The Ford F-650 Super Duty: A Medium-Duty Truck That's All Business
January 13, 2026 - 8:53:15 am

In the world of commercial trucking, there is a "sweet spot" that many businesses struggle to fill. You need more capability than a standard one-ton pickup can offer, but a massive Class 8 tractor is overkill (and requires a CDL that limits your driver pool). You need a truck that balances heavy-duty strength with the ease of operation of a daily driver.

You need the Ford F-650 Super Duty.

Dominating the Class 6 market, the F-650 is the gold standard for medium-duty trucks. It is the truck of choice for towing companies, beverage distributors, municipalities, and construction firms across the region. Unlike its competitors, which rely on a patchwork of third-party engines and transmissions, the F-650 is built entirely by Ford. This means the engine, transmission, and chassis are engineered to work together seamlessly.

At Wallwork Truck Center, we help fleet managers spec these trucks every day. Here is a detailed review of why the Ford 650 Super Duty is the ultimate business partner.

Power of Choice: Gas or Diesel?

One of the F-650’s greatest advantages is the choice of two distinct, Ford-built powertrains. Depending on your routes and payload, you can optimize your fleet for fuel economy or raw towing power.

The 7.3L V8 Gas Engine: The Cost-Effective Workhorse

The F-650 is the only truck in its class to offer a gas engine, and it’s a game-changer. The 7.3L V8 is the largest gas V8 in the class, designed specifically for commercial duty.

• Performance: It delivers 335 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of low-end grunt to get heavy loads moving.
• Lower Maintenance: With no turbocharger, no DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), and no DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) fluid to manage, the gas engine offers a lower cost of ownership and simpler maintenance.
• Ideal Application: This is the perfect choice for short-haul delivery vans, landscape trucks, or municipalities where trucks may sit idle or drive short distances that don't allow a diesel engine to reach optimal operating temperature.

The 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel: The Heavy Hauler

For maximum towing capacity and high-mileage durability, the 6.7L Power Stroke® is legendary.

• B10 Life: This engine features a unique "B10" design life of 500,000 miles, meaning 90% of these engines are expected to go half a million miles without a major overhaul.
• Power Ratings: You can select the power output that matches your job, with ratings ranging from 270 horsepower / 800 lb-ft of torque up to a massive 330 horsepower / 850 lb-ft of torque.
• Smart Regen: The diesel F-650 features Operator-Commanded Regeneration, allowing you to burn off soot in the DPF while the truck is parked, preventing the truck from entering "limp mode" during a critical job.

The Transmission: Smooth Shifting, Heavy Lifting

A great engine needs a great transmission. Ford pairs its engines with the heavy-duty TorqShift® Automatic Transmissions designed specifically for the medium-duty segment.

• Diesel Precision (10-Speed): The diesel F-650 comes equipped with the TorqShift® HD 10-Speed Automatic. The tight gear ratios allow the engine to stay in its peak power band, improving fuel efficiency and towing performance on steep grades.
• Gas Durability (6-Speed): The gas models utilize the proven TorqShift® HD 6-Speed Automatic, a transmission known for its bulletproof reliability and double-overdrive gears for highway cruising.
• Live-Drive PTO: Both transmissions feature Ford's Live-Drive Power Take-Off (PTO) provision. This allows you to power auxiliary equipment (like salt spreaders, dump bodies, or cranes) directly from the transmission, even while the truck is moving—a massive productivity booster for vocational applications.

Chassis and Upfitting: Ready for Anything

The Ford 650 Super Duty is sold as a chassis cab, meaning it is a blank canvas ready for your specific body. Ford has engineered the frame to make upfitting easy and cost-effective.

• Clean Frame Rails: The fuel tanks, battery boxes, and DEF tanks are positioned neatly under the cab, leaving the frame rails behind the cab clean and clear. This saves your upfitter time and saves you money when installing a custom body.
• Massive GVWR: The F-650 is a true Class 6 truck. Depending on the configuration (Pro Loader vs. Straight Frame), you can spec a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) up to 29,000 lbs (checking specific model years and axle ratings). This allows for substantial payloads without stepping up to a Class 7 or 8 price tag.
• Pro Loader® vs. Straight Frame:
• Pro Loader: Features a lower chassis height (using 19.5-inch wheels), making it perfect for delivery trucks where drivers are loading and unloading by hand.
• Straight Frame: Features a higher stance (using 22.5-inch wheels) for maximum ground clearance and heavy towing, ideal for dump trucks and construction.

Driver Comfort: An Office You Want to Work In

Commercial drivers spend 8 to 12 hours a day in the cab. The F-650 uses the same aluminum alloy cab as the Super Duty pickup trucks (F-250 through F-550). This offers several distinct advantages:

• Familiarity: If your drivers are used to driving pickups, they will feel instantly at home in the F-650. The controls, sightlines, and ergonomics are identical.
• Quietness: Ford’s "Active Noise Control" and triple-sealed doors make the cabin incredibly quiet, reducing driver fatigue.
• Technology: With available Ford Telematics™ and the standard modem, fleet managers can track GPS location, fuel usage, and vehicle health alerts in real-time, helping you optimize your business operations.

Build Your Fleet at Wallwork Truck Center

The Ford 650 Super Duty is a serious investment for serious businesses. It bridges the gap between light-duty ease and heavy-duty power. But to get the most out of this truck, it needs to be spec’d correctly for your specific job.

At Wallwork Truck Center, our commercial sales team understands the nuances of axle ratios, PTO provisions, and GVWR limits. We work directly with you to ensure the truck you buy is the truck that will make you the most money.

Ready to put the F-650 to work? Visit Wallwork Truck Center today to view our inventory or speak with a commercial truck specialist about custom ordering your next chassis.