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The Ford F-700 and Its Capabilities
The Ford F-700 was part of Ford’s medium-duty truck lineup during the 1980s, designed for vocational use in construction, agriculture, and municipal fleets. Built on a robust chassis with a single rear axle, the 1985 model typically featured a gasoline or diesel engine paired with electric-over-hydraulic brakes. Its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) was approximately 29,000 pounds, placing it in the Class 7 category. Ford’s medium-duty trucks were widely adopted across North America, with tens of thousands sold annually during their peak years. The F-700 was known for its simplicity and durability, but it was never intended to haul extreme loads without proper configuration.
Understanding Towing Limits and Legal Constraints
Towing a Komatsu PC120 excavator, which weighs approximately 26,400 to 28,000 pounds depending on configuration and attachments, presents a challenge. When paired with a trailer weighing at least 7,000 pounds empty, the combined weight exceeds 33,000 pounds, far beyond the F-700’s GVWR. This raises several concerns:
Terminology Notes
The Komatsu PC120 is labeled as a “120” series, indicating 12 metric tons, not 12 short tons. With attachments like a thumb, swamp tracks, fuel, and tools, the actual working weight can reach 28,000 pounds or more. Adding a trailer and truck weight pushes the total well beyond legal limits for a single-axle truck.
For comparison:
Operators considering hauling heavy equipment should explore:
Legal Considerations and Enforcement Trends
In many U.S. states, interstate highways limit gross weight to 80,000 pounds on five axles, while some state roads allow up to 84,000 pounds. However, electric brake trailers are often capped at lower weights, regardless of axle configuration. CDL manuals and DOT regulations provide clear guidance, and enforcement has increased in recent years due to safety concerns.
In 2022, a construction firm in Georgia faced litigation after an overloaded rig caused a fatal accident. Investigators found the truck was registered for 26,000 pounds but was hauling nearly 35,000. The case led to stricter inspection protocols for medium-duty trucks.
Final Thoughts
While the Ford F-700 is a capable workhorse, towing 12 tons of equipment exceeds its design and legal limits. Operators should prioritize safety, legality, and mechanical integrity by investing in properly rated vehicles and trailers. The cost of upgrading is far less than the risk of fines, accidents, or equipment damage. For those regularly hauling heavy machinery, a tandem axle truck with air brakes and a lowboy trailer is not just recommended—it’s essential.
The Ford F-700 was part of Ford’s medium-duty truck lineup during the 1980s, designed for vocational use in construction, agriculture, and municipal fleets. Built on a robust chassis with a single rear axle, the 1985 model typically featured a gasoline or diesel engine paired with electric-over-hydraulic brakes. Its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) was approximately 29,000 pounds, placing it in the Class 7 category. Ford’s medium-duty trucks were widely adopted across North America, with tens of thousands sold annually during their peak years. The F-700 was known for its simplicity and durability, but it was never intended to haul extreme loads without proper configuration.
Understanding Towing Limits and Legal Constraints
Towing a Komatsu PC120 excavator, which weighs approximately 26,400 to 28,000 pounds depending on configuration and attachments, presents a challenge. When paired with a trailer weighing at least 7,000 pounds empty, the combined weight exceeds 33,000 pounds, far beyond the F-700’s GVWR. This raises several concerns:
- Combined Gross Weight Rating (CGWR): The total weight of truck, trailer, and load must remain within legal limits.
- Brake system limitations: Electric-over-hydraulic brakes are insufficient for stopping such mass safely.
- Axle and tire ratings: Single rear axles cannot distribute the load effectively, risking tire blowouts and axle failure.
- Licensing and registration: Tags must reflect the actual weight being hauled, and exceeding them can result in fines or impoundment.
Terminology Notes
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum allowable weight of the vehicle including cargo.
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): Maximum allowable weight of vehicle plus trailer and load.
- Electric-over-hydraulic brakes: A hybrid braking system using electric signals to activate hydraulic pressure.
- Tag trailer: A trailer that attaches to the rear of a truck without transferring weight to the truck’s rear axle.
The Komatsu PC120 is labeled as a “120” series, indicating 12 metric tons, not 12 short tons. With attachments like a thumb, swamp tracks, fuel, and tools, the actual working weight can reach 28,000 pounds or more. Adding a trailer and truck weight pushes the total well beyond legal limits for a single-axle truck.
For comparison:
- Cat 312 excavator: 28,292 lbs bare, 32,450 lbs fully equipped.
- Typical tag trailer: 7,000–9,000 lbs empty.
- F-700 curb weight: ~10,000–12,000 lbs depending on configuration.
Operators considering hauling heavy equipment should explore:
- Tandem axle trucks: Distribute weight more effectively and support higher GVWR.
- Air brake systems: Provide better stopping power and meet legal requirements for heavy loads.
- Lowboy trailers: Lower center of gravity and better weight distribution.
- Pushers or tag axles: Increase legal weight capacity and improve stability.
Legal Considerations and Enforcement Trends
In many U.S. states, interstate highways limit gross weight to 80,000 pounds on five axles, while some state roads allow up to 84,000 pounds. However, electric brake trailers are often capped at lower weights, regardless of axle configuration. CDL manuals and DOT regulations provide clear guidance, and enforcement has increased in recent years due to safety concerns.
In 2022, a construction firm in Georgia faced litigation after an overloaded rig caused a fatal accident. Investigators found the truck was registered for 26,000 pounds but was hauling nearly 35,000. The case led to stricter inspection protocols for medium-duty trucks.
Final Thoughts
While the Ford F-700 is a capable workhorse, towing 12 tons of equipment exceeds its design and legal limits. Operators should prioritize safety, legality, and mechanical integrity by investing in properly rated vehicles and trailers. The cost of upgrading is far less than the risk of fines, accidents, or equipment damage. For those regularly hauling heavy machinery, a tandem axle truck with air brakes and a lowboy trailer is not just recommended—it’s essential.
