6/28/10
Ford Super Duty Customer Testing Extended; More Power, Fuel Economy Reported
- Based on customer demand, an unprecedented testing program of 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty diesel trucks is being extended as commercial customers push the preproduction trucks to their limits
- Two Texas-based companies, Reynolds Asphalt & Construction and TexOp Construction, are using their trucks through the busy road-construction season and into winter for a year’s worth of severe-duty testing; Florida Power & Light Company is working its trucks in challenging environments that include the swamps of the Florida Everglades; those four trucks have racked up an average of nearly 22,000 miles since the testing program began late last year
- Customers report significantly increased fuel economy – up to 25 percent over the truck it replaced depending on use
- In May, for the second month in a row, sales of the all-new Super Duty more than doubled Ford’s heavy-duty truck sales objective; Ford owns about 60 percent of the fleet and commercial sales market, and fleet sales were up 32 percent in May
- Regular field test fleet updates are available at www.fordvehicles.com/2011superduty under the “Field Work” pull-down menu
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from these severe-duty users – and their desire to extend the program – confirms the thoroughness of the rigorous testing procedures developed for the 2011 Super Duty as it evolved from raw data to computer images to actual vehicle.
“We tested the 2011 Super Duty in every situation imaginable throughout the development process, but nothing can replace these real-world scenarios,” said Chris Brewer, chief engineer of the 2011 Super Duty.
In Texas, for example, two businesses are working their 2011 Super Duty trucks to the extreme during the busy road-construction season. Both Reynolds Asphalt & Construction Co. of Euless and TexOp Construction of Roanoke have evaluation trucks equipped with the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine and the 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift™ six-speed automatic transmission.
The vehicles used by Florida Power & Light Company are driven all around the Sunshine State, on-road and off-road, often traveling up to 600 miles a day. They also power through swampy terrain in the Florida Everglades or bull across inaccessible roads to get power back online and respond to other customer needs.
Outstanding fuel economy while standing up to harsh conditions
Reynolds Asphalt has a 2011 Super Duty F-550 4x2 dual rear-wheel chassis cab upfitted with a mechanic’s bed to use as a service truck for the company’s heavy-duty equipment. Essentially a garage on wheels, it services rollers, pavers and other support equipment. The F-550 chassis cab, with class-exclusive Live Drive PTO (power takeoff), carries welding equipment, compressors and a crane body to expedite repairs.
The Live Drive PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. The power is available any time the engine is running, with the vehicle moving as well as stationary.
“The 2011 Super Duty is a big key to boosting productivity because we can use it to get to locations not easily accessible and get equipment repaired,” said George White, equipment manager of Reynolds Asphalt.
The total weight of added equipment approaches the maximum payload limits of the class-leading 19,500-pound GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of the F-550 truck.
“We definitely have it loaded down, but the fuel mileage has been excellent – about a 20 to 25 percent improvement in highway situations over the truck it replaced,” said White.
The work will get even tougher in the coming months, as Texas already has seen 100-degree temperatures.
TexOp truck busy day and night
TexOp Construction is working a 2011 Super Duty F-350 4x4 Crew Cab XL dual rear-wheel pickup outfitted with toolboxes to assist with maintenance. It also tows Bobcats and other equipment on a double-axle tandem gooseneck trailer to job sites.
“This truck has a lot more power and better mileage,” said Richard Webb, equipment and construction manager for TexOp Construction. “The throttle response and acceleration are outstanding. We’re glad to have it during this upcoming busy season.”
The Super Duty F-350 is used on the highway and off-road in about a 50-50 split. “We have to drive it on basically what’s going to be the base of the road, which can be slick mud,” said Webb. “It’s kind of an obstacle course, really.”
This 2011 F-350 leads a double life, working on a 3,000-acre Texas ranch, pulling horse trailers and hauling hay and ranch equipment.
Florida Power & Light trucks ready at a moment’s notice
Florida Power & Light Company employs a 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL Super Cab 4x4 and an F-250 XLT Crew Cab 4x2. The 4x2 truck is used for towing about 20 percent of the time with the 4x4 truck towing and/or off-road about 80 percent of the time.
