Test drive of the DongFeng KX long-haul tractor: “one day” comes tomorrow

Chinese dump trucks Dong Feng

The equipment of this brand is an autonomous vehicle, which is certified to all the requirements of the standards of European countries and the Russian Federation. It is used primarily for transporting bulk material. Dump trucks are characterized by the following features: the equipment is designed for operation in difficult conditions, meets all environmental standards, thanks to the use of the latest equipment and technologies, while even the basic configuration of dump trucks is distinguished by a wide range of functions and capabilities. Among the advantages of Dong feng dump trucks are:

• In the production of dump trucks, components and parts of well-known world brands are used, and technological developments from world leaders in the automotive industry are also used.
• Every dump truck produced by Dong feng undergoes the most rigorous and demanding inspection. Such claims make it possible to exclude cars with minor defects from going on sale.
• Low price and high quality distinguish Dong feng dump trucks from similar trucks.
• A reinforced frame and powerful wheels significantly increase wear resistance. This quality is advantageously combined with the maneuverability of the dump truck. These advantages are due to the 6x6 wheel arrangement and high ground clearance.

No shortcomings were found in the Dongfeng model range, even after years of operation in harsh conditions.

Reviews about Dong Feng

As always, reviews of Chinese Dong Feng trucks are quite contradictory. Some owners are almost completely satisfied, others are completely dissatisfied. Therefore, we have chosen one positive and one negative review about the most common Dong Feng trucks, and let each reader judge their objectivity independently.

DongFeng EQ 1030: reviews

Peter:

The materials and build quality could be better, the fabric lining of the cabin quickly deteriorates, and the dermantine seal breaks in the cold. The front cab mounts broke twice; springs had to be installed to reduce the rigidity of the connection. Insufficient windshield airflow causes problems with frosting or fogging, and the window regulator also had to be modified. Chinese cars are beautiful only at first glance.

Anatoly:

I bought Dong Feng to replace the Chinese FAV. The new car has a better design, the interior is quieter and warmer. The body is of course narrow, I had to expand and tent it myself. In seven months it has already fully paid for itself, what can I add?

DongFeng EQ 1063 truck: reviews

The owner did not introduce himself:

The car completely sucks, not even 60 thousand km. The engine knocked, although the semi-synthetic oil was always changed on time. Over the next 20 thousand, almost all the parts that could be changed were changed, but now the car is still standing, the cylinder head gaskets are breaking through. I think that the car is absolutely not suitable for work.

Sergey:

I am the owner of two EQ 1063, one is one and a half years old, the second is almost two. The fuel consumption on the highway is 16 liters, with a full load they pull normally, although a more powerful engine could have been installed. Empty cars are very hard, loaded cars are the norm. I picked up filters and almost all consumables from European or Japanese trucks, overall I’m happy with the car.

Dong Feng DFL 3251A dump truck: owner reviews

The owner did not introduce himself:

I worked the season in the North on a Dong Feng 6x4 dump truck. Among the shortcomings is a crunching sound when changing gears. In cold weather, the engine was started using a heater; after warming up, the engine ran stably. I liked the car, much better than Kamaz, I think Chinese dump trucks are worth the money.

Ivan:

For 100 thousand mileage, the cost of another identical dump truck was spent on repairs. The largest breakdowns are a broken driveshaft, clutch replacement, broken engine mounts, and replacement of wheel bearings. But there were also many small ones: pipes, gaskets, light bulbs, etc. were flying. The optimal thing is to take a new dump truck, operate it up to 50-80 thousand, depending on your luck, and sell it before it starts to crumble.

Design features

Dump trucks of the Chinese brand are equipped with Austrian-made axles. They have two gears and welded beams. Axle differentials are equipped with an automatic locking mechanism, the control of which is located on the control panel.

