Trucks for Ag work?
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Trucks for Ag work?
Hey y'all.
So here's what I've got going. Some time this fall, I'm going to be starting into work somewhere in the Rockies (Montana or Wyoming, most likely), and once I get some good (read "steady") money coming I'm going to be looking for a new(er) truck. Since I'm going to be in ranching/farming, I'm wanting a truck that will pull bigger trailers than my '95 F150, but I'm not sure how much bigger. So my question comes down to this:
Will an F250 or F350 serve me better?
I lean toward the 350, just because cattle and horses are heavy, and I may have to move several at a time. But on the other hand, do the extra registration/ maintenance costs of a one ton offset the chance that it may be more useful at some point?
And in that same direction, will the cost of maintenance and hassle in the cold with a diesel(likely a 6.0 or early 6.4. Possibly a 6.7) be made worth it because of better torque, or would a 6.8 gasser be better overall?
Anyone in the Ag business, I'd be more than happy to hear your experience in these areas.
--TK
So here's what I've got going. Some time this fall, I'm going to be starting into work somewhere in the Rockies (Montana or Wyoming, most likely), and once I get some good (read "steady") money coming I'm going to be looking for a new(er) truck. Since I'm going to be in ranching/farming, I'm wanting a truck that will pull bigger trailers than my '95 F150, but I'm not sure how much bigger. So my question comes down to this:
Will an F250 or F350 serve me better?
I lean toward the 350, just because cattle and horses are heavy, and I may have to move several at a time. But on the other hand, do the extra registration/ maintenance costs of a one ton offset the chance that it may be more useful at some point?
And in that same direction, will the cost of maintenance and hassle in the cold with a diesel(likely a 6.0 or early 6.4. Possibly a 6.7) be made worth it because of better torque, or would a 6.8 gasser be better overall?
Anyone in the Ag business, I'd be more than happy to hear your experience in these areas.
--TK
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,946
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From: in the woods of MA
My info may not apply to the newest trucks, but traditionally the only difference between the 250 and the 350 was stiffer springs and a couple more inches of ride height in the 350. So the 350 should handle some additional tongue weight, but other than that there's not much difference.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,824
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From: Boise
I have lots of SD experience, I would not ever touch the 6.4, and there's a .01% I would buy a 6.0 again. I would get a 6.7 if I needed diesel. My recent personal choice is to drive gas anymore, and it has been a wonderful experience. Something in the 06-'10 range in the V10 would be a sweet, reliable, lower cost truck. I'm a big fan of the current 6.2 motor.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 23
The guys with cattle around here that I'm aware of use 350's and up. Mostly only diesels.
I haul a three horse bumper pull pushing 9k with three rope horses in it with my 6.2 gaspot 350. I haul 3-4 times a week with no problem. Mileage is a bit nasty though but I don't keep very close track of it, just what the 'puter tells me.
I haul a three horse bumper pull pushing 9k with three rope horses in it with my 6.2 gaspot 350. I haul 3-4 times a week with no problem. Mileage is a bit nasty though but I don't keep very close track of it, just what the 'puter tells me.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,495
Likes: 7
From: Not as far west as I want
If you're going to be a hired hand some where, I'd hope they'd provide you with a pickup. Unless they offer an allowance or other compensation.
That being said, I'd go with with an F250 or an F350. I'd go with a 6.2 gas, a 6.8 gas or a 6.0 that's been worked over. I'd avoid a 6.4.
That being said, I'd go with with an F250 or an F350. I'd go with a 6.2 gas, a 6.8 gas or a 6.0 that's been worked over. I'd avoid a 6.4.
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