Ford's Ranger Super Duty undergoes a grueling 600kg mud pack testing to reinforce its off-road capability and showcase this truck's durability and resilience
Ford's New Ranger Super Duty Thrives in Extreme Mud Tests
Ford Australia has put its upcoming Ranger Super Duty to the ultimate test, subjecting the truck to a challenging mud track at the company's You Yangs Proving Ground. The purpose-built mud bath was designed to simulate demanding off-road conditions, and the Ranger Super Duty emerged triumphant after several days of rigorous testing.
Rob Hugo, the product excellence and human factors supervisor at Ford Australia, oversaw the extreme durability testing of the new Ranger Super Duty. Hugo developed and conducted mud-pack tests to identify and address weaknesses caused by mud accumulation on the truck's performance and components.
The mud track featured a variety of terrain, including deep ruts, bog holes, and long, open sections of thick, sticky clay. The Ranger Super Duty became caked with 600kg of mud during the test, but it continued to perform admirably. Mud is considered one of a truck's greatest enemies due to its ability to add significant weight, prevent airflow, act as an insulator, cause components to heat up, and clog up fans and alternators. It can also be highly corrosive and cause damage to a truck's components.
Despite these challenges, the Ranger Super Duty demonstrated its robustness and durability. The cab-chassis versions of the Ranger Super Duty will be available first in Australia, with wellside models coming in late-2026. The price for a double-cab chassis with a top-specification steel tray in Australia is expected to be close to $100,000. Ford Australia has announced a starting price of $82,990 for the Ranger Super Duty in Australia, for a basic cab-chassis.
As of the current news, Ford New Zealand has not disclosed pricing and final specifications for the Ranger Super Duty. The new Ranger Super Duty is scheduled to launch in 2026, and it is expected to be a formidable force in the Australian off-road market.
In conclusion, the Ranger Super Duty has proven its mettle in the mud, and it is poised to become an unstoppable force in the Australian off-road scene. Stay tuned for more updates on the Ranger Super Duty's launch and availability.
