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What is the difference between Ford 600 and 550?

In brief terms, Ford 600 and 550 refer to distinct product lines and eras, so the exact differences depend on whether you’re talking vintage tractors or modern trucks. Generally, the Ford 600 is positioned as the larger, more capable tractor in its era, while the Ford 550 (in historical tractor catalogs) sits as the smaller option. In contemporary contexts, there is no current Ford model simply called “600,” whereas the modern equivalent in the heavy‑duty truck family is the F-550. This article breaks down the main distinctions for both interpretations so readers can identify what matters for restoration, parts, or purchase decisions.

Ford tractors: 600 vs 550 in the historical lineup

The following points cover typical, era‑specific differences you would encounter when comparing vintage Ford tractors labeled 600 and 550. The exact figures vary by year, market, and configuration, but these categories highlight common contrasts that enthusiasts and restorers monitor.

Size and power: The 600 is generally positioned as the larger, more powerful model in the era’s mid‑range tractors, offering greater horsepower potential and heavier lifting capabilities than the 550, which is lighter and more compact.

Engine and fuel system: The 600 often used a larger displacement engine with higher rated power, while the 550 used a smaller engine geared toward lighter workloads and efficiency.

hydraulics and lifting capacity: The 600 typically features more robust hydraulic circuits and a higher lift capacity, making it better suited for challenging implement work and heavy three‑point hitch tasks; the 550 is adequate for lighter implements and yard work.

Transmission and drivetrain: The 600 commonly offered a heavier‑duty transmission setup with more gears or stronger internals, whereas the 550’s transmission was geared toward simpler operation and lower stress on components.

Production era and configuration: Availability of 600 vs 550 depended on the year and market, with variations in spec sheets, optional equipment, and factory packages. Always verify the exact serial number and options for any given machine.

When evaluating a Ford 600 or 550 tractor, look for official sales literature or parts catalogs from the production years, and compare those specs directly to avoid assumptions based on general impressions. This is especially important if you’re restoring a unit or matching it with compatible attachments and implements.

Notes on provenance and model years

Because Ford released different series and updated features over time, the precise horsepower, hydraulic flow, and lift capability can differ even within the same numerical model. If you’re researching a specific machine, identify the year, region, and any optional equipment installed from the factory to ensure accurate comparison and compatibility with implements.

Ford trucks context: F‑550 and the idea of a “600” in modern terminology

In today’s Ford lineup, the most common reference similar to “550” is the F‑550, a heavy‑duty chassis cab used for commercial applications such as service trucks, dump bodies, and towing configurations. The modern equivalent of a direct one‑to‑one “600” designation does not exist in Ford’s current truck catalog, which means the comparison is best framed around how the F‑550 stacks up against other Ford heavy‑duty offerings rather than against a non‑existent current model.

Before examining the list below, it helps to recognize that the core differences revolve around duty cycle, payload and towing capacity, available engine options, and configuration flexibility. The F‑550 is designed for commercial use, with higher gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) than light‑duty pickups and a wide array of body and axle configurations to suit trade‑specific needs.

GVWR and payload: The F‑550 sits in the heavy‑duty range with a high GVWR and substantial payload capacity to handle professional workloads; a hypothetical “600” on the modern side would be outside Ford’s current badge and therefore not directly comparable.

Engine and torque: The F‑550 offers robust diesel and gasoline engines paired with modern transmissions designed for durability and long service life under heavy use.

Towing and chassis configuration: The F‑550 is commonly configured as a cab‑and‑chassis or a cutaway with specialized bodies, enabling a wide variety of vocational applications. A vintage “600” would not reflect current chassis architecture.

Applications and ergonomics: The F‑550 is built for fleet use with serviceable maintenance access, driver comfort in extended shifts, and compatibility with common aftermarket bodies and equipment.

When evaluating a Ford truck in this category, verify the exact configuration (cab type, wheelbase, axle setup) and the engine/transmission pairing, along with the intended job use. VIN or build sheet documentation is especially helpful for confirming capabilities and warranty status.

How to identify the right model for your needs

Whether you’re researching historical tractors or modern trucks, here are practical steps to ensure you’re matching the right model to your needs:

Check documentation: Gather original brochures, dealer sheets, or owner manuals for precise specifications.

Match the task: Align hydraulic lift, PTO power, and hitch type (three‑point or other) with the implements you plan to use (loader, mower, bale spreader, etc.).

Inspect for wear and history: Look for signs of heavy use, prior rebuilds, and maintenance records that affect performance and longevity.

