Most common of these 'trucks' have a max payload of around 700-900kg, and a towing capacity of 3500-4500kg (but not at the same time). And by that I mean 'truck

Most common of these 'trucks' have a max payload of around 700-900kg, and a towing capacity of 3500-4500kg (but not at the same time). And by that I mean 'trucks' like the F150, referenced in the article. If you are buying these things you are just not interested in payload. Even the smaller ones like the rangers and hiluxes have a higher payload, and higher combined carrying capacity than these. It is not until you get into the range of the F350s that you get into the 13t total that you mentioned.. which is absolutely not what the article is about. Even then, if they were serious about carrying capacity, the ranchers would probably be driving isuzu light trucks rather than F350s. Incidentally, they have much better visibility too.