DONGFENG KX 6X4 Tractor

Product Overview

• Platform: Dongfeng Tianlong KX (Kinland Flagship) — DFAC's flagship heavy-duty truck platform, engineered for long-haul logistics and heavy container transport

• Model Code: DFH4250C7 KX, 6X4 drive configuration (3-axle tractor head)

• Engine: Dongfeng Cummins Z14EVID560, 13.5-litre inline-6 diesel, 560 PS at rated RPM, 2,650 N·m peak torque

• Emission: Euro VI (China VI), with 80-litre DEF urea injection system

• Transmission: Dongfeng DT1425 OD 14-speed manual with hydraulic retarder

• Gross Vehicle Weight: 49,000 kg — built to tow 40-tonne semi-trailer combinations

• Suspension: Front leaf spring + rear Dana full air suspension for load-adaptive ride

• Cab: High-roof double-sleeper, 2,524 mm wide, 3,960 mm tall, flat-floor design

• Safety Suite: ABS + EBS + ESC, hydraulic retarder, FCWS, LDWS, TPMS, 270° surround-view camera, cruise control

• Comfort: Ventilated and heated air-suspension driver's seat, 1,000 W inverter, electric windows, sunroof

Product Description

The Dongfeng KX 6X4 Tractor (DFH4250C7) is the Kinland Flagship platform's answer to the demands of modern long-haul fleet operators. At its core sits the Dongfeng Cummins Z14EVID560 — a 13.5-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine producing 560 PS and 2,650 N·m of torque, calibrated to Euro VI standards with selective catalytic reduction via an 80-litre DEF urea tank. This powerplant is paired with a Dongfeng DT1425 OD 14-speed manual gearbox whose gear ratios span from 13.16 in first gear down to 0.8 in overdrive, giving the driver a wide torque band for everything from loaded mountain grades to flat highway cruising.

The chassis measures 7,090 mm in overall length with a 3,450 + 1,350 mm tandem-wheelbase configuration, supporting a 49,000 kg gross vehicle weight at a curb weight of 9,800 kg. A Dana full air suspension on the rear axle replaces conventional leaf springs, allowing ride-height adjustment for coupling and uncoupling semi-trailers while protecting sensitive cargo from road shock. Aluminium fuel tanks totalling 1,100 litres (500 L + 600 L) provide the range needed for cross-border routes without refuelling stops. Every system — from the hydraulic retarder that manages downhill speed without brake wear, to the ESC that maintains directional stability in crosswinds — is calibrated for operators who run 10 to 12 hours per shift and need the truck to perform consistently across that window.

Features and Highlights

• Cummins Z14 at 560 PS: The same 13.5-litre engine family deployed in major Chinese logistics fleets, delivering 2,650 N·m of torque across a broad RPM range for consistent pulling power under full load.

• 14-Speed Manual with Overdrive: Dongfeng DT1425 OD gearbox with ratios from 13.16 to 0.8 — low first gear for heavy starts, overdrive top gear for fuel-efficient highway cruising at reduced engine RPM.

• Dana Full Air Rear Suspension: Load-adaptive air springs replace rigid leaf springs, enabling ride-height control for fifth-wheel coupling, reduced cargo vibration, and adjustable pressure for unladen return trips.

• 49,000 kg GVW Capacity: A 9,800 kg curb weight leaves nearly 40 tonnes of payload capacity for the tractor plus semi-trailer combination, matching the 40-tonne GCW standard required by most international transport regulations.

• Integrated Hydraulic Retarder: Operating through the gearbox, the retarder absorbs kinetic energy on long descents, preserving service brake life and preventing brake fade on mountain passes — a feature typically reserved for premium European trucks.

• Active Safety Suite: Forward collision warning (FCWS), lane departure warning (LDWS), ESC stability control, TPMS tire pressure monitoring, and a 270-degree surround-view image system work together to reduce accident risk in dense traffic and poor visibility.

• High-Roof Flat-Floor Cab: At 2,524 mm wide and 3,960 mm tall, the cab offers standing height, a double sleeper, and a ventilated and heated air-suspension driver's seat — a livable workspace for multi-day hauls.

