HOWO Mixers: Consistent and Precise Concrete Celivery

This article was first publish in AsianTrucker [July/August 2025 : HOWO Mixers: consistent and precise concrete delivery]
(https://www.asiantrucker.com/images/all_magazines/Asian-Trucker-Malaysia-Issue-84.pdf)

Crucial for infrastructure development, cement mixers are the cornerstone of every development project. The HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer is a trusted workhorse of the industry.

The delivery of concrete to any construction site is a time-critical component of the schedule. If the concrete is delayed, entire projects could be affected, causing the contractor to get penalised. Thus, the dependability of the cement mixer trucks is of utmost importance. Among the product line-up by Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment Sdn Bhd (SMHE) is the HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer, which addresses the needs of the construction industry perfectly.

To make a compelling argument for their HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer, Khoo Keh Hann, General Manager of Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment Sdn Bhd said that “The HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer is offered as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit. We work closely with reputable OEM partners to ensure that both the chassis and the drum are matched and tested to global standards before arriving in Malaysia.” According to him, this approach ensures build consistency, better quality control, and faster delivery lead times for their customers.

Dependability is Key Concrete is a very special and interesting cargo to be moved. Concrete is a highly time-sensitive and material-sensitive product, making its transportation a delicate task. Once mixed, concrete begins to set within a short window—typically 90 minutes—requiring continuous agitation to maintain its workability. Temperature fluctuations can accelerate or delay setting, impacting quality. Improper handling during transit may cause segregation of the mix, weakening its structural integrity. Additionally, any deviation in timing, composition, or moisture content can compromise the final result.

Transporting concrete also involves strict compliance with safety and legal regulations, including limits on delivery times and load weight. As such, reliable logistics, specialised equipment, and trained personnel are essential to ensure the material arrives on site in optimal condition, ready for immediate use without compromising performance or durability. Should the drum movement stop, and the concrete harden, severe damage can happen to the drum, one of the most expensive components of the mixer truck.

Consequently, the drum hydraulic system and PTO are the components that SMHE pays a lot of attention to. “The drum is powered by a high efficiency hydraulic system, using PMP reducers, motors, and pumps, which we have found to be reliable and cost-effective compared to other brands we have used in the past. These components are driven by a mechanical Power Take-Off (PTO) system connected directly to the rear of the engine (Rear Engine Power Take-Off / REPTO),” Khoo explained. In the case of the HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer, SMHE decided to use a configuration without the gearbox for enhanced reliability. Compared to a gearbox-driven PTO, the REPTO offers higher output speed and can maintain hydraulic pressure even at lower engine speeds or idling. This setup ensures the drum rotates reliably under load, even during extended daily operations.

**Built Upon a Solid Chassis **
With the application of the mixer drum being one of the most dependable in the market, the delivery mechanism itself needs to be reliable and dependable too. Hence, the HOWO TX chassis used for these missions is engineered for heavy-duty, high stress applications. “The HOWO Mixer continues to prove its value where it counts most – on site, under load, day in and day out.”

It features a robust 8x4 axle configuration, a reinforced 300mm x 90mm x (8+8)mm double-layered frame, and high ground clearance – making it ideal for uneven construction sites. One has to remember that the most stress to the system occurs in the smallest distance of the delivery trips. The frame’s torsional rigidity minimises flexing under load, enhancing both drum stability and operator safety.

Tough Conditions Malaysia presents unique operational challenges – high ambient heat, steep gradients, tight urban and suburban access, bumpy and uneven site terrain, and long operation cycles. However, Khoo is very confident that the vehicle will master all these. Listing all the high-quality features, the HOWO Mixer addresses local conditions with:

• A high-torque MC11 engine that performs well in both stop-go traffic and uphill climbs
• Heavy-duty cooling systems to manage tropical heat
• Steel rollers and flanged supports that keep the drum stable over rough terrain
• Manual hydraulic controls that ensure reliability even in dusty or high-moisture environments

Adapted for better Performance
The HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer boast several features that make it purpose built for demanding mixer operations. When specifying the vehicle from the factory, several design features were taken into consideration to provide a more efficient and effective use of the asset. For instance, the drum is inclined at 12° which enables faster, cleaner discharge with minimal leftover material. In any construction site, the speed of delivery of concrete is a crucial factor and this supports contractors in their work. The spiral blade geometry with an agitator is optimised for both dry and wet concrete mixes, making the HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer even more versatile.

Adding to this are the dual control modes: cabin control and external pole control, which enable operators to manage drum rotation easily during driving and discharge works on site. Typically, mixer trucks are operated by a single driver. S/he will have to be able to manage the discharge system with ease and in a safe manner. Thus, the HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer uses a single-acting hydraulic cylinder, allowing the operator to lift the chute with ease and lower it with a single release.

Additional hydraulic oil heat alarms alert the driver if the oil temperature rises, giving them time to cool the system and prevent damage.

Keeping them Going Although sturdily designed, with lots of operating hours in mind, eventually, the drums and rotating mechanisms will need to be serviced for peak performance. Khoo emphasised that the company operates a service network to support customers. He said “Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment operates fully equipped service centres in Shah Alam, Johor Bahru, and Ipoh. These centres are capable of handling drum hydraulic system repairs, as well as the replacement of drum rollers, chutes, and hoppers. They also provide full maintenance and repair services for the entire truck.”

Sino Mobile and Heavy Equipment operates fully equipped service centres in Shah Alam, Johor Bahru, and Ipoh**
service and maintenance, as mandated by SMHE, help ensure high uptime, some unforeseen downtime can still occur. Standing ready is SMHE’s mobile service teams, which are available to provide on-site support minimising downtime and ensuring a quick turnaround for our customers.

Lasting Value, Lasting Joy With regards to the tough working conditions that construction sites and the Malaysian climate pose, Khoo stressed that the key to lasting profitability is ensuring that the service plan is being followed. He recommends to maintain optimal uptime and preserve long-term value by following these steps:

• Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance, especially for the hydraulic system, cooling system, and drum components
• Perform regular checks on PTO performance, bearing condition, and blade wear
• Use only genuine parts to ensure durability and system compatibility
• Provide operator training on manual controls and key warning signs, such as unusual drum noises or temperature fluctuations.

Backed by SMHE’s robust aftersales support, strong parts availability, and technical expertise, the HOWO TX 8x4 Mixer offers a reliable, practical solution tailored for Malaysian contractors and ready-mix operators.

“Ultimately, maintaining uptime is a matter of discipline – both in fleet management practices and in day-to-day operating habits,” he pointed out.

With this in mind, Khoo is confident that this particular model will be an invaluable asset for SMHE’s customers. “The HOWO Mixer is more than just a truck: it is a valuable asset to productivity. It helps reduce pour delays, shortens turnaround times, and lowers total lifecycle costs,” he summarised.