The diesel vs. gas trucks choice isn’t just another box to check for Kern County ranchers; it hits your wallet every day you haul stock trailers through dusty almond orchards or drag irrigation equipment across fields. Get the decision right, and harvest season runs smoothly. Get it wrong, and you’re stuck with costly downtime when your operation can least afford it. At Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield, California, we’ll explain everything you need to know in the quest for your perfect Kern County ranch truck.
The Diesel vs. Gas Decision in Kern County Agriculture
Kern County is consistently one of the nation’s most productive agricultural counties, with an $8.62 billion output in 2023. It produces 20% of U.S. citrus, 44% of table grapes, and 80% of carrots, and each crop demands different hauling requirements. Valley heat, dust, and brutal cycles punish trucks harder than suburban use does. Ford work trucks aren’t toys; they’re livelihood tools with engines for specific tasks. If you misjudge vehicle capabilities when making the Power Stroke vs. Godzilla vs. EcoBoost comparison, you’ll face weak performance and costly breakdowns.
Power and Torque Where It Counts
Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 produces 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, while its 6.8L V-8 delivers 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The 7.3L “Godzilla” V-8’s 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque make it the best-in-class among gas engines.
The standard-output 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel produces 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The high-output version generates 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for extreme hauling. Dual-scroll turbochargers maintain power under load while delivering decent fuel economy that’s perfect for sustained ranch work.
Ford’s diesels hit peak torque at a lower rpm, providing maximum pulling power where ranch work needs it — moving heavy loads from a standstill or climbing grades with trailers. Gas engines require a higher rpm for power, which is less ideal for low-speed work such as pulling hay wagons or livestock trailers.
Towing and Payload Realities on Farm Roads
The F-250’s towing capacity varies dramatically by engine. The 6.8L Ford gas V-8 handles 14,800 pounds, while the 7.3L V-8 manages 17,200 pounds. Choose a diesel, and you’ll get towing capabilities of 22,900 pounds with the standard-output 6.7L Power Stroke and 23,000 pounds with the high-output version.
The F-350’s payload with the standard 6.7L Power Stroke is 36,400 pounds; the high-output version reaches 38,000 pounds. The F-450 with the high-output diesel can pull 40,000 pounds. Payload capacities are also impressive. The F-250 carries 4,246 pounds, the F-350 8,000 pounds, and the F-450 6,482 pounds.
High rear-axle ratios suit heavy loads, though lower numbers improve fuel efficiency. Trailer brake controllers are essential for farm trailers switching between pavement and dirt. Ford’s full truck lineup can match capability to your operational needs, removing the need to buy maximum capacity.
Cost of Ownership in 2025 California
Diesel costs more per gallon than regular gas in Bakersfield. But diesel vs. gas costs in California go beyond pump prices. Gas vehicles cost about $10,000 less upfront than diesels, which require diesel exhaust fluid. Without proper care, diesels’ particulate filters incur high maintenance costs.
Service schedules also affect your wallet. Diesel and gas engines need oil changes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or so, but diesel services cost more due to special oils and pricier heavy-duty parts. Insurance might vary slightly between gas and diesel, though the differences are minor compared to fuel and maintenance. Diesels’ main advantage is that they often last longer and have a higher resale value.
Maintenance and Uptime: Which Engines Keep You in the Field?
A major factor influencing your powertrain choice is the particulate filters in diesel engines, which need regeneration to burn soot. This process is triggered passively through high-speed driving or actively by the engine’s computer, which injects extra fuel to raise exhaust temperatures and burn the soot. Farmers who primarily work on ranch property struggle to get proper regeneration, causing system troubles.
Clogged filters cause power loss, higher fuel burn, and limp mode, with replacements costing $2,500 to $8,000. Particulate filters need cleaning after 3,000 hours to remove ash buildup. Gas engines are simpler, with cheaper fixes and more available mechanics. They also handle questionable fuel better than diesel systems. Maintenance expenses matter in farming; harvest downtime costs thousands daily.
Cold starts, which gas engines handle better, matter in the San Joaquin Valley’s wild temperature swings. Diesels last longer and use less fuel, especially on highways or heavy loads, but they need more repairs under hard use. In our service shop at Jim Burke Ford, we have heavy-duty facilities and mobile options, which often make the difference between quick fixes and costly downtime during busy seasons.
Emissions and Regulatory Considerations for California Ranchers
In January 2025, California withdrew its plans to ban new diesel truck sales by 2036 and require fleet conversions to zero-emission models by 2042. These withdrawn regulations would have affected 1.8 million medium and heavy-duty trucks on California roads. But the regulatory landscape still influences powertrain choices for farms.
The California Air Resources Board’s rules continue to affect truck ownership. California sets its own emission standards with EPA approval. Modern power stroke technology meets current standards, but diesel emission systems create maintenance issues you won’t encounter in gas engines. The Low Carbon Fuel Standard pushes alternative fuels, which may impact future costs.
Although one in six medium- or heavy-duty trucks sold in California during 2023 were zero-emission, electric trucks can’t yet match farm range needs. Gas engines have fewer regulatory hassles and simpler compliance, appealing to farmers wanting straightforward ownership.
Choosing the Right Ford for Your Operation
The F-250 with the 7.3L gas engine suits mixed-duty work, offering solid capability with lower costs than diesel. The F-350 with the single-wheel setup balances towing (25,000 pounds) with payload (3,500-4,500 pounds).
Maximum towing demands the F-350 with the high-output 6.7L Power Stroke. It can pull heavy stock trailers, water tanks, and other items that gas engines can’t handle. The F-450 with the high-output 6.7L diesel serves commercial operations prioritizing capability. The Ford Super Duty range includes the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. Most farms choose the XL and XLT for work features and lower prices.
The diesel vs. gas choice in your search for the best truck for ranch work comes down to matching engine traits to your specific farm needs and how you use your vehicle. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; the right choice depends on your farm’s particular demands, budget limits, and long-term plans.
Find Your Perfect Agricultural Work Truck at Jim Burke Ford
For your number one Bakersfield Ford dealer, visit us at Jim Burke Ford. We’ll guide you through our entire Ford truck range and financing options. We understand Kern County farming and keep plenty of F-series and Super Duty trucks ready for your farming demands. Contact us today to schedule a test drive. Don’t wait to discover the difference local know-how makes when picking the truck to serve your long-term ranch needs.