Dong feng equipment is equipped with American Cummins engines. Motors are produced in various power ranges - from 50 to 3.5 thousand horsepower, but dump trucks use elements from 310 to 375 horsepower. These engines have a high level of reliability, they can withstand dramatic temperature changes and are equipped with a fuel injection system. Motors of this brand consume a minimal amount of fuel and technical fluids.

The dump trucks are equipped with a comfortable cabin, which is designed to provide decent working conditions for the driver. All controls and instruments are located directly in front of the driver. This arrangement allows for continuous monitoring of the operating parameters of the dump truck. The driver's seat has an anatomical shape and is height adjustable. The cabin has unique insulation, as well as climate control equipment.

Dong feng machines have a certificate of environmental compliance of Euro-2 and Euro-4, with fairly low fuel consumption. The minimum configuration features an anti-lock braking system, hydraulic power steering, and an adjustable steering rack.

The lineup

DFL 3251A

The dump truck has a 6x4 wheel arrangement. It is widely used in the construction industry, road construction, and mining industries. This technique is the most popular due to its high engine power - 375 horsepower.

Technical characteristics of the DFL 3251A (375) dump truck:

Video review of the Dong Feng DFL 3251A dump truck:

DFL 3251 AXA

This dump truck is used in heavy industry, including mining. It has a 6x6 wheel formula. The new type of suspension significantly increases the service life, since the machine is designed for use in off-road conditions. The engine power is 340 horsepower.

Technical characteristics of the DFL 3251 AXA dump truck:

Dongfeng tractors

Truck tractors have a number of advantages over conventional trucks. The DFL 4251A truck is designed for operation in stressful conditions as part of a road train weighing up to 50 tons. Can be used for international transport with towing flatbeds, tankers or trailers, as well as for transporting cars.

Dongfeng tractors are created using the experience of European colleagues, and therefore are distinguished by a modern appearance, maneuverability and reliability. Working on this type of transport will be a pleasure for the driver, because, despite its large dimensions, the tractor is light and easy to operate, instantly responds to the driver’s commands and is unpretentious in maintenance.

The company's tractors are created in compliance with safety requirements, and this is evidenced by a durable metal cabin, characterized by increased resistance to impacts. In addition, it has a well-organized ventilation system that prevents air from stagnating. An adjustable seat back and good sound insulation will provide the driver with a comfortable ride, while a smooth ride and easy handling will help avoid fatigue during the trip. Such a truck will faithfully serve for more than a year, because its frame is made of alloy steel , which is characterized by increased strength.

Dongfeng dump trucks: technical characteristics and model range

The line of dump trucks of the Chinese concern Dongfeng currently includes two models. Special configurations adapted for domestic conditions are supplied to the Russian market. Dongfeng dump trucks for Russia are distinguished by:

• Possibility of use in extreme conditions. The equipment is equipped with reinforced suspension, impressive anti-corrosion protection, a powerful cabin heater and a heater for starting the engine in the cold season;
• compliance with the highest environmental standards for Euro-3 and Euro-4 trucks;
• maximum basic equipment, including ABS, fog lights, adjustable seats and steering column, glow plugs.

So, the manufacturer supplies the following models of dump trucks:

• Dongfeng DFL 3251 AxA;
• Dongfeng 3251AW1.

DONGFENG DFL 3251 AxA: technical specifications

All-terrain model with a 6x6 wheel arrangement. The American engine and European equipment provide the vehicle with maneuverability even in cramped conditions. The dump truck body is designed for transportation of small bulk, lump and other bulk cargo. The equipment can be used in construction and agriculture.

The base power unit is a Cummins L375, which complies with the Euro-3 standard. The engine produces 340 hp/275 kW net power. The maximum torque reaches 1500 Nm. Maximum power is achieved at 2200 rpm. The six-cylinder diesel engine has a volume of 8.9 liters.

A water cooling system, turbocharging, exhaust brake and direct fuel injection system are supplied as standard. The base model is also equipped with a winter heater. In addition to the engine, a Shaanxi gearbox with nine forward and one reverse gears is installed. The gearbox is synchronized.

