How Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment Keeps your HOWOs Running

This article was first publish in AsianTrucker Issue 83 June 2025 : Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment Highlights HOWO Trucks

Vital to any fleet operation, the workshops play a crucial role. Asian Trucker takes a look at the service network of Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment.

The Sinotruk HOWO-TX series has become a trusted name in the Asian market. It is renowned for its unmatched durability, fuel efficiency, and advanced engineering. These trucks are specifically designed to handle the region’s challenging terrains and high payload requirements. They are also engineered to withstand the oftentimes harsh conditions of tropical climates.

As anyone running a fleet of trucks will attest to, the purchase of trucks is only the first step in managing the operations. In many cases, the service network plays a crucial role in the purchasing decision. Mr Khoo Keh Hann, General Manager of Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment Sdn Bhd (SMHE) spoke to Asian Trucker about how their workshops across Peninsular Malaysia are an integral part of their business.

Location, Location, Location and Sizes of Workshops
"At Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment (SMHE), we believe that maintenance should never be a hassle. To simplify the maintenance process for our customers, we have established service centres at three strategic locations, aligned with major transport and industrial routes,” Khoo told Asian Trucker. Currently, SMHE operates workshops in:

• Shah Alam, Selangor – 9-acre workshop
• Ipoh, Perak – 1-acre workshop
• Tampoi, Johor – 1-acre workshop

These are, as Khoo said, strategically located along major transport and industrial routes; these locations were chosen with purpose. The idea is to ensure SMHE’s support network is close to their customers’ key operating areas. This proximity allows SMHE to respond quickly, reduce vehicle downtime, and keep businesses running smoothly.

To further support their customers, SMHE has mobile breakdown teams on standby. These highly trained technicians are also available from each workshop to conduct emergency repairs, helping customers resume their operations with minimal disruption.

SMHE’s Capacities
Considering the population of HOWO trucks sold by SMHE, their workshops are designed for high throughput, featuring multiple bays and spacious layouts to support quick turnaround times. Collectively, the three workshops service over 450 trucks each month.

“Each workshop is further supported by structured workflows and a dedicated team, ensuring every task is completed accurately and on schedule,” Khoo explained further.

Planned expansion of Workshop Network
SMHE’s goal is to ensure that reliable support is always within reach for customers, no matter where they operate. Khoo revealed that SMHE is set to expand the service footprint into the northern and eastern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, strengthening their presence in key locations.

There are opportunities for those looking, as SMHE is concurrently seeking to sign up new dealers and service partners to enhance the network and extend their reach even further.

On the subject of spare parts availability, Khoo said that across all locations, SMHE carries a full range of genuine HOWO parts. Centrally located, the main warehouse is in Shah Alam and serves as the central distribution hub, supporting regional stocks in Ipoh and Tampoi. This allows SMHE to supply essential components quickly to each workshop. Most parts are readily available for immediate service, while special-order items are sourced efficiently to minimise delays.

Dedicated Teams
“SMHE’s strength lies in our people. Across all our locations, we have a team of more than 50 administrative, store, and customer service personnel, along with over 180 mechanics,” Khoo added. Mechanics undergo continuous technical training in line with the standards set by the manufacturer, ensuring they are fully equipped to service HOWO trucks accurately and efficiently.

Why use SMHE Workshops?
When customers bring their trucks to an SMHE workshop, they receive more than just a repair: they will be granted access to dependable care from professionals who understand these trucks inside and out. Service and maintenance require the use of the right tools, genuine parts, and application of proven expertise to keep vehicles roadworthy, reliable, and performing at their best. All this is packaged into the service offered by SMHE.

Just as important as the availability of spare parts is their quality. Choosing original HOWO parts ensures long-term reliability. These parts are rigorously tested, precisely engineered for the best fit, and help maintain peak performance while preserving your truck’s warranty. Khoo promises that this is why SMHE will never compromise when it comes to spare parts.

Beyond the services to maintain the hardware, our service advisors at SMHE actively support customers by providing practical guidance to drivers and fleet managers. They share useful tips on recognising early warning signs – such as unusual noises, dashboard alerts, or changes in vehicle performance – so that issues can be addressed before they escalate.

Extent of Warranty, Service
Knowing about the importance of warranties, service packages offered by SMHE feature well-defined maintenance intervals and offer the option of extended warranties. This level of clarity allows customers to plan ahead, preserve vehicle resale value, and enjoy added peace of mind knowing that their trucks are well cared for.

HOWO Trucks for those Needing Long Service Intervals and Low Downtime
In the first place, HOWO trucks are designed with durability and simplicity in mind, allowing for extended service cycles and fewer mechanical issues. Their straightforward design simplifies maintenance, which translates into more uptime – crucial for maximising operational efficiency.

Customers wanting a summary to the question “What makes it “easy” to have HOWOs serviced by SMHE?” The answer Khoo has is that “Everything we do is centred around customer convenience. From our mobile service teams that can attend to trucks on-site, to a responsive customer hotline that connects customers to assistance quickly, our focus is on delivering a smooth, reliable, and hassle-free service experience.”

Importance of Regular, Scheduled Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to protecting your investment. By servicing trucks on schedule, operators help ensure their vehicles remain efficient, safe, and maintain long-term value. Preventive maintenance also allows potential issues to be identified early, reducing the risk of unexpected failures or safety incidents. Service and maintenance should always be carried out with these intentions:

• To keep the trucks going
• Retain the value of the trucks
• Avoid accidents

For those seeking greater control of their fleet, SMHE can connect truck buyers with their partners who offer comprehensive fleet management solutions – from GPS tracking and cabin dashcams (including ADAS and DMS systems) to full Transportation Management Systems.