
- A prototype of the Ford Ranger Super Duty took on extreme mud-loading tests in Australia.
- After layering on 600 kg (1,323 pounds) of dried mud, the truck still hauled over a ton of weight.
- The test simulates worst-case off-road conditions common in mining sites and heavy-duty trails.
Getting filthy might not be everyone’s idea of rigorous engineering, but for Ford Australia’s team, it’s just another day on the proving ground. In their latest round of development testing, the Ranger Super Duty was subjected to some of the messiest conditions imaginable, all in the name of durability.
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The goal was simple: cover the truck in as much mud as possible and see how it performs when loaded down with thick, sticky clay.
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The pre-production prototype took on a specially designed course at Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria. This test route included deep ruts, waterlogged bog holes, and patches of heavy clay that clung to every surface. After several days of back-and-forth laps, which allowed each new layer of mud to dry between runs, the team weighed the truck and discovered it was hauling an extra 600 kg (1,323 pounds) of dried mud.
Mud, Weight, and a Brahman Steer
To push things even further, the engineers decided to test the Ranger Super Duty’s hauling capabilities with the full weight of the mud still on board. Even while coated in thick layers of clay, obscuring critical components and adding considerable weight, the truck was tasked with pulling the equivalent mass of an adult Brahman steer, which weighs anywhere from 800 to 1,100 kg (1,764 to 2,425 pounds).
Rob Hugo, product excellence and human factors supervisor at Ford Australia, explained the point of the test: “Mud is one of a truck’s greatest enemies. It can add significant weight, prevent airflow, and act as an insulator, causing components to heat up much quicker. It’s highly corrosive and can clog up fans and alternators, preventing them from running correctly.”
Ford Australia
Ford insists that this wasn’t a publicity stunt, and notably, no viral video of the aftermath was released. Instead, the test reflects what trucks may face in the harsh conditions of remote mining sites, where heavy mud buildup is common, and vehicles need to perform reliably despite being choked in debris. In reality, not many people would put their Ranger under so much strain, but it is good to know that the Super Duty can handle it.
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Built to Work, Not Pose
Earlier in its development, the truck also endured an autonomous torture on a test track with 300 uniquely shaped bumps, simulating years of harsh driving.
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The Ford Ranger Super Duty is the most capable version of the midsize truck designed for professional use. It features unique styling touches, a reinforced chassis, front and rear differential locks, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. Furthermore, a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel allows it to tow up to 4,500 kg (9,921 pounds).
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Deliveries are set to begin in Australia in 2026. For now, there are no plans to bring this heavy-duty variant to North America.
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