I have a 2002 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4x4 pickup with the V10 Triton engine and 4.30 gears that I use for pulling my Bobcat. The truck is rated to pull 12,500# and I have pulled more than that with no problems. I have a 20' trailer (18' flat deck and 2' beavertail) 10,400# rated tandem axle which works good. I can haul the loader and attachments fine, but would like a longer trailer to be able to haul more attachments.
I test drove a 2004 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4x4 pickup with the new 6.0 Powerstroke diesel Saturday and should pick it up Monday if they give me a decent trade-in on my 2002. The diesel (with 3.73 gears) pulls about the same as my V10 truck, but will get nearly twice the fuel mileage. Costs about $4200 more, but should recoup this extra cost at about 60,000 miles, not to mention the higher re-sale value.
864wood, I thought about getting an Excursion (liked the extra seating capacity when taking trips with my travel trailer) but decided staying with a truck for the bed.
Ideally, I would like a F-650 truck (24,500 GVWR and 40,000 CGVWR) with a dump box on it. This truck would not require a CLD; I have one, but then I would not have to worry about any other drivers needing one. I could then get a 12 ton trailer (about 30' length)that could haul a skid steer and a compact excavator at the same time.