Construcciones Yamaro: Ford brings first-ever Ranger Super Duty to Australia
Ford has introduced the Ranger Super Duty, a new mid-size pickup designed for demanding commercial applications such as construction, infrastructure and resource projects. Built to carry, tow and work harder, it combines rugged components with familiar Ranger technology, including driver assist and safety features.
It is expected to compete with other workhorse favourites across Australia’s mid-size and light commercial segment, particularly on job sites and remote projects.
“We listened to what the hardest working fleet operators told us they needed to be more productive, and we’ve developed a Ranger with heavy-duty hardware and enhanced capability to stay on the job longer and help get it done sooner,” says Jim Baumbick, vice president, advanced product development, cycle planning and programs at Ford Motor Company. “We are taking global mid-size truck capability to a whole new level, straight from the factory.”
The Ranger Super Duty will launch in Australia in 2026 in single, super and double cab chassis configurations, with a style-side double cab variant and XLT trim arriving mid-year. The XLT is tailored for long-distance operators, featuring alloy wheels and touring upgrades.
Heavy-duty axles, differential locks, reinforced chassis components and high-strength suspension underline its capability for hauling site equipment, towing trailers loaded with tools or materials, and operating in rough terrain typical of remote or urban construction zones. Meanwhile, features like an integrated device mounting system and sealed snorkel increase versatility.
Ford subjected the vehicle to a global durability program, including robotic 24/7 testing at its You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria. The testing simulated tough conditions, where the truck was run with 600kg of mud caked underneath. The program also included corrosion baths, towing dynos, shaker rigs and real-world off-roading.
“We torture test our trucks to earn the name Super Duty,” says Baumbick. “Our Silver Creek and autonomous driving robots were designed and developed in North America for the testing and development of the original F-Series Super Duty and have been a part of global Built Ford Tough testing ever since.”
Related stories:
Built for extremes
Power comes from Ford’s 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, calibrated for heavy-duty emissions and long service life.
“This drivetrain will be delivered with EU6.2 compliance for global markets, meaning the Ranger Super Duty is ready to work for years to come,” says Dave Burn, chief program engineer at Ford Australia.
The vehicle also offers customers the option to delay the automatic diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration and manually initiate the clean at a time that suits.
“While a DPF is part of the emissions management system, being able to delay and then manually initiate a DPF clean will be a useful feature for those customers who operate in a high fire-risk environment,” says Burn.
These features are relevant for operators working in remote infrastructure or construction projects, where access tracks, fire risk and isolation are part of the job.
High-mounted breathers for the transmission, transfer case and fuel system support extended water wading. Equipped with Ford’s four-wheel drive system, the Ranger Super Duty comes with 4A (Automatic 4WD) as the permanent setting to ensure the vehicle always delivers the maximum amount of torque to provide enhanced traction and control on both high and low grip surfaces and under load.
“Extensive testing in controlled and real-world situations proved the Ranger Super Duty has the capability needed for all manner of user from emergency services to farmers and recreational off-roaders. The Ranger Super Duty’s two-speed transfer case features larger, stronger components than other Ranger variants for enhanced durability,” says Burn.
“To ensure this truck can handle life in low-range in extreme terrain, the low-range gearset has been upgraded to match the F-Series Super Duty.”
Selectable drive modes – including tow/haul, mud/ruts and rock crawl – adjust throttle response, transmission behaviour and traction control for different conditions.
Ready to go further
The standard 130-litre long-range fuel tank and high-strength steel bash plates reflect the truck’s off-road intent. Underbody protection covers the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank to support operation in rough terrain.
“With enhanced capability and developed for hard work, we know the Ranger Super Duty will be pushed to the limits on some of the toughest terrain on the planet,” says Burn. “That’s why we made sure the underneath had high‑strength protection.”
The vehicle runs on a thicker frame with reinforced suspension mounts and eight-stud hubs, contributing to its 4,500kg gross vehicle mass rating. A heavy-duty rear axle, strengthened differential and upgraded driveshafts support increased payload and towing capacity. Integrated mounting points simplify upfitting with tool storage, service bodies or ladder racks commonly used in construction.
“These enhancements are key to the Ranger Super Duty being able to carry and tow bigger loads than any other factory-built mid-size pickup,” says Burn. “These larger, stronger components improve vehicle durability and reliability, which is something we know our customers will appreciate.”
Smarter towing
Designed for serious towing, the Ranger Super Duty includes a recalibrated integrated trailer brake controller and Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist. A yaw rate sensor allows the system to automatically manage trailer angle for easier setup.
“Using a yaw rate sensor to guide Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes for faster set up and running of the system, which we felt was important given the Ranger Super Duty is all about work,” says Burn. “Able to store up to 10 trailers and only requiring calibration once per trailer, Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes manoeuvring heavy trailers much easier.”
Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales debut on the Ranger Super Duty. Smart Hitch helps users balance towball weight, while Onboard Scales use suspension-mounted sensors to estimate payload in real time, viewable via the SYNC screen.
“The capability of the Ranger Super Duty is unmatched in the mid-sized truck segment,” says Burn. “It really is the sum of all its parts and we’re confident that whether your job is extreme or you’re an adventurer who likes to go a long way off the beaten track, the Ranger Super Duty will get you there and back again.”
Ordering for the Ranger Super Duty in Australia and New Zealand opens later this year, with first deliveries expected in 2026. Global Fleet Sales and other market details will follow. More information is available on ford.com.au
The post Ford brings first-ever Ranger Super Duty to Australia appeared first on Inside Construction.
View Source
Comments
Post a Comment