New Light & Medium Duty News

[Bob Rosadini]

Guys,

Back to the Ford with snorkel, check You Tube..

Ch1-Chicago Fire Dept & the Snorkel (circ 1965)

 

All about the Chicago chief who started the use of "snorkels."  You will see several shots of F models with snorkels and for sure one clearly shows an F-model "Super Duty"-850 or 950...also a lot of others.

Interesting this chief borrowed a bucket truck from a tree outfit and experimented with it with a hose in the bucket.  That was the start.

 

Safe to say, looks like telescopic ladders have taken place of "snorkels" as we know  them?????

[Joe771476]

On 7/26/2025 at 10:23 AM, Bob Rosadini said:

Guys,

Back to the Ford with snorkel, check You Tube..

Ch1-Chicago Fire Dept & the Snorkel (circ 1965)

 

All about the Chicago chief who started the use of "snorkels."  You will see several shots of F models with snorkels and for sure one clearly shows an F-model "Super Duty"-850 or 950...also a lot of others.

Interesting this chief borrowed a bucket truck from a tree outfit and experimented with it with a hose in the bucket.  That was the start.

 

Safe to say, looks like telescopic ladders have taken place of "snorkels" as we know  them?????

Wow Bob, you stole my thunder!  I just saw a couple youtube videos and I ws going to post them. Those trucks look bigger than that first one I sent.

[Joe771476]

(902) Chicago Fire Dept. 1965 - YouTube

[Joe771476]

I can't find the article in the paper, probably because it's a small local paper. I did find the minutes of the meeting in the town's website, but it wasn't that informative.

 

But it's quite refreshing to see the leaders of a municipality performing due diligence when it comes to major purchases and saving the taxpayer money in the process. The leaders of Marlborough CT weighed the pros and cons of a new Ford F550 plow/salter truck vs. a larger used truck, or larger new truck for double the price. They considered the advantage of maneuverability vs. the only real drawback, that being the F550 would have to make more trips to the yard, which they apparently -- and rightly so I believe -- felt was not that big an issue.  As we know, many other municipalities are doing the same.

 

 

[Bob Rosadini]

On 8/1/2025 at 4:17 PM, Joe771476 said:

 

I can't find the article in the paper, probably because it's a small local paper. I did find the minutes of the meeting in the town's website, but it wasn't that informative.

 

But it's quite refreshing to see the leaders of a municipality performing due diligence when it comes to major purchases and saving the taxpayer money in the process. The leaders of Marlborough CT weighed the pros and cons of a new Ford F550 plow/salter truck vs. a larger used truck, or larger new truck for double the price. They considered the advantage of maneuverability vs. the only real drawback, that being the F550 would have to make more trips to the yard, which they apparently -- and rightly so I believe -- felt was not that big an issue.  As we know, many other municipalities are doing the same.

 

On 8/1/2025 at 4:17 PM, Joe771476 said:

 

I can't find the article in the paper, probably because it's a small local paper. I did find the minutes of the meeting in the town's website, but it wasn't that informative.

 

But it's quite refreshing to see the leaders of a municipality performing due diligence when it comes to major purchases and saving the taxpayer money in the process. The leaders of Marlborough CT weighed the pros and cons of a new Ford F550 plow/salter truck vs. a larger used truck, or larger new truck for double the price. They considered the advantage of maneuverability vs. the only real drawback, that being the F550 would have to make more trips to the yard, which they apparently -- and rightly so I believe -- felt was not that big an issue.  As we know, many other municipalities are doing the same.

 

 

For sure, but I would think an F-600 would be a better choice..22,000 GVW versus a 19,500 F-550.  And I think the difference between the two is spring and tire ratings??

 

[twintornados]

4 hours ago, Bob Rosadini said:

For sure, but I would think an F-600 would be a better choice..22,000 GVW versus a 19,500 F-550.  And I think the difference between the two is spring and tire ratings??

 

Without looking for myself, I don't think F-600 is available as a 4x4, but F-550 is?

[fordmantpw]

16 hours ago, twintornados said:

 

Without looking for myself, I don't think F-600 is available as a 4x4, but F-550 is?

 

F-600 is available in 4x4.  Quite a few RV manufacturers are using the 4x4 F-600 as basis for Super C's.

[Joe771476]

I don't see separate threads for various models anymore like Escape, Expedition etc.  Anyway, check this out. I remember reading about this back when it happened.

 

(861) One Car Kills Twenty: The Schoharie Limousine Crash | Fascinating Horror - YouTube

[rmc523]

2 hours ago, Joe771476 said:

I don't see separate threads for various models anymore like Escape, Expedition etc.  Anyway, check this out. I remember reading about this back when it happened.

 

(861) One Car Kills Twenty: The Schoharie Limousine Crash | Fascinating Horror - YouTube

 

You mean these?

 

Ford Product Discussion Forums - Blue Oval Forums

[Joe771476]

2 hours ago, rmc523 said:

 

You mean these?

