The Hellwig Operator

The Ultimate Recon Adventure Outfit

The Hellwig Operator is an extensively modified Ford F-350 Super Duty that comes with a matching Textron Wildcat UTV.

It comes equipped with all the tools necessary to get you as far as a full-size truck can possibly take you, and the UTV will take you the rest of the way.

“From recon runs in the desert to family camping trips in the dunes, the Operator is capable and comfortable,” says Hellwig. Take a look at the Operator in this video:

Video | The Hellwig Operator

The Truck

To create the Operator, Hellwig used a 2017 Ford F-350 Lariat that is powered by a 6.7-liter Powerstroke V-8 turbo diesel engine, which has a claimed 440 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and a staggering 925 lb.-ft pound-feet of torque at 1,800 rpm.

Suspension upgrades give the truck 4.5 inches more clearance, and include Hellwig’s Big Wig sway bars and air springs, in addition to a full Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 suspension kit. A hands-free Auto Leveling air-management system lets the driver fine-tune the ride from inside the cab. VIAIR dual compressors and a large air tank are at the ready for powering air tools or inflating tires, and also help keep the air springs at pressure.

Mag-Hytech differential covers and transmission pans protect the underside, and Fab Fours bumpers fortify the front and rear. It has an exhaust from MagnaFlow, a winch from Warn Industries and a Wilco pre-runner tailgate.

The truck rides on 37-inch Falken Wild Peak M/T Off-Roading tires mounted to Method Race 305 NV HD wheels that are tucked under Bushwacker Fender Flares from Lund International. Outer lights include a Rigid Industries light bar and a Whelen Siren Light bar.

Step up into the cab with the electrically operated PowerSteps from AMP Research, and you’ll find 5.11 Tactical seats finished off by Rogelio’s Upholstery. To secure important things in the cab, it includes a Ford-licensed accessories vehicle safe from Console Vault, and tunes and communications are taken care of by Rugged Radios. Two Optima Yellow Top Batteries provide the needed juice for all the extras.

The UTV

The Operator has a 2017 Textron Wildcat X LTD UTV that rests in a trick deck from SherpTek, and it is secured on its rack with Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs.

Audio and communication upgrades in the Wildcat were done by SSV Works, Kicker and Rugged Radios. Assault Industries supplied the side mirrors and steering wheel, and the safety antenna is from Buggy Whip. A Warn 2500 winch is used to raise and lower the Wildcat onto the truck, using collapsible 12-foot loading ramps.

The Operator rig comes with DayStar Cam Lock fluid containers mounted to the rear of the Wildcat for extra fuel to explore, and Bolt locks with One-Key Lock Technology keeps the mounted items secure.

Paint and camo graphics on the Operator were done by LGE-CTS Motorsports.