The main use of the truck is to keep underground – and underwater – power cables online. This entails driving all around Florida’s highways and “off the beaten path” to areas inaccessible to most vehicles.
“In our business, we need a truck that delivers outstanding fuel economy on the highway and also is capable of tackling the wetlands, swamps and ditches,” said Ray Haering, acquisition specialist for Florida Power & Light. “Our Super Duty pickups have been outstanding meeting those needs.”
The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine is significantly quieter than the outgoing product, which makes using the available hands-free SYNC® system that much easier – and more productive.
“Before, you literally had to pull over and shut off the engine to talk,” said Joe Heatherly, Florida Power & Light driver. “This new engine is so much quieter, and with the SYNC system, we’re now much more productive.
“We can stay on the road and conduct business, stay in contact with the office or contractors or customers – all without driver distraction. We run up 3,000 or 4,000 minutes a month on our phones, so this has been a tremendous time saver and a huge benefit and more valuable than I would have imagined.”
The towing capability of the new Super Duty has been put to the test by both a 9,000-pound long-bed trailer that tows a 26-foot boat that aids in service efforts and an enclosed box trailer.
“With the power, torque and off-the-line performance, with the revs so low, it’s like there’s nothing back there – it’s that easy,” said Heatherly.
Heatherly has been impressed with the new diesel’s power and fuel economy as well as the new Super Duty’s off-road capability – even with his two-wheel-drive truck.
“The off-road performance has been close to what you might expect with a four-wheel-drive truck. I was shocked,” said Heatherly.
Florida Power & Light also regularly takes advantage of the new Super Duty’s increased biodiesel capability. The new diesel engine is B20 compatible, which allows customers an additional fueling option that uses blends of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel. This option is increasingly important to companies looking to “green” their fleets.
“Because of the extensive development work done with the 2011 Super Duty, especially with the new diesel engine, we had every confidence that even preproduction examples would be outstanding performers,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck marketing manager. “With these trucks delivering outstanding capability and fuel economy, it’s understandable why these businesses want to keep them on the team as long as possible.”
Customer contacts
- Reynolds Asphalt & Construction Co.: President and co-owner: Gary E. Reynolds; Equipment manager: George White; 817.267.3131
- TexOp Construction: Owner: Danny Simpson; 940.648.1455
- Florida Power & Light: Acquisition specialist: Ray Haering; 561.881.3420
See video previously posted today.
6/27/10
Ford Expands Alternative Fuel Conversion Capability To F450/550 Chassis
- Ford tells top fleet customers it will introduce a new compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas) engine prep package for its 6.8-liter F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cabs later this year
- The F-450 and F-550 offerings expand the breadth of Ford’s CNG/LPG-capable commercial and government fleet lineup, including E-Series and – coming later this year – the 2011 Transit Connect, F-53 motor home chassis and new F-59 commercial strip chassis
- Ford has shipped more than 3,000 E-Series vans with CNG/LPG engine prep packages since last November
- CNG and LPG burn cleaner than gasoline, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions
DEARBORN, Mich., June 7, 2010 – Ford today told some 500 North American fleet customers that it will begin offering an alternative-fuels engine prep package for its 6.8-liter F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab.
At the annual Ford Fleet Product and Business Conference in Dearborn, Ford presented details of the conversion option, which will become available this fall and enables the use of efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas).
F-450 and F-550 Super Duty are Ford’s latest commercial vehicles to get the alternative-fuel conversion option. Since introducing the option to E-Series and other commercial fleet vehicles last fall, Ford has shipped some 3,000 E-Series vans with CNG/LPG-prepped 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines to fleet operators such as Verizon and Schwan’s Home Delivery Service.
Ford also offers the package on its Transit Connect, including its new Taxi offering with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. This fall, Ford also will add CNG/LPG capability to the F-53 motor home chassis and new F-59 commercial strip chassis.
The alt-fuel advantage
F-450 and F-550’s 6.8-liter V-10 engine is well suited to CNG/LPG conversion. The engine comes with hardened exhaust valves and valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability for gaseous fuel systems.
CNG and LPG are increasingly popular choices for fleet operators looking to cut fuel cost and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.
“Compressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for vehicles because they are high-energy fuels,” said Rob Stevens, commercial vehicle chief engineer. “Other natural benefits for these fuels are overall lower emissions of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline and lower fuel/operating costs for their fleet.”
Nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the United States is domestically produced. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.
Ford provides calibration guidance to numerous highly competitive CNG and LPG upfitters for E-Series, F-Series and Transit Connect. By following Ford recommendations published in the Body Builders Advisory Service QVM Bulletin Q-185, the converted vehicle maintains its factory engine warranty.
Ford fleet leadership
Ford, the industry leader in commercial and government fleet sales, is the only manufacturer to offer 100 percent of its fleet vehicles this year with fuel-efficient powertrains and other sustainable technologies – including battery-electric, hybrid, natural gas, propane, E85, biodiesel and EcoBoost™ – making the Blue Oval the industry’s greenest full-line fleet provider.
In 2009, Ford commanded the largest share of commercial and government fleet sales, with 32 percent and 44 percent, respectively.
Ford F-Series, Fusion, Escape, Taurus, Econoline and Ranger were the sales leaders in their respective commercial segments. F-Series, Crown Victoria and Econoline also were the top three sellers in the government fleet sector.
“Fleet customers are turning to Ford because our comprehensive product lineup provides solutions for virtually every need,” said Kevin Koswick, director of Ford North American Fleet, Leasing and Remarketing Operations. “The quality, class-leading fuel economy and strong resale values of our vehicles provide a compelling value proposition.”
6/24/10
6/14/10
New 2008 Ford F550 19k GVWR with Stahl Steel Dump!
Here is a hard working rig. This is a new 2008 Ford F550 chassis with 19,000 lb GVWR capacity, 6.4 liter Diesel V8, HD 5-Speed Torqushift Transmission, AC, Tow Command System, LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE (perfect for where this truck may need to go on construction sites), XL decor package, Tilt Wheel, Cruise Control, AMFM CD, cloth seating and more.
The body is a Stahl 11' 3-4 yard Steel Dump Body with Drop Down Sides, Back-up Alarm, Roll Up Tarp, and HD Hoist mounted in a sub-frame. VIN# 8EA24748.
We have enjoyed this truck being on our lot for all this time, but we thing we have had this truck long enough and so we are very serious about it finding a new place to park--and better yet to go out there and get some serious work done! Because we're so motivated, we've chopped the price dramatically. Give me a call and I'm sure we can work something that works for both of us. Call Paul Brown at 530-682-7693 TODAY! Visit our website at http://www.geweketrucks.com/.
MSRP on this truck and body is $49,834.00. You can buy it now for only $37,995.00!! (Plus tax & license after current rebates through 7-6-10)
6/12/10
2007 Ford F550 19k GVWR Diesel w/Landscape Dump Body Needs Home
This is a 2007 Ford F550 84" cab to axle chassis with 6.0 liter diesel, HD Auto Trans, AC, Limited Slip Axle, XL Decor Package, 19,000 GVWR Package, HD Trailer Tow Package, Power Take Off Provision, Tilt Wheel, Cruise Control, AMFM w/CD, Tow Command System and has approximately 60 miles, yet has been registered to the dealer in order to take advantage of the final rebates. It has never been sold or used by a customer.
The body is a 12' Landscape Dump by Carter Industries and includes underbed boxes. We really want to move this truck and will do everything with in reason to help a dealer or end user to buy this truck. The body can be removed and it can be purchased separately too. Flexibility is not a problem. The VIN # is 7EB40016. Please call Paul Brown of Larry Geweke Ford in Yuba City CA at 530-682-7693 to negotiate a screaming deal! Or email Paul at pbrown@geweke.com
Original MSRP on this rig was $51,183.00 so you can compare the new price since this unit has only about 60 miles. It is registered to the dealer and considered used, but even at a used price, it is a bargain at. . .
