Struggling to choose between 371HP and 420HP? The wrong decision can cost your fleet money, fuel, and uptime.
The 371HP is cheaper, but the 420HP offers higher ROI on long hauls. Your best choice depends on work conditions and total ownership cost.
This is not just about horsepower. It is a strategic investment decision where procurement price, fuel efficiency, maintenance, and resale value define your profit margins. Let’s dive deeper.
Why does the choice between 371HP and 420HP affect cost and profit?
Trucks are profit machines, but a wrong engine choice burns margins.
371HP saves upfront cost, 420HP delivers efficiency in heavy-duty runs.
When you calculate procurement, fuel, maintenance, and resale, the difference can add up to thousands of dollars per unit. Understanding ROI helps you pick the right power for your fleet.
ROI Factors to Consider
- Capex (Initial Purchase Cost)
- Opex (Fuel + Maintenance)
- Uptime vs Downtime
- Resale Value
- 5-Year TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
What are the cost advantages of the HOWO 371HP Engine?
Buyers often want cheaper trucks but fear higher long-term costs.
The 371HP has lower upfront cost and lower maintenance, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
Direct Answer
The HOWO 371HP engine offers lower procurement cost, cheaper maintenance, and better fuel economy for medium loads and short-haul operations.
Dive Deeper: Why 371HP Works
The 371HP engine is the most popular choice across African and Southeast Asian markets. Its affordability and widespread availability of parts make it a reliable option for fleets that operate in construction sites, urban distribution, and medium-duty dump truck services.
Key Points
- Initial Price: 12–18% cheaper than 420HP, making bulk purchases easier.
- Maintenance: Spare parts widely available and low-cost labor reduces downtime.
- Fuel Efficiency: Better in short-haul, stop-and-go conditions.
- Applications: Construction projects, quarry sites, city delivery, and local contracts.
Typical Buyers
- Contractors bidding on infrastructure projects.
- Local fleets running dump trucks.
- Traders supplying city-based distribution networks.
What are the value advantages of the HOWO 420HP Engine?
Fleet owners often fear the higher procurement cost of the 420HP.
But the 420HP pays back with efficiency, uptime, and resale value.
Direct Answer
The 420HP engine delivers better long-haul fuel economy, higher uptime, and stronger resale value, making it ideal for heavy-duty and international logistics.
Dive Deeper: Why 420HP Pays Off
The 420HP is designed for long-distance, high-payload operations where trucks must maintain consistent speed and efficiency. In Middle East oil transport or African dry ports, the 420HP keeps fleets competitive by reducing downtime and maximizing payload turnover.
Key Points
- Fuel Efficiency Under Heavy Load: Burns less fuel per ton-km when fully loaded.
- Higher Uptime: Less time in lower gears, smoother engine performance.
- Resale Value: Preferred in second-hand markets for logistics fleets.
- Applications: Long-haul logistics, tankers, dry bulk transport, cross-border trade.
Typical Buyers
- Middle Eastern oil tanker operators.
- East African cross-border logistics fleets.
- Southeast Asian long-haul fleet managers.
How do the costs of 371HP and 420HP compare?
Buyers often ask: is the higher price of 420HP worth it?
The answer depends on your cost structure over five years.
Direct Answer
371HP has the lowest upfront and maintenance cost, while 420HP wins in heavy-load fuel savings and higher resale value. TCO depends on your operational profile.
Dive Deeper: TCO Table (5-Year Comparison)
| Cost Element | HOWO 371HP | HOWO 420HP | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Low (−12–18%) | High | 371HP wins |
| Fuel (5 yrs) | Higher under heavy load | Lower for long-haul | 420HP wins |
| Maintenance | Cheaper parts, common service | Slightly higher | 371HP wins |
| Downtime | Moderate risk | Lower risk | 420HP wins |
| Resale Value | Lower | Higher | 420HP wins |
| 5-Year TCO | Best for short-haul | Best for heavy-haul | Depends |
What ROI examples show 371HP vs 420HP in real fleets?
Many buyers ask: what’s the real-world ROI difference?
Here are three fleet stories.
Direct Answer
371HP wins in short-haul construction, 420HP wins in long-haul tankers, and a mix works best in mixed terrain.
Dive Deeper: ROI Case Studies
Case 1 – African Construction Contractor (371HP)
A Nigerian contractor running 25 dump trucks chose 371HP engines. Lower procurement cost saved $120,000 across the fleet. Short-haul operations kept fuel consumption low. ROI achieved in year one.
Case 2 – Middle East Oil Transporter (420HP)
A Saudi fleet running tanker trucks upgraded to 420HP. On long-haul desert routes, efficiency improved 15%, reducing annual fuel expenses by over $200,000. Higher uptime increased delivery contracts. ROI achieved in 2.5 years.
Case 3 – Southeast Asia Mixed Fleet (371HP + 420HP)
A Vietnamese operator managing city deliveries and cross-border hauls built a mixed fleet. 371HP used in local projects; 420HP reserved for long-hauls. Balanced investment reduced TCO by 9% across the fleet.
What do procurement managers frequently ask?
Every international buyer asks the same set of business questions.
Direct Answer
Common questions include price difference, ROI period, inspection, export documents, and shipment options.
Dive Deeper: Commercial FAQ
-
How much is the price difference?
→ On average, 371HP is 12–18% cheaper. -
When will I recover the cost difference?
→ In long-haul, heavy-duty operations, 420HP pays back in 2–3 years. -
Can I arrange third-party inspection?
→ Yes, SGS, BV, CCIC, and other inspection agencies are supported. -
What export documents are provided?
→ CO, CIQ, SASO, and Form E are available on request. -
Can I mix-load engines in one container?
→ Yes, mixed loading is possible to optimize container space.
Conclusion
For short-haul and medium loads, choose 371HP for lower TCO. For long-haul and heavy loads, choose 420HP for higher ROI.
About HOWO PARTS
At HOWO PARTS, I make global procurement of SINOTRUK parts easier and more reliable. With years of factory visits, buyer feedback, and logistics experience, I built a system to supply original HOWO parts directly from China. No middlemen, no delays—just real parts at factory-direct prices.
HOWO PARTS – Your Direct Link to SINOTRUK Factories
🌍 Website: www.howoparts.com
✉ Email: sales@howoparts.com
