HOWO 371 Tractor Truck: Complete Specs, Price Guide & Export to Africa
A Truck I Know Well
Over the years, I’ve shipped a lot of HOWO 371 tractor trucks to Africa. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia — you name it. I’ve seen them haul containers in Lagos, pull fuel tanks in Nairobi, and run agricultural loads in Lusaka.
The HOWO 371 tractor truck is probably the most common Chinese tractor head you’ll find on African roads today. There’s a reason for that. It’s not the most advanced truck out there, but it does one thing consistently well: it works, and when it breaks, your mechanic can fix it.
If you’re thinking about buying a used HOWO 371, here’s what you actually need to know. Not the brochure specs. What matters when you’re running it on African roads.
What Is the HOWO 371 Tractor Truck?
The “371” in the name refers to the horsepower — 371 HP. It’s a 6×4 tractor head (meaning three axles, one front steering axle, and two rear drive axles) built by Sinotruk, China’s largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer.
It’s designed for pulling semi-trailers — container trailers, flatbeds, fuel tankers, and low-bed trailers for heavy equipment. Most of the HOWO 371s I sell end up doing container haulage at ports or long-distance freight between countries.
HOWO 371 Tractor Truck Specs (Full Breakdown)
Here are the specs I check before I buy any HOWO 371 for a customer. These are factory standard specs — some trucks may have variations depending on the year and configuration.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | HOWO 371 6×4 Tractor Truck (ZZ4257) |
| Engine | Weichai WD615.47 / Sinotruk WD615.69 |
| Horsepower | 371 HP @ 2200 RPM |
| Torque | 1,500 Nm @ 1100–1600 RPM |
| Displacement | 9.726L |
| Transmission | HW19710 (10-speed manual) or HW19712 (12-speed) |
| Steering Axle | 7.5T (7.5 tons capacity) |
| Drive Axle | 2 × 13T (26 tons total, hub reduction) |
| Tires | 12.00R20 (tubeless radial, 12 pcs including spare) |
| Fuel Tank | 400L aluminum |
| Fifth Wheel | 2 inches (standard JOST or Fuwa) |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 8.8 tons |
| GCWR | 40–50 tons (depending on chassis spec) |
| Cabin | HW76 standard cab, steel construction, hydraulic tilt |
| Steering | ZF power steering, hydraulic assist |
| Brakes | Drum brakes, dual-circuit air system, ABS optional on later models |
How Much Does a Used HOWO 371 Tractor Truck Cost?
Price depends on year, mileage, and overall condition. Here’s what I’m seeing in the market right now (mid-2026):
| Year | Mileage | Condition | FOB Price (China Port) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2017 | 300,000–500,000 km | Fair to Good | $8,000–$11,000 |
| 2018–2019 | 200,000–400,000 km | Good | $10,000–$14,000 |
| 2020–2021 | 100,000–300,000 km | Good to Very Good | $13,000–$17,000 |
| 2022–2023 | Under 150,000 km | Very Good to Excellent | $16,000–$22,000 |
Add roughly $3,500–$6,000 for freight and insurance to Lagos, Tema, Mombasa, or Dar es Salaam. So a 2020 HOWO 371 in good condition will cost you around $17,000–$22,000 CIF landed. For a full breakdown of shipping costs and customs, check our used truck import guide for Tanzania or our Ghana import guide.
One thing I’ve learned: a truck that’s $2,000 cheaper on paper but hasn’t been properly inspected will cost you $5,000 in repairs later. I always tell my buyers: pay for a good inspection now, not a bad surprise later.
The Engine: Weichai WD615 — Why It Matters
The Weichai WD615 is a Chinese-designed inline 6-cylinder diesel engine, licensed from the Austrian Steyr technology. It’s been in production for over 20 years, and it’s the engine that made HOWO trucks popular in Africa.
What I’ve observed: These engines are mechanically simple—no complex electronics, no DPF, no SCR on older models. If something breaks, a decent diesel mechanic can fix it with basic tools. Parts are stocked in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, and Dar es Salaam. That alone makes it a better choice for many African buyers than modern European trucks, which require computer modules and specialized tooling.
Common issues to watch for on a used HOWO 371:
- Oil leaks around the valve cover gasket — common on higher-mileage units, cheap to fix if caught early
- Turbocharger whistling — if you hear a high-pitched whistle during acceleration, the turbo bearings may be wearing out
- Hard cold starts — usually glow plugs or injectors, not a dealbreaker but worth noting
- White smoke at startup — a bit is normal in cold weather, a lot means injector problems
Is the HOWO 371 Reliable for African Conditions?
Short answer: yes, if you buy a well-maintained unit.
The HOWO 371 is not a premium truck. It’s a work truck. It doesn’t have air suspension, an automated manual transmission, or a luxury cabin. What it has is a sturdy frame, a proven engine, and a parts supply chain that spans across Africa.
I’ve had customers run these trucks for 3–4 years with nothing more than regular oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire changes. The key is starting with a truck that hasn’t been abused. If you’re new to HOWO trucks, our HOWO used trucks buyer’s guide covers the brand in more depth.