SOLD!!
plus tax & license
2008 Ford F550 19k GVWR Chassis w/ 12' Van Body Carries Heavy Loads!
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Here is a 2008 Ford F550 with 19,000 GVWR that has the 6.4 liter Diesel Engine, HD Auto Trans, AC, Spare Tire and Wheel, High Capacity Trailer Tow Package, Tow Command System, and Limited Slip Rear Axle. The Body is a Royal Truck Body 12'x84" Aluminum Van Body with a 2,000 lb capacity Tommy Gate Aluminum Railgate Liftgate which has a huge platform and is yet lightweight. This unit has been registered to the dealer to capture ending rebates, but has only 862 miles and has never been sold or used by a customer. VIN #8EA79816, Stock #T43470. Previous Stock #29032.
This unit is available with or without this body and the body is available for sale with or without the truck. We are very motivated to move this truck and will work with you to help you whether you are a dealer or an end user. Please call Paul Brown at Larry Geweke Ford in Yuba City, CA at 530-682-7693 or email him at pbrown@geweke.com.
Even though this unit has been registered and is therefore considered used, the original MSRP was $52,054.00 so you can compare it with a new one since this only has about 862 miles and has never been sold to our used by a customer, so even for a used truck, this is being offered for an unbelievable price of. . .
$32,985.00!!
plus tax & license
6/10/10
FORD EXPANDS ALTERNATIVE-FUEL CONVERSION CAPABILITY TO F-450, F-550 SUPER DUTY
- Ford tells top fleet customers it will introduce a new compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas) engine prep package for its 6.8-liter F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cabs later this year
- The F-450 and F-550 offerings expand the breadth of Ford’s CNG/LPG-capable commercial and government fleet lineup, including E-Series and – coming later this year – the 2011 Transit Connect, F-53 motor home chassis and new F-59 commercial strip chassis
- Ford has shipped more than 3,000 E-Series vans with CNG/LPG engine prep packages since last November
- CNG and LPG burn cleaner than gasoline, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions
DEARBORN, Mich., June 7, 2010 – Ford today told some 500 North American fleet customers that it will begin offering an alternative-fuels engine prep package for its 6.8-liter F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab.
At the annual Ford Fleet Product and Business Conference in Dearborn, Ford presented details of the conversion option, which will become available this fall and enables the use of efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas).
F-450 and F-550 Super Duty are Ford’s latest commercial vehicles to get the alternative-fuel conversion option. Since introducing the option to E-Series and other commercial fleet vehicles last fall, Ford has shipped some 3,000 E-Series vans with CNG/LPG-prepped 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines to fleet operators such as Verizon and Schwan’s Home Delivery Service.
Ford also offers the package on its Transit Connect, including its new Taxi offering with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. This fall, Ford also will add CNG/LPG capability to the F-53 motor home chassis and new F-59 commercial strip chassis.
The alt-fuel advantage
F-450 and F-550’s 6.8-liter V-10 engine is well suited to CNG/LPG conversion. The engine comes with hardened exhaust valves and valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability for gaseous fuel systems.
CNG and LPG are increasingly popular choices for fleet operators looking to cut fuel cost and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.
“Compressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for vehicles because they are high-energy fuels,” said Rob Stevens, commercial vehicle chief engineer. “Other natural benefits for these fuels are overall lower emissions of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline and lower fuel/operating costs for their fleet.”
Nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the United States is domestically produced. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.
Ford provides calibration guidance to numerous highly competitive CNG and LPG upfitters for E-Series, F-Series and Transit Connect. By following Ford recommendations published in the Body Builders Advisory Service QVM Bulletin Q-185, the converted vehicle maintains its factory engine warranty.
Ford fleet leadership
Ford, the industry leader in commercial and government fleet sales, is the only manufacturer to offer 100 percent of its fleet vehicles this year with fuel-efficient powertrains and other sustainable technologies – including battery-electric, hybrid, natural gas, propane, E85, biodiesel and EcoBoost™ – making the Blue Oval the industry’s greenest full-line fleet provider.
In 2009, Ford commanded the largest share of commercial and government fleet sales, with 32 percent and 44 percent, respectively.
Ford F-Series, Fusion, Escape, Taurus, Econoline and Ranger were the sales leaders in their respective commercial segments. F-Series, Crown Victoria and Econoline also were the top three sellers in the government fleet sector.
