Coverage of wide bodied trucks launched

Wide bodied trucks (WBTs) have emerged as by far the most popular type of off-road hauler in the Chinese mining, quarrying and construction sectors. Sales came to almost 18,000 units in 2023, compared to 260 traditional rigid dump trucks and a mere three articulated haulers.

Produced exclusively in China by indigenous OEMs, WBTs are manufactured primarily with locally available diesel engines or batteries, transmissions, and axles, featuring a large hopper on a relatively low chassis. They have a much lower purchase price than traditional off-road dump trucks, with better rough terrain capabilities than standard on-road trucks.

The increased width of the vehicle body has significantly improved its load capacity, but the prominent feature of the "wide body" exceeds the national standard limit of 2.5 metres. As a result, WBTs are not allowed to travel on the highway, but are instead limited for use in open cast mines or on private land.

The payload capacity of WBTs usually ranges from 20 tonnes to 130 tonnes. Demand for smaller models with payloads under 60 was evident around 20 years ago, while the most popular models in their first decade of use had a gross weight of 70 tonnes. Off-Highway Research’s study on the Chinese WBT industry focusses exclusively on machines offering a 60 tonne or greater payload capacity.

In addition to being popular in China, WBTs are now becoming accepted in many other emerging markets thanks to an exports push by the industry’s leading manufacturers. Exports of WBTs form China totalled some 7,000 units last year.

Off-Highway Research’s 60-page report on the wide bodied truck industry in China is now available to subscribers to our China Expert package. Contents of this unique study include analysis of market size, market shares, production, foreign trade, market structure, distribution networks, equipment population, machines available and a five-year forecast.

Non-subscribers can buy the report here or contact mail@offhighwayresearch.com for information about our subscription packages.