Man Says His Ford Ranger 'Can Do Anything:' Then He Tries to Pull a Tree Out of the Ground

The Ford Ranger can tow, haul, and off-road with the best of them—just don’t ask it to remove landscaping. One determined driver gave it his best shot with a tree that clearly didn’t want to cooperate.

In a viral TikTok, Leann (@yayleannnn) implies that her boyfriend’s pride came before the fall of his beloved Ranger pickup, which wasn’t up to the task of uprooting a small tree after three pulls and some attempts at pushing it out of the ground.

“POV your bf swears his Ford Ranger is immortal,” she writes cheekily in the caption of the video, which is set to the theme song of The Benny Hill Show.

"Enough Ranger, but not enough danger," joked one commenter.

Understanding the Tug‑of‑War

Even with its “Built Ford Tough” badge, the Ranger isn’t equipped for arboreal extraction war games.

Its most common engines, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four‑cylinder (270 horsepower, 310 pound-feet) and the 2.7-liter V-6 (315 horsepower, 400 pound-feet), are optimized for towing, not uprooting. When properly equipped with Ford’s Trailer Tow Package, these can tow up to 7,500 lb. That’s impressive for a mid-size truck, but pulling a live tree up by the roots is a different beast altogether.

Trees develop root systems that extend and embed well below the visible trunk. A few quick tugs, especially at odd angles, won’t dislodge a stubborn rootball. Without loosening the soil, cutting roots, or using a winch to apply sustained, controlled force, the Ranger’s drivetrain and tow components can’t endure that kind of stress—nor were they meant to.

It’s a reminder that power specs don’t always translate to traction in real‑world conditions.

The clip’s instant appeal is about the lovable hubris of its driver, and the unexpected humility of the outcome. Ford Ranger owners frequently treat their trucks as reliable underdogs that are compact enough for daily use yet tough enough to tackle any scenario. Videos showcasing “my truck can do anything” moments are a staple in Ranger communities, and TikTok delivers them with humor, irony, and relatability.

This lighthearted but viral moment taps into a wider cultural trope: the pickup owner who places blind faith in his ride ... until it requires a push rather than a pull. It’s part comedic fail, part mechanic’s cautionary tale, and wholly shareable, especially among MX‑capable, torque‑respecting readers.

How to Actually Free a Tree, and Save Your Truck

Beyond laughs, this video offers practical takeaways for anyone who’s ever tried unconventional tasks with their truck. First, if the goal is tree removal, start by digging around the root zone or using an axe/pruning saw to cut through lateral roots. A winch with slow, steady tension is far safer than relying on the truck’s transmission or hitch.

Also, recognizing which truck you’re working with matters: a 2025 Ranger XLT with a 2.7L EcoBoost might offer smoother torque delivery and stronger drivetrain components than an older base model, increasing chances of success without damage.

Finally, after any heavy-duty like tree hauling, especially failed pulls, inspect your truck’s hitch, suspension, drivetrain, and fluid levels. Components may require tightening, lubrication, or, in extreme cases, replacement. Your Ranger might be tough, but it’s not invincible.

Motor1 reached out to Leann via direct message. We’ll update this if she responds.