Dimensions and performance indicators

• length - 8150 mm;
• width - 2500 mm;
• height - 3550 mm;
• body dimensions - 5000x2300x1100 mm;
• bottom thickness - 8 mm;
• wheelbase - 3800+1350 mm;
• turning radius - 9 m;
• maximum transport speed - 80 km/h;
• total weight - 33,000 kg;
• curb weight - 14,650 kg.

Test drive of the DongFeng KX long-haul tractor: “one day” comes tomorrow

Having covered 7,000 km in 8 hours, I landed in the small town of Wuhan (the capital of Hubei province) in southeast China at five in the morning Moscow time. This city is not found on every map - just think, 10 million people... What can we say about Shiyan with a measly 600 thousand population, built around DongFeng factories. A sort of Chinese Novokhopersk.

China in general is one big construction site from horizon to horizon. However, you can be sure that there is also construction behind it. They are building at such an accelerated pace that no one else could even dream of it: probably something similar happened in the USSR during the first five-year plans. They build everything at once: roads, bridges, cities and factories. The feeling is strange precisely because you are always at a construction site, no matter where you go.

Countless candlelit skyscrapers of residential areas, standard bridges and endless straight roads with excellent surfaces, on which... there are a lot of accidents. Apparently, simply because the driver is unbearably sleepy from the monotony. In general, everyone drives here disgustingly, especially in the cities ! This is understandable, the country has just switched from bicycles to cars. Think about it: your humble servant already had a license in 1991, but there was no mass auto industry in China yet. Therefore, most Chinese have minimal driving experience, and there is no “car culture” as such.

It's really scary on the road in cities. Imagine a crowd of unorganized cyclists who ride wherever they want and how they want, and pedestrians also cross the roadway in the most unexpected places. Introduced? Now imagine the same thing, but on cars. And everyone is constantly honking, pedestrians are leisurely walking, and the flashes of speed cameras illuminate this whole road hell...

When envy gnaws

And in the morning we went to the plant... And here a lot became clear. The first thing you encounter at the distant approaches to the assembly plant is huge concrete areas filled with trucks - according to rough estimates, there are about 7,000 (!) newly produced vehicles. To make the degree of shock clear, just in case, let me remind you that the domestic auto giant KAMAZ promises to produce 27-29 thousand trucks this year. Total.

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Photo: Maxim Sergeev

So why are there so many DongFeng trucks here? And this is just a platform for finished products. It turns out that the plant in modest Shiyan alone produces 107,000 trucks weighing more than 8 tons per year! Just think about these numbers... Almost four times more than KAMAZ.

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The assembly plant itself has recently been completely refurbished. The cleanliness in the workshops is such that many European factories have never dreamed of, every 20-30 meters there are rest areas with living plants, a pond with ducks in the yard... Workers on the assembly line in light gray, clean uniforms.

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By the way, how does an ordinary worker live in China? He probably works for pennies, like an ant - without bending over, without weekends and holidays, 16 hours a day? But no! I declare quite responsibly that working conditions at DongFeng factories are much better than at most enterprises in Japan.

Yes, the working day is longer than in Russia (we have, as you know, 8 hours), but shorter than the Japanese (11-11.5 hours with one day off). The first shift at the Shiyan plant starts at 8:30 and ends at 18:30, the second - from 18:00 to 3:00-3:30. Those. working day 9.5-10 hours, two days off a week and 20 days paid vacation. The average salary of a worker on an assembly line is 3,000 yuan (about 30 thousand rubles) “net”, after all deductions.

Today, DongFeng Trucks is the largest truck manufacturer in China and occupies 14% of the local market. In total, the Chinese domestic market consumes 740 thousand trucks annually! Can you imagine the scale? A joint venture between DongFeng and Volvo Trucks was announced in 2012, and the merger was completed last year. Now the shares in the joint venture are distributed in the ratio of 55% among the Chinese and 45% among the Swedes. The dowry in the deal was Volvo's technology and marketing and DongFeng's production capabilities.