“Fleet customers are turning to Ford because our comprehensive product lineup provides solutions for virtually every need,” said Kevin Koswick, director of Ford North American Fleet, Leasing and Remarketing Operations. “The quality, class-leading fuel economy and strong resale values of our vehicles provide a compelling value proposition.”
6/08/10
CALIFORNIA TAXI FLEET OPERATOR TAPS INTO FORD TRANSIT CONNECT'S NATURAL GAS CAPABILITY
- Ford Transit Connect Taxi's new compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas) engine prep package a winner for Orange County taxi company
- Transit Connect is built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform and is tested to Ford's toughest truck standards. It offers a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and is designed to meet the extreme demands of taxi service
- Transit Connect Taxi's roomy, easy-to-access interior provides passenger comfort and ample luggage storage space, even after modification to contain CNG/LPG fuel tanks
In fact, Conlon is so confident of the Transit Connect Taxi package – which goes into production and arrives in dealerships later this year – he's already put in an order for 25 units.
What drove Conlon's decision – and is driving interest among other taxi companies – is the Transit Connect's alternative fuel engine prep package, which enables conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas).
Both CNG and LPG are popular among taxi operators because of their low cost of ownership. California Yellow Cab of Santa Ana will convert its Transit Connects to CNG, to take advantage of the availability of natural gas fueling stations in Orange County. With the acquisition, Conlon expects California Yellow Cab to become the first taxi company in the Southern California to operate half of its 220-vehicle fleet on natural gas.
"California Yellow Cab started to use natural gas in 2002 before there were many refueling stations," Conlon said. "Now that the infrastructure has built up, we'll be able to help protect Orange County's air quality even more with the Transit Connect. It's a perfect fit for our drivers, and its roomy, easy-to-access interior will appeal to our customers as well."
The flexible interior of the Transit Connect is well suited for both taxi service and conversion to CNG and LPG. The vehicle's 135 cubic feet of cargo space accommodates a compressed gas tank while leaving ample passenger legroom and cargo capacity.
To serve taxi operators, Ford will provide calibration guidance for the CNG or LPG conversion. By properly following Ford's recommendations, the conversion can be completed without voiding the engine's warranty.
Wooing customers and winning fans
Conlon was one of many taxi operators to place orders for the Transit Connect after seeing the vehicle at the recent Taxicab Paratransit Association's (TPAC) annual convention in California.
"Everyone wanted to see the Transit Connect – it was the hit of the show," said Steve Wood, co-owner of South Bay Ford in Los Angeles, one of the largest service dealerships in the U.S. "Once they hit the streets, every taxi operator is going to want them."
Driving interest in Transit Connect Taxi in California is the mandate of many of its municipalities adopting standards for fleet operators to use cleaner, low-carbon fuels. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 percent to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.
"Compressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for vehicles because they are high-energy fuels," said Rob Stevens, Transit Connect chief engineer. "Another natural benefit for these fuels is they provide overall lower emissions of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. Additionally, using CNG or LPG provides operators lower fuel/operating costs for their fleet."
Nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the United States is domestically produced, contributing to a greater desire for energy independence. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.
Transit Connect is just one of several Ford vehicles that offer CNG/LPG conversion capability. Ford has shipped more than 3,000 CNG/LPG-prepped engines for its E-Series vans with 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines. A similar package will be introduced for F-Series Super Duty trucks this year.
A conversion-ready interior
Transit Connect Taxi offers an outstanding interior package for people and cargo. With its open architecture, the taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility. The vehicle's rear seat has been moved back 3 inches to maximize passenger comfort. The 6.5 inches of ground clearance allows passengers to step easily through the dual sliding doors. Additional climate control ventilation has been added for rear seat passengers.
The Transit Connect Taxi also features a wiring upfit package with a hole in the roof for signage, vinyl front and rear seats, vinyl flooring and standard third-row windows – all factory installed. Additional installation of taxi modifications such as roof signage and the optional seating partition are handled by taxi upfitters in local markets.
"Transit Connect already has proven it offers tremendous versatility for commercial fleet use," said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager. "The Transit Connect Taxi, combined with the capability for CNG/LPG conversion, further demonstrates its flexibility."
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