FOR THE FIRST TIME since selling its heavy truck division, Ford Motor Company offers a low cab forward commercial truck. The new Ford LCF will go into production early in 2005 as part of the 2006 model year product line. The trucks are intended for Class 4 and Class 5 applications with weight ratings of 16,000, 17,999, and 19,500 lb. Ford says the demand for Class 4 and Class 5 low cab forward trucks has grown by more than 50% in the past 10 years.
Trucks in all three weight ratings will use the same 73.2-in cab mounted ahead of the front axle, which can be specified with 6,000 or 7,000 lb capacity. A single drive rear axle is available with weight ratings of 11,000 or 13,500 lb. Trucks are built with five discrete wheelbase dimensions ranging from 113 to 185 inches.
At the heart of the new trucks is a 4.5-liter V-6 diesel engine that produces 200 horsepower and 440 lb ft torque. The Power Stroke 4.5 engine drives through a Ford TorqShift five-speed electronic automatic transmission. Purchasers have three choices for fuel tank capacity and location. The standard tank holds 40 gal and mounts between the frame rails aft of the rear axle. Other choices include a side-mounted 35-gal tank or two side-mounted tanks with a total capacity of 70 gal.
The new Ford LCF was developed as part of the Blue Diamond joint venture with International Truck and Engine Corporation. The trucks will be assembled at the International manufacturing plant in Escobedo, Mexico.