Real example: A customer in Tanzania bought a 2019 HOWO 371 from us in early 2023. He runs it between Dar es Salaam port and Arusha — roughly 700 km each way, twice a week. Two and a half years later, the truck is still running. He’s replaced the clutch once and the brake drums twice. That’s it.
What to Check Before Buying a Used HOWO 371 Tractor Truck
If you’re buying remotely (which most of my customers do), here’s what I recommend asking your supplier to check and send videos of:
- Cold start test — Ask for a video of the truck starting from cold. Blue smoke = oil burning. White smoke that doesn’t clear = coolant or injector issue.
- Engine idle sound — Should be a steady low rumble, no knocking or ticking.
- Transmission gear engagement — All gears should engage without grinding. Pay attention to the 1st, reverse, and the splitter if it’s a 12-speed.
- Clutch feel — Should engage smoothly, not too high or too low.
- Fifth wheel condition — Check the plate surface for wear, and make sure the locking mechanism works properly.
- Frame rails — Look for cracks, welding repairs, or bent sections. This is especially important if the truck was used for heavy haulage.
- Tire condition and matching — Mismatched tires on drive axles cause differential wear. Look for even tread across the same axle.
- Cabin condition — Check the floor for rust (a cabin that leaked water will have rust around the edges), seat condition, and whether all gauges work.
- Maintenance records — A truck with service records is worth $1,000–$2,000 more than one without.
For more inspection tips, read our article on 5 costly mistakes African buyers make when importing used trucks — many of these mistakes start with skipping the inspection.
Common HOWO 371 Problems and Fixes
No truck is perfect. Here are the problems I’ve seen most often on HOWO 371s, and what they cost to fix:
| Problem | Typical Cause | Fix Cost (USD, parts only) |
|---|---|---|
| Oil leak from the valve cover | Worn gasket | $15–$30 |
| Hard shifting | The transmission oil is low, or the clutch adjustment is | $50–$200 |
| Engine overheating | Radiator clogged or fan clutch | $100–$400 |
| Air leak in brake system | Dried-out O-rings in brake chambers | $30–$80 per chamber |
| Turbo lag / power loss | Boost pipe leak or turbo wear | $50–$600 |
| Electrical issues (lights, gauges) | Corroded connectors or ground wires | $20–$150 |
Need parts? Our Chinese truck spare parts guide covers where to find HOWO, Shacman, and FAW parts in Africa.
HOWO 371 vs Other Chinese Tractor Trucks
Here’s how the HOWO 371 stacks up against its main competitors — Shacman F3000 and FAW J6. I’ve sold all three, so this is based on real customer feedback, not brochure specs.
| Factor | HOWO 371 | Shacman F3000 | FAW J6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Weichai WD615 | Weichai WP12 | FAW 6DK (own brand) |
| Parts in Africa | Excellent — everywhere | Good — major cities | Moderate — less common |
| Fuel Economy | Good (2.8–3.2 km/L loaded) | Good (2.6–3.0 km/L loaded) | Very Good (3.0–3.5 km/L loaded) |
| Resale Value | High | Medium-High | Medium |
| Best For | General container haulage | Heavy loads, rough roads | Fuel-sensitive routes |
My take: If you’re buying your first Chinese tractor truck and you want the safest bet, get a HOWO 371. Parts availability alone makes it the low-risk choice. If you’re hauling consistently heavy loads (40+ tons) on bad roads, Shacman F3000 is worth the extra money. If fuel cost is your biggest concern and you have FAW parts access, the J6 is a solid option. Read our HOWO vs Shacman comparison for a deeper dive.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a HOWO 371 from China
If this is your first time importing a tractor truck from China, here’s the process I follow with every customer:
- Tell me what you need — budget, target country, what you’ll haul, preferred year range
- I find options — I pull 3–5 trucks from our inventory or source from trusted auctions
- Video inspection — I send you walkaround videos of each option with engine start, cabin, chassis, and documentation
- You choose — pick the truck, negotiate price, and agree on any repairs or prep work
- Payment — deposit (usually 30%), balance before shipping
- Documentation — Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Export Customs Declaration
- Shipping — RoRo or container to your nearest port. Transit time: 25–45 days, depending on route
- Arrival — Customs clearance at your end. I provide documents, but you handle local clearance and duties.
The whole process takes 2–4 weeks from deposit to sailing, depending on how much prep work the truck needs. Our complete import guide has more details on each step.
Should You Buy a HOWO 371 Tractor Truck?
If you need a reliable tractor truck for container haulage or freight, and you’re working with a budget of $15,000–$25,000 CIF to most African ports — yes, the HOWO 371 is probably your best option.
It’s not flashy. It’s not comfortable. But it’s proven on African roads, parts are available, and if you buy a well-maintained unit, it will pay for itself within a year.
If you want to see a specific HOWO 371 we have in stock right now, or if you have questions about importing one to your country, send me a message on WhatsApp. I’ll send you real photos and a walkaround video.
Contact:
WhatsApp: +86 15717687720
Email: [email protected]
Website: hebeicar.com
