Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/846046
July 2017 | EquipmentWorld.com 78 pro pickup | continued F ord is updating its largest trucks for improved performance and serviceability for the 2018 mod- el year, including adding electronic stability control and traction con- trol brakes as standard on all 2018 F-650 and F-750 tractor models. The system will initially be optional on certain F-750 diesel air-braked straight trucks with high- center-of-gravity-body upfits. For truck applications with high electrical demands, a high-output, 240-amp alternator is now available with the 6.8-liter V10 gasoline pow- ertrain. Ordering the higher output alternator to power auxiliary lights and equipment can eliminate the need to specify a second alternator or generator. An available bumper extension, which was designed to limit poten- tial hood wear and front-end colli- sion damage, moves the full-width front bumper from flush with the grille to 3 inches in front of it. It also provides additional protection to the grille and components behind it in case of a collision, potentially reducing repair expenses. Relocated oil and transmission fluid dipsticks can be accessed from ground level on 2018 F-650 and F-750 diesel trucks. The transmis- sion fluid dipstick has also been moved to provide ground-level access on gasoline models. The gasoline engine's oil dipstick was already accessible from the ground. For 2018, Ford will offer an op- tional automatic regeneration inhibi- tor on its diesel trucks to give the operator more control over when the engine goes into regeneration to clean the diesel particulate filter. Ordering for 2018 Ford medium- duty F-650 and F-750 trucks begins this summer, with deliveries expect- ed in the fall. Holdovers from 2017, both engines – a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine and 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine – will continue to be equipped with the Ford-built TorqShift heavy-duty six- speed automatic transmission. An available live-drive power takeoff provision features an output gear linked directly to the diesel engine crankshaft for 300 pound- feet of stationary torque and 200 pound-feet of mobile torque. For the gasoline powertrain, the optional power takeoff's station- ary and mobile mode deliver 250 pound-feet and 125 pound-feet of torque, respectively. The transmission's SelectShift fea- ture has two driver-initiated modes – progressive range select, which limits the range of gears to lock out overdrive for consistent speed over hills, and full manual mode, which provides control up and down the gearbox. Selectable tow/haul mode compensates for grade and load to reduce gear hunting and improve power delivery. Engine braking and selective gearing improve control on downhill grades and help mini- mize brake wear. – Jason Cannon Ford unveils 2018 F-650, F-750 with improved handling, braking