Ford Super Duty F-650 and F-750: working-class heroes Ford Motor Company’s highly acclaimed Super Duty F-Series family became complete in April 1999, with the introduction of the all-new, 2000 model-year Ford Super Duty F-650 and F-750. The two new Ford commercial trucks, which will be offered in weight Classes 6 and 7, will offer customers three cabs, three engines and the benefit of three times the dealers and service centers. These commercial trucks will replace the company's current F-800 series truck and will build upon the Super Duty F-250 through F-550 lineup launched last year. Ford Super Duty F-650 will be offered in a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds -- the highest GVWR that can be operated in most states without a special commercial driver’s license. Ford Super Duty F-750 will be offered in GVWRs of 30,000 and 33,000 pounds. Both trucks will be available as straight trucks, in wheelbases ranging from 158 to 260 inches. "We have found that a vast number of multiple-truck owners prefer to buy within the same brand and even the same dealer, and to own trucks which have the same or similar components for ease of service," said Barb Samardzich, Super Duty F-650 and F-750 chief program engineer. Because all trucks over 33,000 pounds GVWR in the United States are subject to a 12 percent excise tax, the trend is for customers to buy vehicles right at 33,000 pounds. So, Ford has elected to compete strictly in the straight-truck market, with vehicles specifically designed to carry stake beds, van bodies and other specialized bodies, or to be used as transportation platforms for special equipment such as cranes or municipal maintenance machinery. Three Diesel Engine Families Engine families for the all-new Ford trucks include the Cummins 5.9L ISB diesel, the Cat 3126E diesel and the Ford 7.3-liter Power Stroke® diesel, coupled with Eaton, Spicer or Allison transmissions. All engines are electronically controlled and 50-state emissions certified. The Cummins and Cat engines can be serviced by any Cummins- or Cat-certified diesel dealership, while the Power Stroke engine can be serviced by most Ford dealers. That engine will open the dealer and service base for these trucks to almost three times the number certified today. Factory-Installed, On-Line-Assembled SuperCabs and Crew Cabs While the Regular Cab configuration is standard on Super Duty F-650 and F-750, Ford becomes the only Class 6 and 7 manufacturer in the industry to offer a four-door SuperCab model. In addition, the Crew Cab configuration is assembled and installed on the assembly line. Because the SuperCab and Crew Cab bodies will be assembled "on-line" rather than being sent to an aftermarket company, they will be subject to all of the plant's quality controls. Customers should easily see that benefit in fit and finish. All model varieties are built at Ford Motor Company’s state-of-the-art, Q1-rated, Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in suburban Mexico City. Two trim levels are available with all cab styles: XL, or base-level, trim and a new XLT trim level which provides air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a high-back air-ride driver’s seat and a chrome front bumper, as well as several innovative features. Hard-Working, but Well-Mannered Every Super Duty F-650 and F-750 truck comes backed by Ford’s more than half a century of job-site-tough, deadline-reliable, medium-duty trucking experience. But every one of these new trucks is also a member of the Ford F-Series family and shares the traits that have made Ford F-Series one of the best-selling line of vehicles -- car or truck -- in the world. "Cab roominess and ergonomics often remind drivers of high-level personal-use trucks, as well they should," said Samardzich. "Eighty percent of the Super Duty F-650 and F-750 cab components are shared with our tough and proven Super Duty F-250 through F-550 truck line. This gives us a wider production base for better quality control and allows customers to find many parts at virtually any North American Ford dealer." The new Super Duty F-650 and F-750 trucks have been re-engineered for low-effort steering, tighter turning circles, a pleasant ride whether loaded or unloaded, and improved front and side visibility. "A worker with experience driving pickup-size trucks on the job will find the transition to Super Duty F-650 and F-750 to be simple and pain-free," said Samardzich. "And operators who have driven other Class 6 and 7 trucks will notice a night-and-day difference in how easy these trucks are to drive. Going to one of these new trucks is a very easy decision to make -- it’s Super Duty F-Series excellence taken to a new, higher level."