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The main task that DongFeng faces today is to improve quality and reach the European level in everything, from safety and engineering requirements to the sales and service system. And in the future, as Huang Gan, president of DongFeng Trucks, says: “Entering the world market, gaining a foothold in it and conquering it, as it was here in China.”

From the factory we go to the test site - there are all types of surfaces and roads in very good condition, in size it is quite comparable to the Dmitrovsky test site, but I’m afraid that there has never been such intense traffic in Dmitrov. More than a hundred vehicles are tested at the test site at the same time, from small cars to wheeled tanks.

Unfortunately, filming at the training ground is prohibited, but take my word for it - when at the same time a flow of cars, comparable to a busy highway in Russia, is moving along the high-speed profiled ring, designed for speeds of up to 300 km/h, at maximum speed, it is impressive. This is a spectacle that Formula 1 will envy - overtaking there is rare, but here it is constant, with all classes of cars on the track: high-speed coupes, executive limousines, SUVs, buses and long-haul trucks. In one of them - me, on DongFeng KX. You haven't forgotten that this is a test drive, have you?

Weapons of Conquest

The first thing that catches your eye is the 6x4 wheel arrangement - if you don’t take KAMAZ into account, then three-axle tractors are rare in Europe; they occupy a very narrow segment - no more than 3-5% of the entire long-haul transport fleet. Another thing is America, where everything is just the opposite. But European highway vehicles are biaxial with a 4x2 wheel arrangement.

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We carefully inspect and tap the outside of the car. Quite acceptable design, LED optics, painting and assembly quality at a very high level.

We raise the cabin, under it is a 13-liter Cummins diesel engine producing 450-520 hp. Yes, it is produced by a joint venture in China. Does this bother you? Where was the computer on which you are reading this material made? Behind the engine is an automated 14-speed ZF AS Tronic transmission inherited from Volvo Trucks. Next comes the Volvo retarder and its own bridges. The front suspension is leaf spring, the rear suspension is pneumatic.

We lower the cabin and climb inside. We feel, tap, sniff - and again there is nothing to complain about, normal (albeit harsh) plastic, normally fitted parts, self-tapping screws in place - nothing creaks or falls off. The steering wheel is adjustable in two planes, the seat has seven adjustments, air suspension and a built-in seat belt. There is enough stock of adjustments for everyone, and this is good news. In my life, about 10 years ago, there was already a case when I was forced to refuse a test drive of a Chinese delivery van for the most banal reason - I simply did not fit in it.

The internal height of the cabin allows you to move around it at full height; there are three spacious drawers above the windshield. Behind the back of the driver's seat there are two sleeping places with normal mattresses. Quite European level. We sit down and start the engine, we move off...

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The engine confidently accelerates a fully loaded road train to the maximum permitted highway speed of 100 km/h in China. Inside the cabin there is no noise, no shaking, and again nothing creaks or falls off. Very decent quality, and if we take Volvo tractors as a guide, the DongFeng KX is practically not inferior to them in all disciplines. Unless this plastic is finishing...

So, what is next?

Real cars will start arriving next year. Naturally, there is little demand for three-axle models in Russia, but... Simultaneously with the three-axle model, there was also a two-axle version at the test site (though for some reason with a manual gearbox), they didn’t let us drive it, but its very presence indicates that this is the kind of car there is and is now being completed at the test site.

It is clear that it is too early to talk about prices, but when asked about positioning, DongFeng Trucks Vice President Jean-Noel Teno said the following: “We are going to conquer the market not with low prices, but with high quality. As for other Chinese manufacturers, we do not consider them competitors; they are far from our level.” Like this. Does this remind you of anything? Yes, yes, it was precisely with such statements that the Koreans began when promoting their passenger car line to the Russian market.

