Transportation in mining areas in northern Nigeria is extremely challenging: roads are covered with deep ruts and loose gravel, and the red mud becomes highly sticky during the rainy season, often trapping ordinary trucks for hours. In 2022, a local customer engaged in iron ore transportation was in urgent need of a used dump truck capable of carrying 40-ton loads and adapting to complex road conditions. After comparing multiple models, the customer finally chose the used SHACMAN 8X4 U-shaped dump truck provided by Mulincan. After nearly two years of operation, the truck has traveled over 220,000 km in total. It not only meets the needs but also becomes the core of the fleet, confirming Mulincan’s ability to accurately match vehicle needs for African mining areas.

1. Demand-Oriented Vehicle Selection + Core Inspections, Adapting to Complex Mining Road Conditions

When communicating with the customer, Mulincan first clarified their core needs: 40-ton load per trip, and the ability to handle rainy-season mud and 12-degree mining slopes. The recommended SHACMAN 8X4 model had previously only been used for short-distance transportation of construction materials in China. Its 8X4 all-wheel drive system was in good condition, and the 430-horsepower engine could carry heavy loads without overheating easily.

To ensure reliability, Mulincan conducted 10 core inspections: verified the engine compression ratio to ensure no power loss when climbing with 42 tons of iron ore; tested the 8X4 drive differential lock on a simulated slippery surface to confirm its overcome difficulties capability (traction and escape ability); checked the chassis for cracks in response to the pothole-ridden roads in Nigeria, and replaced worn suspension bushings to improve stability. The customer highly appreciated the transparency of the inspections and later feedback: “Our old truck got stuck three times a week during the rainy season, but this SHACMAN 8X4 passes through muddy areas easily. Now we make 12 trips a day (compared to 9 trips before), and the monthly transportation volume has increased by 30%.”

2. U-Shaped Box Customization + Protection Upgrades, Solving Iron Ore Transportation Pains

Iron ore in Nigeria is both highly abrasive and corrosive. The customer once had to replace two rectangular cargo boxes a year due to wear and tear. Mulincan optimized the SHACMAN U-shaped box to address this:

Space Utilization: The 10-cubic-meter U-shaped box has no sharp corners, enabling it to carry 42 tons per trip (5 tons more than the old truck). This increases monthly transportation by 1,250 tons and monthly income by nearly $3,000.

Protection Upgrades: A double-layer wear-resistant liner was added to the inner wall to resist scratches from ore, and an anti-rust agent was sprayed on the exterior to withstand corrosion from mineral-laden rainwater. After 220,000 km, the cargo box shows no obvious dents or rust.

Loading & Unloading Efficiency: The triple-cylinder lifting system was inspected and adjusted, achieving full unloading in 35 seconds at a 58-degree tilt angle. Only 15 minutes of high-pressure washing is needed, eliminating the need for manual cleaning.

3. Fuel Consumption Optimization + Maintenance Support, Reducing Operating Costs

Fuel Consumption Control: Before delivery, Mulincan adjusted the engine’s fuel injection timing and replaced the high-efficiency air filter. The full-load fuel consumption is 38-40 L/100 km (3 L lower than the customer’s other 8X4 trucks). Based on Nigeria’s diesel price of $1.15 per liter, this saves over $450 in fuel costs per month and $5,400 annually.

Maintenance Guarantee: A customized maintenance plan was created for the dusty mining environment (e.g., oil change every 10,000 km to prevent dust accumulation). A list of local suppliers of original parts in Kano and Lagos was provided, shortening the parts delivery cycle to 2 days and reducing prices by 25%. The recent brake pad replacement only cost $220.

4. Detailed Adaptation to African Working Conditions, Improving Operational Convenience

Mulincan made targeted adjustments based on Nigeria’s environment: upgraded the cab with a high-power air conditioner, which cools down the interior in 8 minutes under 45°C high temperatures; equipped the truck with a 400L main fuel tank + 150L auxiliary tank, providing a range of 1,100 km to meet the one-way trip from Kaduna mining area to Lagos port without refueling; replaced with all-terrain tires with deep treads to enhance grip on gravel roads. Once, the truck was punctured by a sharp rock but still safely drove to the repair shop.

Today, this SHACMAN 8X4 remains the customer’s most reliable vehicle. When the customer expanded their fleet this year, they chose Mulincan again. Mulincan has always focused on “adapting to African working conditions,” making vehicles practical partners for customers’ business growth.