 

Ford Product Discussion Forums - Blue Oval Forums

Yeah. For some reason when I typed in Blueovalnews in my browser, I wasn't getting the home page. Thanks.

[Joe771476]

I would have posted this in the Transit thread, but the last post was in June. So anyway, I'm posting this good news for Ford here.

 

Sprinter vs. Transit vs. ProMaster: The Campervan Chassis Debate | GearJunkie

[7Mary3]

Interesting:

 

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/tata-motors-buy-italys-iveco-after-defence-unit-disposal-2025-07-30/ 

 

 

[Bob Rosadini]

7 hours ago, 7Mary3 said:

Interesting:

 

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/tata-motors-buy-italys-iveco-after-defence-unit-disposal-2025-07-30/ 

 

 

Wonder what this means as far as Fiat Powertrain or whatever they call the engine business.  And what does this mean to Ford Otosan??

[7Mary3]

1 hour ago, Bob Rosadini said:

Wonder what this means as far as Fiat Powertrain or whatever they call the engine business.  And what does this mean to Ford Otosan??

 

FPT is included in the deal.  As far as Otosan is concerned who knows at this point, but I am sure Tata would be interested in it as well.  It's a good fit for them.

 

Pretty eventful year with the Daimler Truck/Hino deal.

[Joe771476]

On 8/21/2025 at 8:52 PM, Bob Rosadini said:

Wonder what this means as far as Fiat Powertrain or whatever they call the engine business.  And what does this mean to Ford Otosan??

Yeah I never got around to posting that Iveco deal a few weeks ago. Thanks 7M. I wish Farley/Ford had bought Iveco for $4 billion instead of going full tilt into the EV biz for $5-plus billion! How many points did I lose with that remark??!!!

[7Mary3]

On 8/23/2025 at 6:13 AM, Joe771476 said:

Yeah I never got around to posting that Iveco deal a few weeks ago. Thanks 7M. I wish Farley/Ford had bought Iveco for $4 billion instead of going full tilt into the EV biz for $5-plus billion! How many points did I lose with that remark??!!!

 

Sure, it would be 'neat' for Ford to return to big commercial trucks, such a move makes almost no financial sense.  Iveco is not a great fit into Ford, as Iveco has no presence in North America whatsoever.  The only thing Ford could possibly get out of the deal that is relevant is the Daily van, which I think is better than the Transit.   

[Bob Rosadini]

20 hours ago, 7Mary3 said:

 

Sure, it would be 'neat' for Ford to return to big commercial trucks, such a move makes almost no financial sense.  Iveco is not a great fit into Ford, as Iveco has no presence in North America whatsoever.  The only thing Ford could possibly get out of the deal that is relevant is the Daily van, which I think is better than the Transit.   

Not a chance in this day and age as far as class 8 goes. But class 6 and 7, I still say could do well-at least a lot better than they do now. On a cost basis, the 650/750 remains a low cost alternative as I've said before, where the truck is not the primary source of revenue for the business but is needed to SUPPORT the primary business as needed.

 

Case in point I have two friends that are competitors in the dump truck business.  One concentrates on supporting the paving/ aggregate production customers, the other does that as well but does a lot of work for utilities.  On those jobs, his trucks sit on a job site all day to either accept spoil from an excavation or remain on site with say bedding or backfill material that goes back in the excavation.  All hourly work without pounding his equipment running mileage all day.  Which operation do you think makes the most money??

 

I won't say another word about air brakes on a gas powered 650/750 😎

Then again another dealer in my area spent a lot of money on an exclusive commercial truck service buildings.   14' overhead doors with appropriate ceiling heights.  Can't imagine this big dealer would spend that kind of money without some knowledge/assurance that they will need that kind of capability in the future.

[7Mary3]

6 hours ago, Bob Rosadini said:

Then again another dealer in my area spent a lot of money on an exclusive commercial truck service buildings.   14' overhead doors with appropriate ceiling heights.  Can't imagine this big dealer would spend that kind of money without some knowledge/assurance that they will need that kind of capability in the future.

 

That's an interesting point for a couple of reasons.  First, 14' overhead doors and ceiling heights to accommodate high profile vehicles are not only necessary for typical medium duty commercial trucks, they are also required for high-roof Transits, motorhomes, and step-vans, which are vehicles we know Ford is fully committed to.  The second point to consider is that this requirement for 'Ford Pro' dealers underscores how Ford's once extensive commercial truck dealer network is long gone.  Most all of the former Ford heavy trucks dealers went to Sterling more than 25 years ago, and the few that survived to the present day are selling Freightliners.  There seems to be very few Ford Truck legacy dealers that are around today as Ford Pro dealers.     

[Joe771476]

On 8/24/2025 at 12:29 PM, 7Mary3 said:

 

Sure, it would be 'neat' for Ford to return to big commercial trucks, such a move makes almost no financial sense.  Iveco is not a great fit into Ford, as Iveco has no presence in North America whatsoever.  The only thing Ford could possibly get out of the deal that is relevant is the Daily van, which I think is better than the Transit.   