And something tells me that in the phrase: “One day we will all drive Chinese cars,” something needs to be changed. The long-awaited “one day” is already coming.

DFL 3251A – large 19 ton truck

A good car with a large reserve of power and 19,000 kilograms of carrying capacity will be an excellent assistant in business. Commercial vehicles may well compete with more expensive representatives of the class, but it is quite difficult to determine its most important advantages. Based on reviews of the Dongfeng DFL 3251A, this particular Dong Feng dump truck is one of the most popular and in demand. The technical characteristics of the machine are as follows:

• the 6*4 wheel formula allows for maximum flexibility in driving on difficult roads;

• Cummins engine – a large 8.9-liter diesel power unit, producing from 310 to 375 horsepower;

• huge torque makes the unit very flexible and easy to use;

• The 9-speed gearbox will allow you to find the desired engine operating mode and provide economical travel;

• The presence of a special mining brake allows the use of the 19-ton Dong Feng dump truck in quarries.

Chinese technology is only partially represented in the design of the Dong Feng DFL 3251A. The technical characteristics of the car are pleasing, and the ride comfort also leaves a positive impression. With such transport you can safely equip the driver for a long trip and not worry about the level of his working conditions. The dump truck also has disadvantages, but they need to be discussed only taking into account the specifics of the transport operation.

Truck Features

It is worth noting that each Dongfeng truck is a perfect design, combining power, reliability and practicality. The company has mastered the segment of medium-duty and light-duty trucks, offering products of exceptionally excellent quality, reliable and practical in all respects.

Model 1062

The data and technical characteristics of vehicles in this class are clearly presented in the table:

It is worth noting that this is not a complete list of cargo vehicles that are produced at the company’s production facilities. For example, we can also highlight modification 1074, the load capacity of which is about 6.0 tons, and the size of the loading platform itself is already 6.20 x 2.20 meters.

Model 1074

The truck received a fairly powerful engine developed by American engineers, the volume of which is 3.9 liters, and the power is within 140 horsepower. Among all medium-duty trucks, this one is distinguished by the presence of a manual transmission and about six steps.

DFL 3251 AXA - another mining dump truck from a Chinese company

Mining vehicles require good cross-country ability. If you need a large dump truck for a quarry or other mining business, it is better to give preference to the 18-ton Dongfeng DFL 3251 AXA. It differs from its brother in the model range presented earlier in several important technical characteristics:

• this dump truck from Dong Feng has a drive on all axles (formula 6*6);

• the curb weight and carrying capacity of the vehicle is 1 ton less, which makes maneuvers easier;

• ground clearance of 300 millimeters allows you to easily overcome the difficulties of rocky roads;

• Chinese equipment is equipped with the same Cummins engine, but the minimum power is 340 horsepower;

• The suspension is organized according to a different principle, which increases the service life of expensive components.

DFL 3310A9 – 30 ton flat truck

Despite the fact that Chinese manufacturers position this vehicle as a mining dump truck, it is not always appropriate to use the vehicle in this embodiment. If the exits from the quarry are quite difficult, the 8*4 wheel arrangement often cannot cope without outside help when lifting the rock to the surface. But Dong Feng DFL 3310A9 has other advantages:

• 30-ton payload capacity, which is only available in some dump truck manufacturers;

• The 375-horsepower Cummins engine is not very strong for its weight, but it pulls well on a flat road;

• Fuel consumption is quite low, the tank is installed with a volume of 400 liters;

• the car has a 12-speed gearbox, which makes engine operation flexible;

• leaf spring suspension is the optimal solution in this case.

Operating a Chinese dump truck in a quarry can be difficult. But transporting 30 tons of rock or material is a completely feasible task for a machine. Dong Feng talks about the maximum fuel economy of his car, but one can argue with this parameter. Competitors have more economical and also more powerful powertrain solutions.

