I have a large fleet of about 200 F150 to F550. What is the easiest scanner you would suggest to buy for the shop? Currently we require all mechanics to provide their own however I would like 1 nice one to be used by all mechanics that the company owns Budget around 5 grand. Easiest one to use with most capabilities live data, key cutting regens.
Best diagnostic tool large fleet fords
The "best" most comprehensive OBD tool for Ford light vehicles is the one dealers use:
Ford's Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) VCM-II:
https://oemtools.com/products/ford-ids/
It is likely not easy to use and involves a steep learning curve, as with any tool with that much capability.
medium/heavy duty vehicles use a completely different diagnostic interface system (SAE J1587, J1708, J1939) which requires different hardware.
As you are aware, the F-450/550 are class 3/4/5 trucks and kind of straddle the line between light duty and medium duty. Check what the connector looks like, and always ask the tool dealer about vehicle compatibility.
You may be more interested in this tool which claims to do everything you need: (not sure about keys though)
Snap-On EEHD189090
Fleet grade HD diagnostics
https://www.snapon.com/EN/US/Diagnostics/Products/PRO-LINK-Edge
@chucktobias those *might* not be suitable for his application.
There is a section in the FAQ for professional scan tools, but yeah it's questionable as to whether they would be useful for maintaining 200 trucks. As you say, the dealer tools are best.