Written by: Faisal Mohammed Al-Harbi, 43 years old

Riyadh-based contractor, 17 years in heavy transport

We run 19 dump trucks on Riyadh Season projects, Qiddiya giga-project, and daily sand/gravel runs between Kharj quarries and Riyadh metro sites.

I’m not a blogger and I don’t get paid to write this. I just want to share the truth because a lot of drivers here still laugh when they hear “Chinese dump truck”.

I took delivery of my first Foton Auman GTL 8x4 (Cummins 460 hp, 80-ton GVW, 24 m³ U-shape body with Hyva lifting) in September 2024. Today, December 2025, the odometer shows 127,400 km and the truck is still on its original clutch and original turbo. That alone shut up half the people in the majlis who said it wouldn’t last six months.

Why I bought it in the first place

Simple math. A European 8x4 with similar specs was quoting me 940,000–980,000 SAR. The Foton, fully loaded with desert pack (extra air intake, reinforced radiator, rock deflectors), came in at 672,000 SAR including VAT and registration. I figured even if it only lasted 60 % of a European truck’s life, I would still be ahead on money.

Daily reality in 50 °C heat and deep sand

We load 49–51 tons of gravel/sand every trip (yes, we overload a bit, everyone does).

The Cummins ISGe5-460 never complains. Pulling out of the quarry in 3rd low, fully loaded, on soft sand, is no drama. Torque comes early and stays flat.

The 12-speed Huatai (HW) manual box has perfect ratios for our work – short lows for the pits, tall 11th and 12th for the highway run back to Riyadh at 88–92 km/h.

Hyva front lifting cylinder is fast and strong. Full tip in 19 seconds, down in 22 seconds. No leaks even after 127k km of daily abuse.

Fuel average (real numbers from our fleet card): 54–57 litres/100 km loaded, 38–41 empty. Better than my older MAN 41.480 that was drinking 62+ loaded.

What actually broke or needed fixing

At 48,000 km – one leaf spring cracked (we overload, remember). Local workshop welded reinforcement plates, cost 2,800 SAR.

At 89,000 km – air-conditioning compressor clutch. Replaced under warranty, zero cost.

Normal service items only: oil every 18,000–20,000 km (we use Shell Rimula R6), filters, brake linings at 102,000 km.

Cab comfort for 12–14 hour Saudi days

The high-roof cabin is honestly bigger than my Actros. Driver seat has good air suspension, the bunk is wide enough for proper sleep during waiting time at the batching plants. The fridge under the bed is a lifesaver when outside is 52 °C. Even the basic radio picks up Saudi stations clearly all the way to Sudair.

Parts availability

Foton now has a proper warehouse in Dammam and a smaller one in Riyadh (industrial area 3). Filters, belts, brake pads – walk in, pay, leave in 20 minutes. Bigger items (axle parts, cabin glass) come in 3–4 days max from China. Still faster and cheaper than waiting two weeks for a European brand part from Jebel Ali.

Bottom line after 15 months

This truck already paid for itself. I have two more on order for delivery February 2026. If someone tells you Chinese trucks can’t survive Saudi work, send them to me – I’ll show them the odometer and the bank balance.

For the kind of punishment we give these machines here (heat, dust, overload, non-stop cycles), the Foton Auman GTL 8x4 is currently the smartest money I ever spent.

Faisal Al-Harbi

Riyadh, December 2025