• 1,100-Litre Dual Aluminium Tanks: Two corrosion-resistant aluminium tanks (500 L + 600 L) with an 80-litre DEF urea reservoir deliver extended range between refuelling, reducing downtime on cross-border routes.

Engine and Powertrain

The heart of the DFH4250C7 is the Dongfeng Cummins Z14EVID560, a 13.5-litre inline-six diesel engine designed and manufactured under the Dongfeng-Cummins joint venture. This engine produces 560 PS of maximum power and 2,650 N·m of peak torque, delivered through a wide RPM band that keeps the engine in its efficiency zone whether climbing a 6 percent grade at 30 km/h or cruising at 89 km/h on the highway. Six in-line cylinders with four valves per cylinder and high-pressure common-rail fuel injection ensure complete combustion, reducing both particulate matter and NOx at the source before the aftertreatment system handles the remainder.

The DT1425 OD 14-speed manual gearbox is engineered for operators who want direct mechanical control over gear selection. Its 14 forward ratios — ranging from 13.16 in first gear to 0.8 in overdrive — provide a crawl ratio for heavy starts on inclines and an overdrive ratio that drops engine RPM at cruising speed, saving fuel. An integrated hydraulic retarder is built into the transmission, using fluid coupling resistance to absorb vehicle kinetic energy on descents without engaging the service brakes. The rear axle carries a 4.1 final-drive ratio with a single-reduction design rated at 13 tonnes, matched to a 7-tonne front axle — together supporting the 49,000 kg gross vehicle weight.

Engine and Powertrain Specifications

Chassis and Suspension

The KX chassis is laid out around a 3,450 + 1,350 mm tandem wheelbase, giving the tractor a 7,090 mm overall length that fits within standard semi-trailer coupling geometry. The frame is constructed from high-strength steel with a double-layer design in high-stress areas, providing the torsional rigidity needed for off-highway job sites and the durability for continuous full-load operation. At 9,800 kg, the curb weight reflects the robust frame, the Dana air suspension hardware, and the comprehensive safety and comfort equipment onboard — leaving the remaining capacity of the 49,000 kg gross vehicle weight for payload.

Suspension duties are split between a conventional leaf spring setup at the front and a Dana full air suspension at the rear. The front leaf springs provide predictable steering response and load-carrying stiffness, while the rear air bags offer three operational advantages: electronic ride-height adjustment for fifth-wheel coupling at varying trailer heights, constant-pressure regulation that maintains ride quality regardless of load, and the ability to raise the rear axle for unloaded return trips to reduce tire wear and rolling resistance. Aluminium 12R22.5 wheels reduce unsprung mass compared to steel alternatives, improving ride quality and fuel economy.

• Wheelbase: 3,450 + 1,350 mm (tandem axle)

• Overall Chassis Length: 7,090 mm

• Cab Width: 2,524 mm

• Cab Height (unladen): 3,960 mm

• Front Suspension: Leaf spring

• Rear Suspension: Dana full air suspension

• Wheel/Rim: Aluminium 12R22.5

• Gross Vehicle Weight: 49,000 kg

• Curb Weight (chassis): 9,800 kg

Cab and Operator Comfort

The KX high-roof cab is designed as a mobile workspace for drivers who spend multiple consecutive days on the road. At 2,524 mm wide and 3,960 mm tall (unladen), the cab provides standing headroom via a flat-floor design that eliminates the engine tunnel obstruction found in older-generation trucks. The interior accommodates a double bed arrangement for rest periods, and the driver's seat is an air-suspension unit with both ventilation and heating functions — critical for maintaining alertness during 10-to-12-hour shifts across varying climates.

An electric hydraulic cab tilting mechanism allows the entire cab to rotate forward for engine and transmission access during maintenance, eliminating the manual hand-pump effort required on older trucks. Electric windows, cruise control, and a sunroof are standard, while a 1,000-watt inverter interface (Chinese standard) provides power for personal devices, auxiliary lighting, or small appliances during overnight stops. The 270-degree surround-view image system uses multiple cameras to eliminate blind spots during low-speed manoeuvring in loading yards and tight docking situations.

