FAW J5M 280 Prime Mover

Engine and gearbox

The FAW J5M 280 Prime Mover uses the CA6DL1 engine, a 7,700cc six-cylinder, four-stroke in-line diesel with 24 valves, turbocharging and intercooling, meeting Euro II. FAW rates it at 280 hp at 2,300 rpm and 1,100 Nm at 1,400 rpm, and its feature sheet highlights efficient fuel use and good cold-start performance. Power goes through a Fast Eaton 9JS-119 synchronised gearbox with 9 forward gears (including a crawler C gear) and 1 reverse, with a 430 mm Eaton dry clutch. FAW lists a top speed of 95 km/h and a gradeability of 24%. No fuel economy figure is published.

Size and practicality

The Dominator prime mover is 6,875 mm long, 2,490 mm wide and 2,760 mm tall, with a 3,350 + 1,350 mm wheelbase and 275 mm ground clearance. Gross combination weight is 53,500 kg, with a chassis weight of 7,870 kg. The front axle is rated at 7,000 kg and the rear tandem at 26,000 kg. The fuel tank holds 400 litres. It runs on eleven 11.00-20 radial tyres with twin rear wheels, a FAW 457 single-reduction rear axle with a 5.286 ratio, an inter-axle differential lock and a 6-rod tandem rear suspension. The turning radius is 7.3 m, which is tighter than the rigid version.

Equipment

The J5M cab is a cab-over-engine design that tilts forward, with 4-point hydraulic suspension, and seats two. FAW’s feature sheet describes a wide cabin with a sleeper bed and an air conditioner. Brakes are full air dual-circuit, with a spring-energy parking brake and an exhaust brake. Steering is a recirculating-ball type with integrated power assistance. The electrical system is 24V with two 12V 150Ah batteries and a 1,500 W generator. The product page offers gray and yellow paint.

Warranty

FAW’s Pakistani website does not publish the warranty, so ask the dealer for the terms in writing.

Which variant to buy

There is one 6×4 version. In our view, it is a good middle ground in FAW’s tractor range: it can handle much heavier trailers than the J5M 220 prime movers, while the larger J5P 360 and 420 add more power for operators who regularly run at maximum weight. We would choose the Dominator for medium to heavy long-haul work where a sleeper cab and air conditioning matter but ABS is not a requirement.