Verify configuration: Confirm engine type, transmission, hydraulics, and lift capacity are suitable for your intended workload.

In both tractors and trucks, the most reliable path is to identify the exact year, chassis or serial number, and factory specifications before making a purchase or restoration decision.

Summary

The Ford 600 and 550 occupy different corners of Ford’s historical lineup and, in modern terms, different product families. For tractors, the 600 is typically the larger, more powerful model compared with the 550, with stronger hydraulics, lift capacity, and drivetrain options—though exact specs vary by year and market. For trucks, the contemporary reference point is the Ford F‑550, a heavy‑duty chassis cab, while a current model called “600” does not exist in Ford’s lineup, making direct comparison impractical. Always verify year, configuration, and official specifications to ensure an accurate comparison aligned with your intended use.

Do you need a CDL to drive an F600?

If you'll be driving a single unit dump truck with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, but towing less than 10,000 pounds, you should obtain a Class B CDL. This category includes straight dump trucks.

What is the difference between F-550 and F600?

The main differences are the F-600's higher gross vehicle weight rating (22,00022 comma 00022,000 lbs vs. 17,500−19,50017 comma 500 minus 19 comma 50017,500−19,500 lbs) and payload capacity, achieved through internal upgrades and larger tires/wheels. The F-600 is limited to a regular cab and is only available with the 6.7L diesel engine, whereas the F-550 offers more cab size options and a choice of gas or diesel engines. This makes the F-600 better for maximum payload and chassis-based upfits like cranes, while the F-550 provides more configuration flexibility.

Feature	Ford F-550	Ford F-600
Max GVWR	17,500−19,50017 comma 500 minus 19 comma 50017,500−19,500 lbs	22,00022 comma 00022,000 lbs
Max Payload	Up to 12,77012 comma 77012,770 lbs	Up to 15,21015 comma 21015,210 lbs
Engine Options	Gas or diesel	Gas or diesel
Cab Options	Regular, Super Cab, Crew Cab	Regular Cab only
Tire Size	Standard tires	Larger 19.5-inch commercial-grade tires
Main Advantage	More configuration options (cab size)	Higher payload and heavier-duty chassis components

Weight and payload: The F-600 has a higher GVWR of 22,00022 comma 00022,000 lbs, allowing for a much higher payload capacity compared to the F-550. This is its primary advantage and makes it better suited for applications that require carrying a heavier load on the chassis itself.
Engine and drivetrain: The F-600 is exclusively available with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine, whereas the F-550 can be optioned with either a gas or diesel engine.
Cab options: If you need a Super Cab or Crew Cab, the F-550 is the only option. The F-600 is only available as a regular cab.
Chassis and wheels: While the F-600 is built on the same chassis as the F-550, it uses stronger internal components and larger 19.5-inch wheels, giving it enhanced capabilities.
Price: The price difference is relatively small, especially if you opt for a diesel F-550.

Which one should you choose?

Choose the F-550 if: You need the flexibility of different cab sizes (Super Cab or Crew Cab) or the option of a gasoline engine.
Choose the F-600 if: Your priority is maximum payload capacity and you can use a regular cab. It's ideal for heavy-duty upfits like mechanics' bodies or cranes that require the extra weight capacity.

What is a Ford F600?

A Ford F-600 is a powerful commercial truck that bridges the gap between heavy-duty and medium-duty vehicles, offering a 22,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) in a chassis similar to the smaller F-550. It is designed for upfitting for various work applications like flatbeds or dump trucks and comes with either a 7.3L V8 gas engine or a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine.

Key features

Weight and capability: Has a 22,000-pound GVWR, giving it medium-duty Class 6 capabilities in a more compact, maneuverable package than traditional medium-duty trucks.
Engine options: Can be equipped with a 7.3L V8 gas engine or a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Chassis cab design: It is sold as a chassis cab, which means it's built for customization with a wide variety of bodies and upfits, including dump bodies, utility bodies, and flatbeds.
Durability: Features stronger axles, U-joints, and brakes compared to the F-550 to handle the increased weight and payload capacity.
Drive types: Available in both two-wheel drive (4x2) and four-wheel drive (4x4), which is a significant advantage for work in challenging conditions.
Trim levels: Offered in XL and XLT trims, with the XLT featuring more standard options like a chrome package and fog lamps.

What's the difference between F-550 and F-650?

The F-550 Super Duty comes standard with a TorqShift 10-Speed Automatic Transmission, while the F-650 has a TorqShift HD 6-Speed Automatic Transmission to handle the heavy torque of gas and diesel engines.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.