• Cab Type: High-roof, flat-floor, double sleeper

• Driver's Seat: Air-suspension with ventilation and heating

• Cab Tilt: Electric hydraulic

• Windows: Electric

• Climate: Air conditioning with air shroud

• Inverter: 1,000 W interface (Chinese standard)

• Visibility: 270-degree surround-view image system + sunroof

• Convenience: Cruise control, double bed

Braking and Safety Systems

The KX integrates a multi-layer safety architecture that combines service braking, auxiliary braking, and active driver-assistance systems. The service brakes use an air-actuated dual-circuit design with ABS (anti-lock braking system) to prevent wheel lockup under hard braking. EBS (electronic braking system) replaces traditional pneumatic signalling with electronic control, reducing brake response time and enabling more precise brake-force distribution between axles. ESC (electronic stability control) continuously monitors steering angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration, intervening by selectively braking individual wheels to correct skids and rollover tendencies before the driver detects the loss of control.

The hydraulic retarder serves as the primary auxiliary braking system, absorbing vehicle kinetic energy through fluid resistance in the transmission. This reduces reliance on the service brakes on long downhill sections, preventing brake fade and extending brake lining life. On the active safety front, FCWS (forward collision warning system) uses radar or camera input to detect collision risk with preceding vehicles, issuing audible and visual alerts. LDWS (lane departure warning system) monitors lane markings and warns the driver of unintentional lane drift — particularly valuable during night driving and driver fatigue. TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) provides real-time tire pressure data, preventing blowouts and optimizing rolling resistance for fuel economy.

Braking and Safety Specifications

Fuel System and Efficiency

The KX carries its fuel in two aluminium tanks — a 500-litre primary tank and a 600-litre secondary tank — giving a combined capacity of 1,100 litres. Aluminium construction eliminates the internal corrosion that affects steel tanks over time, reducing the risk of fuel contamination and filter blockages. The dual-tank arrangement also provides a redundancy layer: if one tank or its supply line develops a fault, the system can draw from the other, allowing the driver to reach a service point rather than stopping on the road shoulder.

Meeting Euro VI emission standards requires selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which injects a measured quantity of DEF (diesel exhaust fluid, a 32.5 percent urea solution) into the exhaust stream to convert NOx into nitrogen and water. The KX carries 80 litres of DEF in a dedicated aluminium urea tank, sized to last approximately one full diesel tank fill-up under normal operating conditions. The common-rail fuel injection system on the Z14 engine operates at pressures up to 2,200 bar, atomizing fuel into fine droplets for complete combustion — which directly reduces both fuel consumption and particulate emissions. The DT1425 OD gearbox's overdrive ratio (0.8) allows the engine to run at lower RPM at cruising speed, further reducing fuel burn per kilometre.

• Primary Fuel Tank: 500 litres, aluminium

• Secondary Fuel Tank: 600 litres, aluminium

• Total Fuel Capacity: 1,100 litres

• DEF Urea Tank: 80 litres, aluminium

• Emission Aftertreatment: SCR (selective catalytic reduction)

• Fuel Injection: High-pressure common-rail, up to 2,200 bar

• Overdrive Gear: 0.8 ratio — reduces engine RPM at cruise speed

Typical Applications

The KX 6X4 tractor's 49,000 kg GVW and 560 PS Cummins output make it suited for a range of transport scenarios where both pulling power and regulatory compliance matter. The Euro VI emission rating allows entry into regions with strict emission standards, while the 14-speed manual gearbox and hydraulic retarder provide the control needed for varied terrain.

• Long-Haul Container Transport: Towing 40-foot ISO containers on highway corridors at GCW up to 49 tonnes, with the 1,100-litre fuel capacity enabling cross-border routes without refuelling stops.

• Bulk Material Logistics: Paired with tipper or belt-trailer semi-trailers for grain, aggregate, or mineral transport between inland depots and port facilities.

• Cold-Chain Freight: Coupled with refrigerated semi-trailers, where the 1,000-watt inverter and stable idle characteristics support reefer unit operation during overnight parking.

• Construction and Mining Support: Hauling equipment and materials to remote job sites where road conditions vary and the Dana air suspension's ride-height adjustment protects both truck and cargo.

