Ford unveils 2018 F-650, F-750 with improved handling, braking

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Updated May 12, 2017
2018 F-7502018 F-750

Ford is updating its largest trucks for improved performance and serviceability for the 2018 model year, including adding electronic stability control and traction control 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 tow trucks, road service vehicles and other truck applications with high electrical demands, a high-output 240-amp alternator is now available with the 6.8-liter V10 gasoline powertrain. 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 potential hood wear and front-end collision damage, moves the full-width front bumper from flush with the grille to three inches in front of it and 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 transmission 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.

2018 F-6502018 F-650

For 2018, Ford will offer an optional automatic regeneration inhibitor 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 expected in the fall.

Holdovers from 2017, both engines—a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine and a 6.8L 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 (PTO) provision features an output gear linked directly to the diesel engine crankshaft for 300 lbs.-ft. of stationary torque and 200 lbs.-ft. of mobile torque. For the gasoline powertrain, the optional PTO’s stationary and mobile mode deliver 250 lsb.-ft. and 125 lbs.-ft. of torque, respectively.

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The transmission’s SelectShift feature 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 minimize brake wear.