Built to Fit: Engineering HOWO Trucks for Demanding Operations

This article is first publish in Asian Trucker 01 October 2025 : Built to Fit: Engineering HOWO Trucks for Demanding Operations

No two operations are alike. By tailoring HOWO trucks to specific challenges, SMHE helps operators boost performance, cut cost, and keep fleets running at their best.

With highly specialised missions and focused organisations, it is seldom possible to simply buy a truck “off the shelf.” A thorough process to analyse the exact needs of a customer is a must, and it sets the operator up for success as their new asset will be meeting the requirements exactly.

Asian Trucker investigated the question: why is there a need for customisation on the example of HOWO trucks? Khoo Keh Hann, General Manager of Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment Sdn Bhd (SMHE), provided the insights, setting the stage by reiterating that “Every business has unique demands, and trucks should be built to match those demands. A quarry operator, a construction fleet, and a highway logistics company all face very different challenges, which means a one-size-fits-all truck is rarely the best solution.”

At SMHE, customisation is not about luxury or appearance; it is about delivering engineered solutions that serve a clear purpose, improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and extend the vehicle’s lifecycle. The HOWO-TX series, with its flexible cab options, axle choices, and body designs, provides the ideal foundation for tailoring trucks to each client’s operational needs.

In short, Khoo is not talking about fancy deco, but smart business solutions.

When talking about customisation, it is never about cosmetic upgrades or decorative features. It is about engineering that supports business outcomes. Adjusting axle ratios, reinforcing structures, or upgrading cabins are decisions that directly improve fuel economy, driver comfort, and operational productivity. These enhancements create measurable benefits, helping customers operate more efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively. In short, Khoo is not talking about fancy deco, but smart business solutions.

Each of the models sold by SMHE in Malaysia offers varying customisation options, depending on the purpose of the vehicle. Currently, SMHE’s product line-up comprises these three models:

Rigid Bucket

Customers can specify body size, material, and hydraulic systems to suit their operations, while ensuring compliance with JPJ regulations. A common setup is a 14-cubic-meter body built from H850 high-strength steel, fitted with a front-mounted HYVA tipping cylinder. It is reinforced for abrasive loads but designed to remain within approved payload limits.

Prime Mover

Most logistics fleets choose the 4.2 axle ratio for long-haul operations, as it offers fuel savings over long distances. Customers also often prefer the TX-F sleeper cab over the standard TX-M day cab, as it provides more space, wider sleeper berths, and pneumatic suspension seats that significantly improve driver comfort.

Mixer

The HOWO TX 8x4 mixer runs on a Rear Engine Power Take-Off (REPTO) that delivers steady torque from the engine to the hydraulic pump, motor, and drum reducer, keeping the mix consistent even when the truck is idling or moving slowly on-site. The drum is inclined at 12°, enabling faster, cleaner discharge with minimal residue. This directly improves turnaround times and boosts productivity on construction sites.

Cost: A Concern?

Customisation may influence both cost and delivery time, depending on the complexity of modification. A standard prime mover can usually be delivered more quickly, while a reinforced tipper body may take longer due to fabrication, and mixers with customised hydraulic systems may require additional sourcing and installation time. While this can mean higher upfront costs, the long-term returns in reduced downtime, improved efficiency, and greater durability make it a smart, worthwhile investment.

At SMHE, every recommendation begins with a clear understanding of the customers’ daily operations.

In view of the cost implications, a clear process needs to be in place to determine if a customer should deviate from the standard variant. “At SMHE, every recommendation begins with a clear understanding of the customers’ daily operations,” Khoo stresses. If the work involves highway logistics with lighter loads, a standard prime mover is usually the most cost-efficient choice. However, when operations involve steep terrain, heavy loads, or long-haul routes, adjustments such as different axle ratios, stronger bodies, or sleeper cabs are recommended.

The goal is not to over-customise, but to ensure each truck is optimised for its actual working environment – delivering safety, reliability, and efficiency.

To the Extreme

“One of the most demanding projects we handled was for a quarry operator transporting abrasive aggregate over steep, uneven terrain with constant dust and impact. To address these challenges, we built a tipper body from H850 high-strength steel with a 6 mm floorboard and 4 mm sideboard, paired with a HYVA front tipping cylinder,” Khoo said. Said truck was specified with MCP16ZG planetary axles in a 4.77 ratio, powered by the MC11.44-50 engine (440 hp, 2,100 Nm) and HW25712XST 12-speed gearbox. With a designed gross vehicle weight of 50,000 kg and gradeability of 37 percent, the truck delivered the torque, durability, and stability required for one of the harshest quarry environments while carrying loads within the BDM limit.

Legal Aspects

Of course, one cannot just modify a commercial vehicle at will. “Every vehicle must comply with regulatory requirements before being registered for use. At SMHE, all modifications are carried out within these legal frameworks and tested against safety standards, including ECE R29 cab safety compliance.” In line with recent MOT rulings, every HOWO-TX is also equipped with a speed limiter device (SLD), and SMHE is an approved JPJ SLD verification workshop. This ensures that even customised builds are fully compliant and legally supported.

Although fleet owners may have well-equipped workshops and highly trained technicians, SMHE strongly advises against in-house modifications being carried out. The reason being is that modern trucks are highly engineered machines where the chassis, drivetrain, suspension, and hydraulics are designed to function together as one integrated system. Khoo added: “Unauthorised modifications can disrupt this balance, compromise safety, and even void the warranty. By working with SMHE, customers are assured that all modifications follow Sinotruk’s standards, use genuine components, and remain fully compliant with regulatory requirements.”

Keeping Them Going

Regardless of the extent of customisation carried out, vehicles are subject to a stringent service regime. Operators should always adhere to the recommended service intervals and only use genuine parts to maximise uptime and value retention.

SMHE’s clients will be at ease, knowing that they are being covered. “For customised trucks, the overall maintenance schedule remains largely the same, as all modifications are done in line with Sinotruk’s engineering standards.” At SMHE, we support our customers through authorised workshops in Klang Valley, Ipoh, and Johor, and our mobile service teams are also equipped to respond to breakdowns on-site. With proper preventive maintenance and professional support, operators can ensure maximum uptime and long-term reliability.

Summing the topic up, Khoo said that “At SMHE, we view truck customisation as a strategic investment rather than an added luxury. By tailoring HOWO TX trucks to match the specific requirements of different industries, we help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and operate with greater safety and reliability.” As Sinotruk’s official distributor, all modifications are carried out with genuine parts and full factory support, ensuring customers enjoy the right solution for their operations together with complete peace of mind through warranty and after-sales service. “In the end, our philosophy remains simple — The Right Truck for The Right Job.”