The Fordson Dexta, produced from 1958 to 1961, is a versatile utility tractor renowned for its reliability and robustness. Manufactured by Fordson in Dagenham, England, it offered a choice between a diesel and gasoline engine, catering to various agricultural needs. With a power output of 32 horsepower and a practical transmission system featuring 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, the Dexta proved efficient for a range of tasks. Its compact chassis, manual steering, and differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes provided maneuverability and control, while options like live PTO and a 2-stage clutch enhanced functionality.
| Fordson Dexta Specifications |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Fordson (a part of Ford) |
| Type | Utility tractor |
| Production Years | 1958 – 1961 |
| Factory | Dagenham, England |
| Variants | Diesel 2000 (USA), narrow model (52-inch width), industrial model, Dexta Special (Germany) |
| Power |
|---|
| Engine Power | 32 hp (23.9 kW) |
| Drawbar Power (claimed) | 23.0 hp (17.2 kW) |
| PTO Power (claimed) | 31.41 hp (23.4 kW) |
| Plows | 3 |
| Drawbar Power (tested) | 27.03 hp (20.2 kW) |
| PTO Power (tested) | 31.41 hp (23.4 kW) |
| Engines Overview |
|---|
| Diesel Engine | Ford-Perkins 2.4L 3-cylinder |
| Gasoline Engine | Standard Vanguard 2.2L 4-cylinder |
| Diesel Engine Details (Ford-Perkins F3.144) |
|---|
| Type | Diesel |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 144 ci (2.4 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.50 x 5.00 inches (89 x 127 mm) |
| Power | 32 hp (23.9 kW) |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Compression | 16.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Torque | 93 lb-ft (126.1 Nm) |
| Torque RPM | 1200 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-3 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Oil Capacity | 7.66 qts (7.2 L) |
| Oil Change Interval | 100 hours |
| Coolant Capacity | 9 qts (8.5 L) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) |
| Gasoline Engine Details (Standard Vanguard) |
|---|
| Type | Gasoline |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled inline |
| Displacement | 133.5 ci (2.2 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.425 x 3.622 inches (87 x 92 mm) |
| Compression | 6:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Coolant Capacity | 6.9 qts (6.5 L) |
| Spark Plug | Champion L10 |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.031 inches (0.787 mm) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.006 inches (0.152 mm) |
| Transmission |
|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Mechanical |
|---|
| Chassis | 4×2 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical expanding shoe |
| Cab | Open operator station |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Pump Flow | 4.42 gpm (16.7 lpm) |
| Tractor Hitch Rear Type | I |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Transmission, live (2-stage clutch) optional |
| Rear RPM | 540 |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Ground | Positive |
| Battery Volts | 12 |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 5.50-16 or 4.00-19 |
| Ag Rear | 12.4-28 or 10-28 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 71 inches (180 cm) |
| Length | 118.5 inches (300 cm) for diesel, 121 inches (307 cm) for gasoline |
| Width | 64.5 inches (163 cm) |
| Height (Steering Wheel) | 54 inches (137 cm) |
| Height (Hood) | 46.5 inches (118 cm) |
| Clearance (Front Axle) | 21 inches (53 cm) |
| Clearance (Rear Axle) | 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Weight |
|---|
| Shipping | 2980 lbs (1351 kg) |
| Operating | 3300 lbs (1496 kg) |
| Ballasted | 6000 lbs (2721 kg) |
| Dexta Serial Numbers |
|---|
| Location | Lip of bell flange between engine and clutch, left side of tractor |
| 1957 | 957E 1 |
| 1958 | 957E 144 |
| 1959 | 957E 22558 |
| 1960 | 957E 44432 |
| 1961 | 957E 71921, 957E 312001, 09A 312001 |
| 1962 | 09B 702592 |
| 1963 | 09C 732031, 09D 900001 |
| 1964 | 09D 907332, Final |
Fordson Dexta Overview
The Fordson Dexta, an iconic utility tractor manufactured by Fordson from 1958 to 1961, stands as a testament to the rich history and innovation within the agricultural machinery industry. Hailing from the Dagenham factory in England, the Dexta epitomized the reliability and versatility that farmers sought during its era. Notably, it was offered in both diesel and gasoline variants, underscoring Fordson’s commitment to meeting diverse agricultural needs. Its diesel engine, the Ford-Perkins F3.144, boasted a displacement of 2.4 liters and a power output of 32 horsepower, while the gasoline version, equipped with the Standard Vanguard engine, delivered comparable performance.
One of the defining features of the Dexta was its practicality and ease of use, thanks to a transmission system comprising 6 forward and 2 reverse gears coupled with a dry disc clutch. This setup provided farmers with the flexibility and control necessary to navigate various terrains and accomplish a wide range of tasks efficiently. Additionally, its compact 4×2 2WD chassis, manual steering, and differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes ensured maneuverability and safety on the field.
The Fordson Dexta’s legacy extends beyond its mechanical prowess; it symbolizes an era of agricultural modernization and technological advancement. Sold in the United States as the Diesel 2000, it became a staple on farms worldwide, embodying the spirit of innovation and productivity that characterized the mid-20th century agricultural landscape. Its availability in multiple configurations, including narrow and industrial models, further highlighted its adaptability to different farming practices and environments. Today, the Dexta remains a cherished relic of agricultural history, revered for its durability, performance, and enduring impact on the farming community.
