to find makes the used howo tractor truck famous. But fixing them is different for each engine.

The 371HP (WD615) is easy to fix. Almost any mechanic with a wrench set can do it. If an injector gets dirty, you take it out. You clean it. You put it back. It is cheap and fast. The 420HP (D12) is tougher. If the electronic control unit (ECU) shows an error, you might need a diagnostic scanner. However, the D12 is built with strong materials. It often lasts longer before needing a big repair, as long as it gets good oil.

Reliability starts with the refurbishment quality. Good suppliers check every unit. They do a standard engine inspection and road testing. They check compression ratios and turbo pressure. This makes sure the “used” engine still has plenty of life left in it.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Spec for Your Route

You need to match the tool to the job. Don’t just buy the cheapest option. Buy the one that fits your route. Before you deal, buying a tractor truck requires you to look at your map and what you are carrying.

• Go for the Howo 371HP if:Your route is mostly flat. You work in areas where diesel is dirty. You want the lowest repair costs.
• Go for the Howo 420HP if:You carry heavy loads (over 60 tons). You drive in mountains like Tanzania or Ethiopia. You need faster delivery times.

If you are still stuck on the fence or considering other manufacturers, evaluating Howo against other brands like Shacman might give you a better perspective on which heavy-duty chassis suits your business.

Global Export Standards for Refurbished Trucks

Liangshan Tuoda International Trade Co., Ltd. (Tuoda) is a great place to source high-quality vehicles. We are located in Liangshan. This is China’s largest base for making trailers and trucks. Tuoda specializes in exporting refurbished heavy machinery. We send over 1,500 units every year to markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Tuoda stands out because of our strict checks. We don’t just sell volume. Every vehicle goes through a full refurbishment. We tune the engine. We inspect the gearbox. We fix the full chassis. We focus on delivering “zero-headache” trucks. We ensure a used vehicle works with the reliability buyers expect. We have a massive inventory of HOWO and Shacman units. Tuoda provides custom solutions for logistics companies and builders looking for good power at a good price.

Conclusion

Both the WD615 and D12 engines are workhorses.1 They have helped build modern Africa. The 371HP is the king of low maintenance.2 The 420HP is the master of heavy climbing. Reliability comes down to where you buy it. Always inspect the vehicle carefully. If you are ready to find a reliable machine that fits your budget, check the Used Howo Tractor Truck inventory. Compare available 371HP and 420HP units side-by-side.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use the 420HP engine if the diesel in my country is very dirty?
A: It is risky. The 420HP engine’s common rail system is sensitive to water and dirt in fuel. If you choose the 420HP, you must install an extra high-quality fuel water separator and change filters frequently. If you cannot ensure clean fuel, the 371HP is the safer choice.

Q2: Which engine lasts longer, the 371HP or the 420HP?
A: Technically, the 420HP (D12) block is built stronger and can last longer if maintained perfectly. However, in rough conditions with poor maintenance, the 371HP often lasts longer because it has fewer delicate parts that could break.

Q3: Is the spare part cost different for a used Howo tractor truck with these engines?
A: Yes. Parts for the 371HP (WD615 engine) are very inexpensive and available in most small-town shops. Parts for the 420HP are available but can cost 20-30% more, especially the electronic injectors and sensors.

Q4: Can a 371HP truck pull 60 tons?
A: Yes, it can pull 60 tons, but it will be slow on hills. The 371HP has plenty of torque to move the load, but you’ll be in lower gears more often. If speed isn’t a priority, it will do the job just fine.

Q5: How do I know if the engine on a used truck is still good?
A: Listen to the sound. A healthy WD615 or D12 should sound smooth, without any “knocking” noise. Also, check the exhaust smoke. Blue smoke indicates burning oil (bad), while white smoke suggests fuel issues. The best option is to buy from a supplier who provides a test report.