I was thinking a Ford/Otosan and Iveco deal which would give Daimler/Mercedes, Volvo, Man and Traton/VW et al a run for their money! 

[Bob Rosadini]

18 hours ago, 7Mary3 said:

 

That's an interesting point for a couple of reasons.  First, 14' overhead doors and ceiling heights to accommodate high profile vehicles are not only necessary for typical medium duty commercial trucks, they are also required for high-roof Transits, motorhomes, and step-vans, which are vehicles we know Ford is fully committed to.  The second point to consider is that this requirement for 'Ford Pro' dealers underscores how Ford's once extensive commercial truck dealer network is long gone.  Most all of the former Ford heavy trucks dealers went to Sterling more than 25 years ago, and the few that survived to the present day are selling Freightliners.  There seems to be very few Ford Truck legacy dealers that are around today as Ford Pro dealers.     

Well I went to the Ford website and using my zip code did a search for "Commercial Dealers"...there is no choice for "Pro"-only "Commercial".  10 came up and of the 10 one was a Class 8 dealer in the "old days".  That dealer started as a Pete dealer  then was sold and it became a Ford dealer until the end.  It now handles International and Fords at that location.

 

We are 27 years out since Ford pulled the plug, so how many old guys-like me- with a memory from those days are around.  It is a new market.

I still say Ford could continue in that market for class 6 and 7 with very few costly spec additions.  I guess though that Bill Ford will have to intervene for that to happen because Farley doesn't see the potential and would rather spend huge dollars on Formula 1, IMSA, and the Dakar rally.🤔 

[Sherminator98]

55 minutes ago, Bob Rosadini said:

I still say Ford could continue in that market for class 6 and 7 with very few costly spec additions.  I guess though that Bill Ford will have to intervene for that to happen because Farley doesn't see the potential and would rather spend huge dollars on Formula 1, IMSA, and the Dakar rally.🤔 

Im sure Ford sees more return on racing than selling trucks that the general public basically ignores or hates because they are fucking up traffic in some form. 
 

Just because they did that 40-50 years ago doesn’t mean it’s profitable anymore today. 

[7Mary3]

It is kind of silly Ford can't figure out how to get air brakes on gas powered 650's and 750's, particularly after they made it clear they were at one time intending to do so.  Even showed pictures of a 7.3L 'Godzilla' with a BW compressor mounted on it.  I am thinking Ford figured out the vast majority of 650/750 trucks sold are 'non-CDL', so maybe the demand really isn't there.  In many states, even if the truck is under 26,001 #'s GVW if it has air brakes the driver is still required to have a CDL to operate it or at least an endorsement. 

 

I would like to see Ford put the current aluminum Super Duty cab on the 650 and 750 with a restyled hood.

 

Funny GM and International have done next to nothing to the Silverado medium duty/CV series of trucks since they were introduced back in 2018.  There was a lot of talk about those trucks getting air brakes, 22.5" wheels, and gas engine options, but as of yet those trucks are the same as they were when introduced.  The Isuzu-sourced LCF line however has received a lot of attention. 

[Bob Rosadini]

10 hours ago, Sherminator98 said:

Im sure Ford sees more return on racing than selling trucks that the general public basically ignores or hates because they are fucking up traffic in some form. 
 

Just because they did that 40-50 years ago doesn’t mean it’s profitable anymore today. 

Hmnn?  I assume you mean that....."more return on racing" is associated with increased sales because of the publicity/coverage that racing gets?..the old "race on Sunday, sell on Monday"?  I think when you look at what these racing programs cost, at best it is a break even. In particular when you look beyond Nascar.  Ask 10 random people who the leading Formula 1 driver is and I'll bet you don't even get a name.  Cart.."Alex Rossi"?  "Isn't he that chef on H & G TV"?

 

As for everyone "ignores or hates trucks because they are fucking up traffic" my guess is most people recognize trucks are a fact of life.

Oh and  I do watch Nascar and IMSA because there are Fords running.  Nascar  "Ford" trucks without Ford engines?  Not so much.

[twintornados]

Always remember, Jac "The Knife" Nasser sold off the Heavy Truck division not because it was losing money (it wasn't)...just that it was not making enough money to satisfy his desire to dominate the market. He said (paraphrasing) "I can make more money if I put the $$ spent on class 8 in a bank and let it draw interest."

[Bob Rosadini]

3 hours ago, twintornados said:

Always remember, Jac "The Knife" Nasser sold off the Heavy Truck division not because it was losing money (it wasn't)...just that it was not making enough money to satisfy his desire to dominate the market. He said (paraphrasing) "I can make more money if I put the $$ spent on class 8 in a bank and let it draw interest."

True about Jac.  Also remember he bought a bunch of "salvage  yards" aka junk yards, and the rationale was they could study vehicles to analyze "parts failures", or words to that effect...actually said that to a Boston Globe reporter.

 

As for his comment on making more money on interest, I assume  that statement was based on the significant dollars spent for the new HN-80 trucks-

"how to lie with numbers".