HOWO 8x4 Concrete Mixer Truck — 10–12 m³ Drum, 340 HP, LHD & RHD

Why 8×4 and Not 6×4 for a Large Drum?

Most concrete mixer trucks in the 6–8 m³ range run on a howo 6x4 mixer truck platform. It works well at those volumes. But once the drum grows to 10 or 12 cubic metres, the loaded weight climbs to 25–28 tonnes or more, and a three-axle chassis starts to push against legal axle-load limits in most African and Middle Eastern countries.

The 8×4 chassis adds a fourth axle and two additional rear wheels, distributing that weight more evenly. Practical outcomes:

• Higher legal payload per trip — you carry a full drum without a fine.
• Less road impact — spread load reduces stress on weak road bases, relevant on rural project sites.
• Better drum stability — the longer wheelbase keeps the loaded drum steadier over rough ground.
• Frame durability — HOWO's high-tensile ladder frame handles the additional torsional load of a heavy drum over time.

For contractors running large infrastructure pours — bridges, commercial slabs, housing schemes — the 8×4 platform is simply the right tool.

WP8.340 Engine — What the 340 HP Rating Means in Practice

The Weichai WP8.340E51 is a turbocharged inline-six displacing roughly 8 litres. The 340 HP output is its continuous rated power — not a peak figure. This matters on a mixer because the engine is doing two jobs simultaneously: moving the truck and powering the hydraulic pump that rotates the drum.

Key characteristics relevant to African and Middle Eastern operators:

• Torque curve — peak torque arrives at mid-range RPM, which suits loaded city driving and site-entry gradients better than a high-revving motor.
• Parts availability — Weichai WP8 parts (injectors, turbochargers, water pumps, head gaskets) circulate through spare-parts networks in Nairobi, Lagos, Durban, Dubai and Baghdad. This is a meaningful advantage over less common powertrains.
• Emission rating — the E51 suffix indicates a Euro III to Euro IV-equivalent calibration. Most African and Middle Eastern import markets accept this standard with no special waiver.
• Fuel tank — 300 litres gives a realistic range between fills even under heavy hydraulic load, reducing downtime on remote sites.

One thing to be clear about: the WP8.340 is rated at 340 HP. The 371 HP figure that appears elsewhere refers to the WD615 engine used in the 6×4 platform — a different engine family entirely. Do not let a seller quote 371 HP for an 8×4 WP8 unit.

Hydraulic Drum Drive — How It Works and What to Check

On the HOWO 8×4 mixer, the drum is driven by a hydraulic motor connected to the engine via a power take-off (PTO). The PTO engages a hydraulic pump, which pressurises fluid to spin the drum at the set RPM. This is a simpler, more robust arrangement than mechanical drum drives, and it allows the operator to control drum speed from the cab or from the rear control panel.

When inspecting a used unit, focus on the hydraulic circuit:

• Hydraulic oil condition — milky or dark oil indicates contamination or overheating history.
• Pump flow rate — check whether the drum reaches full speed under load without hunting or stuttering.
• Hose condition — look for cracking, chafing or weeping at the fittings. Replacement hoses are inexpensive; undetected slow leaks are not.
• Drum seals — check the front and rear drum seals for cement paste ingress, which accelerates bearing wear.
• PTO engagement — engage and disengage several times. It should be positive and quiet, with no slipping under load.
• Drum blades (mixing fins) — worn or cracked blades reduce mixing efficiency and increase discharge time. Replaceable, but factor the cost in.

A hydraulic system in good condition makes this truck a long-term asset. A neglected one is expensive to restore. Ask to see the unit running with a water load before you commit.

Inspecting and Refurbishing a Used HOWO 8×4 Mixer

At Sigma Truck, every unit goes through a documented inspection before it is offered for sale. For the 8×4 mixer specifically, our process covers:

• Chassis and frame — crack check on the ladder frame rails, especially at the rear suspension brackets where drum weight concentrates.
• Engine and gearbox — cold-start, operating temperature, oil pressure, coolant condition, gear selection through all ratios.
• Drum shell — visual check for wall thinning from abrasion. Drum lifespan varies enormously with how well it was washed between pours.
• Axles and brakes — all four axles checked for bearing condition, brake lining thickness, and ABS sensor function where fitted.
• Water system — the on-board water tank and pump (used for cleaning and slump adjustment) checked for leaks and pump output.
• Cab and electrics — drum controls, reverse camera (where fitted), instrument cluster, lights.

Refurbishment scope depends on the unit's condition and the buyer's budget. Common work includes drum wash and recoat, hydraulic fluid and filter change, brake reline, tyre replacement, and cab repaint. We can convert the steering and controls from LHD to RHD in-house, which matters for buyers in markets like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa.

Why HOWO Mixers Suit African Infrastructure Projects

Concrete demand in sub-Saharan Africa is structural, not cyclical. Road programmes, housing schemes, port expansions and industrial facilities all require ready-mix supply, often at sites far from established concrete plants. The howo truck platform has built a genuine supply chain across the continent over the past fifteen years — meaning parts, service knowledge and second-hand components are findable in most major cities.

Specific advantages for African buyers:

• Purchase price — a refurbished HOWO 8×4 mixer costs a fraction of a new European or Japanese equivalent, freeing capital for site operations.
• Ruggedness — the HOWO cab structures, high ground clearance and robust suspension were engineered for developing-market road conditions, not European motorways.
• Parts cost — WP8 consumables and wear items are significantly cheaper than equivalent European components. This matters when a truck needs to earn money, not wait for an imported part.
• LHD and RHD — West and Central African markets (Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire) use LHD. East and Southern African markets (Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia) use RHD. We handle both.
• CIF shipping — we handle freight, insurance and documentation to your port. Buyers in Mombasa, Durban, Lagos, Dar es Salaam and Aqaba have used this route. You clear customs; we handle everything before that.

For buyers looking at trucks for sale in South Africa or neighbouring landlocked markets, we can also advise on overland delivery routing from Durban port.

Buyer Checklist Before You Order

If you are considering a used HOWO 8×4 concrete mixer, work through this before committing:

• Drum size — confirm whether your projects need 10 m³ or 12 m³. The chassis is the same; drum fitment varies.
• Drive side — LHD or RHD for your country. Do not assume; confirm the import regulation.
• Emission limit — most African and Middle Eastern markets accept Euro III. Some are tightening. Check before you buy.
• Port of destination — CIF price varies by port. Specify Mombasa, Durban, Lagos, Dar es Salaam, Aqaba, Jebel Ali or whichever applies.
• Spare parts access — ask which local agents stock WP8 parts in your country. In most cases the answer is positive, but verify.
• Inspection report — request the full inspection checklist including drum, hydraulic system and axle findings. Reputable exporters provide this as standard.

Browse our full range of mixer trucks or contact us directly with your project volume and destination — we will match you to the right unit.