Dongfeng concrete mixer trucks

concrete mixers are successfully used - construction vehicles designed for preparing concrete mixtures. The company installs Cummins Euro 3 power units on vehicles of this type. The Dongfeng DFZ 5251 GJBA1 has a pneumatic, dual-circuit braking system with separate pneumatic drive, ABS, as well as mountain and parking brakes.

The maximum incline level that this truck can overcome is 35%, and the minimum turning radius is 9 meters. Average fuel consumption is about 35 liters per 100 km.

Special equipment is successfully used by construction companies to deliver concrete mixture to sites. Thanks to high-quality assembly by the manufacturer, the car does not require financial investments over a long service life.

For the convenience of the driver, the vehicle in the cabin, namely the cabin, is equipped with a fairly spacious sleeping area and air conditioning. A well-designed driver's seat will not cause discomfort while driving, but on the contrary, an installed pneumatic cushion will smooth out all road irregularities and make jumps smoother. All the necessary attributes for a safe and traffic-compliant driving are already included in the kit - a strong cable, seat belts, a warning triangle, a sun visor, a fire extinguisher, a spare tire and a siren.

In Russia, Chinese Dongfeng trucks have found their audience thanks to the practicality, quality and maneuverability of the units presented in the model range. A comfortable cabin, equipped with a berth, air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems contributes to the driver’s fruitful work, and the “obedience” of the car, high-quality assembly and strict control at each stage of production guarantee safe driving.

DFL 45422 – the second generation of the optimal dump truck

The all-wheel drive version of the mid-size dump truck for quarry work has gone through another update. The suspension design was changed, the gearbox was slightly modified and only the most powerful Cummins engine with 375 horsepower was left. The engine torque exceeds 1500 N*m, so the dynamics of the Dong Feng car are impressive. The main technical advantages are 6-wheel drive.

It must be said that 18.5 tons of carrying capacity was the maximum for this machine. Companies that have adopted this vehicle do not recommend loading Chinese cars to the maximum, leaving a ton of reserve. Otherwise, breakdowns can be very different.

DFL 655-10 – a universal offer from China

One of the newest developments of the Chinese company is the Dong Feng DFL 655-10 dump truck. Its peculiarity is that the machine provides the possibility of side or rear unloading of the contents of the body. It is not very convenient to use a car in quarries due to the lack of all-wheel drive. However, the machine offers many positive characteristics:

• the engine is traditional for cars - Cummins 8.9 liters with a potential of 340 horses;

• the highest torque of the unit and excellent flexibility of working with a 9-speed gearbox;

• sleeping place in the cabin, as well as a convenient low position of the cabin for long trips;

• Chinese climate control on board, which only works during the warranty period.

Despite all the shortcomings, the Dong Feng machine is worthy of attention and may well turn out to be one of the attractive solutions for a variety of purposes. If you decide to update the technical arsenal of a rock quarry, you should look for a more productive car option with high-quality technologies for difficult conditions.

Dongfeng light trucks

This type of brand vehicle is included in the category of the most popular trucks for urban transportation . Such vehicles can transport up to 7 tons of cargo. Low operating costs and relatively low fuel consumption are the advantages of this type of vehicle over other similar vehicles.

The Dongfeng light truck boasts a radio, power steering and power windows. For comfortable work of the driver, the vehicle cabin is equipped with a sleeping place and air conditioning. The cabin is single-row and designed for two people.

More often, trucks are used to install insulated or manufactured goods vans on them, less often they are equipped with platforms with crane-manipulator installations, which once again proves their versatility and multifunctionality.

Cars in this category are equipped with modern, reliable diesel engines CumminsISDe140 or ISDe160.

Let's sum it up

The respect of Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturers today is growing every day. Transport acquires new American-developed engines, receives a modern design and interesting operating conditions for drivers. High comfort is the default quality.

It is difficult to call Dong Feng a potential leader in the supply of mining dump trucks with high productivity and capacity, but the corporation is growing rapidly and offering customers excellent upgrades. This indicates the continued growth in popularity of cars from the manufacturer in the future.