I. Case Background: Challenges of Winter Sludge Removal Operations in Hohhot Hohhot is located in the central-western part of Inner Mongolia, where winter temperatures frequently drop below -20°C, accompanied by frequent sandstorms. In late 2025, the Urban Management Bureau of a district launched a procurement project for blue license plate, 3-cubic-meter sludge removal trucks, intended for routine cleaning and emergency response operations on urban stormwater and sewage pipelines and manholes. Due to the prolonged sub-zero winter conditions, hydraulic systems are prone to sluggishness and oil thickening, while pumps face freezing risks. Therefore, the procuring entity explicitly stipulated in its tender documents that vehicles must be equipped with cold-start assistance devices, hydraulic oil temperature stabilization systems, or freeze-resistant circulation designs, and must operate reliably at -25°C. The unit’s budget was capped at approximately RMB 168,000. Based on publicly available tender information, it ultimately selected the Dongfeng double-cab sludge removal truck (model CLW5040GXWD6), manufactured by Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd., and built upon a Dongfeng chassis. This model features a blue license plate (Class C driver’s license required), a 3-cubic-meter tank capacity, and integrated high-pressure cleaning and suction functions—fully meeting routine sludge removal requirements. Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle offered a winter option package, including tank insulation, hydraulic oil heaters, and low-temperature starting batteries, specifically designed to withstand Hohhot’s harsh winter environment. According to feedback from the user unit, the vehicle has operated successfully for approximately three months during winter, with no cold-related hydraulic system failures reported; the customer expressed satisfaction with its freeze resistance. Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd. provides comprehensive solution support. For inquiries, please contact: Hotline ; Sales Manager Zhang Yue, (WeChat ID same as phone number). II. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis by Service Life: 5-Year / 8-Year / 10-Year Perspective For government procurement, the vehicle’s total cost of ownership (TCO) over its full lifecycle is far more critical than the initial purchase price alone. Taking this 3-cubic-meter sludge removal truck as an example, we modeled TCO estimates for 5-, 8-, and 10-year service periods based on technical specifications of the Chengli model (CLW5040GXWD6) and local maintenance market rates. The figures below are estimates for reference only; actual costs may vary depending on usage frequency and maintenance practices. Cost Item 5-Year Holding Period 8-Year Holding Period 10-Year Holding Period Initial Purchase Price (incl. tax & delivery) ~RMB 125,000 ~RMB 125,000 ~RMB 125,000 Fuel Costs (diesel) ~RMB 45,000 ~RMB 72,000 ~RMB 90,000 Routine Maintenance (engine oil, filters, hydraulic oil replacement) ~RMB 18,000 ~RMB 29,000 ~RMB 36,000 Major Repairs (engine/hydraulic system) ~RMB 15,000 (one minor repair) ~RMB 35,000 (including one major repair) ~RMB 60,000 (two major repairs) Insurance & Vehicle & Vessel Tax ~RMB 15,000 ~RMB 24,000 ~RMB 30,000 Residual Value (recycling value) -RMB 45,000 -RMB 20,000 -RMB 10,000 Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) ~RMB 173,000 ~RMB 265,000 ~RMB 341,000 Interpretation: From a 5-year perspective, the average annual cost is approximately RMB 34,600; at 8 years, it declines to RMB 33,100 per year; and at 10 years, it rises slightly to RMB 34,100 annually. Major repair costs increase progressively with service life.