• Regional Distribution: Multi-stop delivery runs where the 270° surround-view system and cruise control reduce driver workload in urban traffic and highway stretches between distribution centres.

• Cross-Border Logistics: International haulage across regions requiring Euro VI compliance, where the ESC and TPMS systems meet the safety expectations of multiple regulatory jurisdictions.

• Fleet Standardisation: Fleet operators seeking a single tractor platform for mixed-duty rosters, where the 14-speed manual's simplicity reduces maintenance cost compared to AMT alternatives.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the Dongfeng KX 6X4 means investing in a platform that has been validated across millions of kilometres of commercial fleet operation. The Cummins Z14 engine is not a prototype — it is a production powerplant deployed in major Chinese logistics fleets, with a documented service infrastructure across more than 50 countries. When a component needs replacement, the parts exist in the supply chain, and technicians familiar with the platform are available in the markets where the truck operates. This is the practical difference between a truck that runs and a truck that keeps running.

The KX's value proposition extends beyond the purchase price. The hydraulic retarder reduces brake lining replacement frequency by absorbing deceleration energy that would otherwise wear the service brakes — a saving that compounds over the vehicle's service life. The Dana air suspension adapts to load conditions, protecting cargo from road-shock damage and reducing tire wear on unladen return trips. The 14-speed manual gearbox, while requiring driver skill, avoids the electronic control unit complexity and potential repair cost of automated transmissions. Together, these design choices translate to a lower total cost of ownership over the vehicle's operational lifecycle — the metric that matters to fleet managers responsible for profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing capacity of the Dongfeng KX 6X4 tractor?

The KX has a gross vehicle weight rating of 49,000 kg. With a curb weight of 9,800 kg, the tractor can support a payload and semi-trailer combination approaching 40 tonnes, which is the standard GCW (gross combination weight) for international long-haul transport.

What engine does the DFH4250C7 model use, and what is its power output?

The DFH4250C7 is equipped with the Dongfeng Cummins Z14EVID560, a 13.5-litre inline-six diesel engine producing 560 PS of maximum power and 2,650 N·m of peak torque. It meets Euro VI (China VI) emission standards using SCR technology with an 80-litre DEF urea tank.

What type of transmission does the KX 6X4 use?

This model is fitted with the Dongfeng DT1425 OD 14-speed manual transmission, with gear ratios ranging from 13.16 in first gear to 0.8 in overdrive. An integrated hydraulic retarder provides auxiliary braking on downhill descents without using the service brakes.

What suspension system does the KX use, and why is it important?

The front axle uses a conventional leaf spring suspension for steering stability, while the rear axle features a Dana full air suspension. The air suspension allows electronic ride-height adjustment for fifth-wheel coupling, maintains consistent ride quality under varying loads, and can be raised for unladen return trips to reduce tire wear.

What safety systems are included as standard on this tractor?

The KX comes standard with ABS, EBS, and ESC for braking and stability control; a hydraulic retarder for auxiliary braking; FCWS (forward collision warning) and LDWS (lane departure warning) for driver assistance; TPMS for tire pressure monitoring; and a 270-degree surround-view camera system for low-speed manoeuvring.

What is the fuel capacity, and what range can the KX achieve?

The tractor carries 1,100 litres of diesel in two aluminium tanks (500 L + 600 L) plus an 80-litre DEF urea tank. Actual range depends on load, terrain, and driving conditions, but the 1,100-litre capacity is designed to support cross-border long-haul routes without intermediate refuelling stops.

What emission standard does the KX meet, and can it be registered in strict-emission regions?

The KX meets Euro VI (China VI) emission standards, which are among the strictest in force globally. The vehicle carries type approvals for multiple regional markets including EEC, EPA, and GCC compliance, supporting registration in jurisdictions that require these certifications.

What warranty coverage is provided with the Dongfeng KX tractor?

The standard warranty covers 12 months from delivery or 100,000 operating kilometres, whichever comes first. It covers manufacturing defects in the engine, transmission, axles, and electrical systems. Regional parts warehouses and remote technical support via the onboard diagnostic system are available beyond the warranty period.