By John L. Stein/autoMedia.com

The old bricks-and-mortar office building just became obsolete. That's our assessment after previewing Ford's 2009 F-450 Super Duty® Crew Cab pickup, newly outfitted with an available host of electronics that turn this robust work truck into something like a mobile command post. Among the most amazing are a group of electronic aids, referred to as "Ford Work Solutions™," that help the F-450 driver access the internet, inventory onboard tools and equipment, and schedule work vehicles and personnel. There's even a system that helps you more securely lock tools and equipment in the pickup bed so you don't need to back your truck up to your motel-room wall for the night. As well, for 2009 there's an available new voice-activated navigation system, plus a feature called SNYC® that makes the workday both easier and more enjoyable by synchronizing Bluetoothenabled mobile phones and media players to the vehicle's audio system. Add an available new military-grade spray-on liner for its standard eight-foot bed and—in high-style Harley-Davidson™ or King Ranch? mode—and the F-450 quickly becomes a must-see for any working guy. Or gal.

One look at the F-450 reveals that this is no ordinary pickup, for it towers over the company's standard F-150 like an NBA center over a Belmont Stakes jockey. Riding high on unique 19.5-inch wheels in steel or aluminum, and boasting Chicago pizza-sized four-wheel disc brakes and a massive mono-beam front suspension system, the F-450 comes well equipped to pull a Caterpillar into the job site or a trailer-load of hogs out of the bog. In fact, maximum towing capacity is rated at a precocious 24,600 pounds (for a fifthwheel trailer), more than enough to qualify as real work in any language. And if it ever comes to throwing its weight around the work site, the sumosized F-450 wins again. Weighing in at over four tons (8,226 lbs. for the 4x2 edition and 8,581 lbs. for the available 4x4), the F-450 is nothing if not authoritative. But all that Dearborn steel serves a purpose, because in addition to its stellar towing capability, the F-450 offers a GVWR of some 14,500 pounds, which translates to some three tons of overall payload capability.

Naturally, the engine of choice for the F-450 is Ford's 6.4-liter Power Stroke® turbo-diesel. Grinding out 650 lb.-ft. of torque at a lazy 2000 rpm, the engine is literally loafing for almost anything you could possibly ask it to do. With four valves per cylinder for efficient breathing, an oil capacity of some 15 quarts, and available axle ratios as low as 4.30:1, the Power Stroke pulls hard and is engineered to last. The standard fuel tank holds 38 gallons with an optional second tank adding 19 gallons more. Pray for 99-cent diesel again!

The F-450 Super Duty Crew Cab hierarchy runs from the "entry-level" (if you can call it that) XL up to the mid-level XLT and luxurious Lariat. Above and beyond these, the above-mentioned Harley-Davidson and King Ranch models are guaranteed to resonate with certain more discretionary audiences. Following on the heels of Ford's successful H-D themed lighter-duty pickups, the Harley-Davidson F-450 edition is individually numbered and features a special blue-flame paint scheme along the sides. The flame motif also carries through to the interior, with a similar flame-job on the instrument panel cluster and center console. Sliding behind the wheel of the Harley-Davidson F-450, you can't help but feel like you own the road.

Even when you're driving something as big as a tank you still need good passive-safety features. The F-450 comes standard with driver and front passenger's airbags, with the passenger's side airbag featuring a cutoff sensor that deactivates the airbag unless a certain minimum passenger weight is met (meaning that it won't deploy for a small child or baby seat). A "post crash" alert system automatically sounds the horn and flashes the lights after an accident, and on the high-volume F-450 XLT model we reviewed, a rear electronic parking aid and camera system are optional.

So what's the F-450 like on the road? Commanding, with or without a trailer in tow. The chair height is high and mighty, offering the driver and passengers a high eye point and a clear view of surrounding traffic. Over the years Ford's work quieting diesel clatter has paid off, and the F-450 is civilized enough, even when working hard, while the six-speed automatic transmission offers quick, decisive shift action that drivers want, especially when towing. (Incidentally, the F-450 includes an integrated trailer brake controller as standard equipment, and special oversize towing mirrors are available.) Predictably, you're not going to win many autocross events with the F-450 Crew Cab's 58.5-foot turning diameter (4x2, 172.4" WB), but point it straight down the highway or up a serious grade and you'll not only reach for the horizon, but own it.