Case study of Xi'an Sinotruk sludge tipper truck (24 m³) in government procurement: Winning bid solution and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis. In municipal sanitation projects across Northwest China, sludge transport trucks are core equipment ensuring efficient operations at wastewater treatment plants and pipeline desilting sites. In 2025, a district-level municipal sanitation department in Xi'an publicly tendered for a batch of 24 m³ sludge tipper trucks built on Sinotruk chassis. Based on real tender data (referencing publicly available tender information), this article provides an in-depth analysis of the winning bid solution from perspectives including service life, total cost of ownership (TCO), dust-proof sealing performance, and adaptability to desertified environments. I. Project Background and Requirements Analysis This procurement project addresses the transportation demand for dewatered sludge generated by wastewater treatment plants in Xi'an and surrounding areas. Key operational environment characteristics include: - Arid, dusty climate: Severe dust storms occur during spring and autumn in Xi'an and Northwest China, requiring vehicles with high-grade dust-proof sealing performance to prevent sludge spillage or airborne dust pollution during transport. - Adaptability to desertified regions: Some transport routes traverse Gobi Desert or sandy areas, imposing higher requirements on vehicle chassis, air filtration systems, and cooling systems. - High-load operation: Average daily mileage is approximately 150–200 km, necessitating high vehicle availability and low failure rates. Ultimately, Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Chengli SPV") won the bid with its 24 m³ sludge tipper truck based on Sinotruk chassis. Multiple units have been delivered and are now operating stably in the region. II. Key Configuration Analysis of the Winning Bid Solution The vehicles adopt Sinotruk chassis, with upper structures custom-designed by Chengli SPV. Main technical parameters are as follows (referencing official model announcements such as CLW5310ZWXZ6): - Chassis: Sinotruk Howo series, China VI emission standard, equipped with factory-installed air conditioning, power steering, and ABS. - Tank capacity: Effective volume ≈ 24 m³, meeting sludge loading requirements. - Sealing system: Hydraulic lifting + rear cover hydraulic locking seal structure, combined with corrosion-resistant rubber sealing strips, ensuring zero leakage throughout transport. - Filtration system: Standard desert-grade air filter and fuel-water separator; maintenance interval extended to 5,000 km for sand-dust environments. - Corrosion protection: Interior tank surface coated with epoxy resin anti-corrosion layer; exterior treated with rust-inhibiting primer plus topcoat—corrosion resistance lifespan exceeds 8 years. According to publicly available tender data, the unit price of this model is approximately RMB 280,000–320,000 (referencing Chengli’s tax-inclusive landed price range for 2026; actual contract price subject to final agreement), falling within a reasonable budget range. III. Service Life and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis Based on 5-, 8-, and 10-year cycles—and incorporating local procurement practices and industry benchmarks—this section analyzes the vehicle’s full lifecycle cost: Cost Item 5-Year Cycle 8-Year Cycle 10-Year Cycle Purchase Cost (Unit price ≈ RMB 280,000–320,000) ≈ RMB 300,000 ≈ RMB 300,000 ≈ RMB 300,000 Annual Operating Costs (Fuel + Insurance + Toll + Labor) ≈ RMB 80,000–100,000/year ≈ RMB 80,000–100,000/year ≈ RMB 80,000–100,000/year Major Overhaul Schedule Seal replacement and major hydraulic system overhaul in Year 4–5 (≈ RMB 30,000–50,000) Hydraulic pump replacement in Year 5–6 (