Heavy-duty never looked so light on effort– this mid-size truck from Ford is ready for whatever the water industry throws at it.
If your ute can’t handle the pressure, it will crack long before the next flood arrives. That’s the harsh reality confronting many in Australia’s water and wastewater sectors, where rugged terrain, remote job sites, and increasingly complex infrastructure require more than a badge and a tray.
Enter a vehicle tested under conditions tougher than a Murray-Darling drought.
Workhorse or workforce?
Australian utilities, contractors and council crews know their vehicles do more than carry gear.
According to Dave Burn, Chief Program Engineer at Ford Australia, the Ranger Super Duty was developed to shoulder that burden.
“We know Ranger Super Duty will be pushed to the limits on some of the toughest terrain on the planet,” Burn said. “That’s why we ensured the underneath had high-strength protection.”
A reinforced frame, upgraded differentials, and heavy-duty axles support a Gross Vehicle Mass of 4500 kilograms. Eight-stud wheel hubs and a thicker chassis back it up, giving water industry professionals confidence in carrying capacity and long-term durability.
What about those towing trailers full of pumps or pipes? With a maximum braked towing capacity of 4500 kilograms and a Gross Combined Mass of 8000 kilograms, the Ranger Super Duty sets new expectations for the mid-size segment.
Smarts under pressure
In utilities, efficiency is often a matter of minutes. The Ranger Super Duty’s electronics aim to reclaim time from trial and error.
“Using a yaw rate sensor to guide Pro-Trailer Backup Assist makes for faster system setup and running,” Burn said. “Able to store up to 10 trailers and only require calibration once per trailer makes manoeuvring heavy trailers much easier.”
Payload is estimated in real-time via Onboard Scales, while Smart Hitch ensures trailers are loaded correctly. For regional operators driving between depots and field sites, that means less guesswork and smarter movement.
Autonomous driving robots were even used in 24/7 tests at Ford’s You Yangs facility, simulating the kind of punishment only a storm-damaged treatment plant can deliver.
Built-in versatility
The water industry values adaptability. Sites shift. Loads change. Conditions evolve. Vehicles must do the same.
“The reinforced frame and readily accessible mounting points make it easy to integrate a variety of aftermarket accessories,” Burn said. “These larger, stronger components improve vehicle durability and reliability, which we know our customers will appreciate.”
Available as a single, super, or double cab chassis, the Ranger Super Duty suits councils, maintenance crews, and contractors alike. It’s built not just for roads but for roles.
Ready when the water’s not
Flooded tracks and remote bore fields are familiar challenges. That’s why the Ranger Super Duty includes a sealed snorkel, locking differentials, and a two-speed transfer case borrowed from the F-Series.
“Extensive testing in controlled and real-world situations proved Ranger Super Duty has the capability needed for all manner of users,” Burn said. “From emergency services to farmers and recreational off-roaders, it’s been built to perform.”
Burn said the real test won’t come on a test track. It’ll come in the mud-soaked access road to a failed pump station or on the steep climb to a hillside reservoir. The real question isn’t whether this vehicle can make it – it’s whether the industry is ready for a factory truck that doesn’t ask for compromises.
For more information, visit ford.com.au
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