I'm looking to purchase a new cab-forward landscape truck next month. Does anyone have any experience with this new truck and engine? I've always been a Ford man but I'm a little concerned over this new little-known engine (remembering an '03 6.0L). Any pros or cons about this truck would be greatly appreciated, seeing how they're almost as expensive as my F-250. Isuzu, Fuso, etc. owners also let me hear from you. Thanks all.

 

we got a new one at work. pretty neat little truck. its got about 1,000 miles so far. really puts the izuzi piece of crap we had before to shame. it has a nice a/c system and gets about 15 mpg . the 4.5 is a little loud from the outside but the good insuation inside keeps it minimal.

 

Thanks 390. I swear, it seems like every time I have a question, you've got some kind of experience in the matter. You are definitely some kind of Ford guru.

I've got about a month until I make my final decision, so if you've got any other input, please give me a yell. I will admit, I've had several people tell me they really dislike the Isuzu. Sort of surprised me. Thanks.

 

the Isuzu left more workers on the side of the the road than i could count. the ford LCF was my idea. so if it turns out to be a lemon i will hear about it first LOL. the LCF does 0-60 in 17 seconds (i couldn't wait to try it) not to bad for a big truck

 

I just bought one. I pick it up Wednesday. I hope it isn't a white elephant. I never owned a cab over, so I don't have much to compare it to. I got a 12' Landscaper body. I did think it was loud when I test drove it too.

Jody

 

Please let me know how you like it. It will be at least two weeks before I make any decision. Would love to hear your input.

I talked with a guy today I saw at John Deere Landscapes driving an Isuzu (gas) landscape truck and he said it was one of the best investments he ever made for his business. Without any test drives yet, I really like the Ford best.

 

Well, I have had it for 1 day so far. Just cruised around town. no hauling yet. my observations so far are.
1. the gas to brake pedal action takes a little getting used to. you have to lift up your leg to hit the brake pedal as it is set a little farther back than the gas pedal. no biggie though.
2 the truck is bouncy. not sure if this is how all cab overs are or if it is because of the short wheel base. 113" . probably will be better with a load in it.
3. Truck is peppy. no problems with acceleration.
4. the tech at ford said the engine is built in conjunction with International, and they have a stricter set of tolerances they follow so the engine SHOULD be even better than the v-8 powerstroke.
5. didn't come with a pigtail to hook up a trailer brake actuator. they are looking into it for me.
that is it so far.

Jody

 

Thanks for the update. Our International dealership has one, also. It, of course, is the International nameplated one. I'm really surprised at number 5. The only one I looked at up close had a class IV hitch. You'd think it would have typical "tow package" options.

 

we have 14 of them now. im an electrical contractor and i love them. were getting on the average about 15mpg i like driving this for work better than my F450 love the room in the cab and the manuveability.

 

mine has the class IV hitch and a 6 flat pin plug. I would assume it has the plug under the dash. maybe I just have to buy the pigtail separate. I am waiting to hear back from the dealer. I hope I dont have to figure out how to wire it myself!

 

ours have the cls 5 on them with a 7 on the back and the plug was under the dash

 

Actually I just looked at mine it says class BH8. what the hell is that.
it is a combination pintle.

My truck is the lcf45 and gvw 16000. according to ford fleets site it says the gross trailer cap is 6000lbs. isn't that light for a truck like this?

I guess mine is 7 pin too. It has the 6 flat pins in a circle plus the middle one.
for some reason it looked different than my f-350. but I was wrong.


There is a sticker on the rear of the truck that says 16000 gross trailer weight, and 3000 vertical weight.
so, how much can I tow legally. the body of the truck weighs +/-2000 lbs?

 

Towing capacity is vehicals actual wieght minus the gcwr. so if your running down the road at 10k you can tow 12k. we commonly tow up to 10k with our rigs. there are only a couple of our trucks that we run close the the grvw on and thoose are our mechanics trucks and they usually dont need to tow and if they do its usually just a 5000lb generator or compressors. i think the LCF without a body wieghs around 8k but i dont have the exact numbers on me. i have the 168" with a utility body and 40' altec boom and im about 13k all loaded up with gear.

 

After some thought, I think I would buy the International. You want the support of a truck dealer- someone who knows the engine and deals primairly with medium duty trucks. Unless you Ford dealer is an exception, my bet is that the International dealer is going to have the capacity to provide better support.

-Mike

 

Ford dealers have to get their mechanics certified to work on the LCF trucks before they can sell them. they go through some sort of training. not to discount the fact that International mechanics probably have more experience with this type of truck. probably depends on the individual mechanic.