Market Position:
The Fordson Dexta was a popular and robust light-to-medium duty tractor, primarily targeted at small to medium-sized farms. Its ease of use, reliability, and affordability made it a staple in agricultural settings across Europe and beyond.
Key Competitors:
During its production era (late 1950s to mid-1960s), the Dexta competed with tractors from manufacturers such as Massey Ferguson (e.g., Ferguson TE20/FE35 successors), David Brown, John Deere, and various continental European brands.
Key Features Of Dexta:
The Dexta was known for its Perkins 3-cylinder diesel engine, robust construction, independent PTO, and the Fordson hydraulic lift system. It offered a good balance of power, efficiency, and versatility for its class.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Clutch, Hydraulics, Rear Axle, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Cooling System, Fuel System, Lubrication System
Estimated Page Count:
Varies significantly by specific edition and whether it includes supplementary sections, but typically 300-600 pages for a comprehensive workshop manual.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
Likely English, with potential for other European languages depending on the original source and distributor.
Format:
Digital (PDF), Printed Bound Copy
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, main bearings, oil pump, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection pump, injectors, fuel lines), exhaust system, starting system (starter motor), ignition system (if applicable, though Dexta is diesel).
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, PTO (Power Take-Off) operation and maintenance, rear axle assembly, differential, final drives, drive shafts.
Hydraulic System:
Hydraulic lift system (3-point linkage), control valves, hydraulic pump, cylinder overhaul, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.
Steering And Brakes:
Steering box overhaul, drag link adjustments, brake system (drum brakes, master cylinder, slave cylinders), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting circuits (headlights, taillights, indicators), battery maintenance, charging system (generator/alternator), starter motor, ignition system (glow plugs, pre-heating), dashboard instruments.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Fender replacement, seat mounting, control panel access, minor body repairs, chassis lubrication points.
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular service intervals (oil changes, filter replacements, greasing), engine tune-ups, cooling system flushes, fuel filter changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, hydraulic fluid checks and changes, brake adjustments, tire inflation.
Repair And Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuilds, transmission disassembly and reassembly, hydraulic pump and cylinder overhaul, clutch replacement, brake system repair, steering box repair, electrical component testing and replacement, axle disassembly and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common engine performance issues, starting problems, hydraulic malfunctions, braking system faults, electrical issues.
Technical Data:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, valve clearances, ignition timing (if applicable), fluid capacities, lubrication points, electrical resistance values, fuel injection timing.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine, transmission, and hydraulic system overhauls. Includes detailed exploded views and step-by-step instructions for complex repairs.
File Format Digital:
PDF (Portable Document Format) - typically searchable text, allowing for easy keyword searches. High-resolution scans for clear diagrams.
Print Quality Physical:
Professional offset or digital printing. Clear, crisp line drawings and diagrams. Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments.
Binding Type Physical:
Perfect bound or spiral-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop setting.
Paper Type Physical:
Heavyweight, durable paper (e.g., 80-100 gsm) to withstand grease and frequent handling in a workshop environment.
Engine Model:
Perkins 3.152 (3-cylinder diesel)
Engine Displacement:
2.5 Liters (152 cubic inches)
Engine Bore X Stroke:
Approximately 3.60 x 5.00 inches (91.4 mm x 127 mm)
Horsepower Rated:
Approximately 32-39 PTO horsepower (depending on specific model variant and PTO speed).
Torque Peak:
Around 100-115 lb-ft at approximately 1300-1500 RPM.
Fuel System Type:
Direct Injection Diesel
Fuel Injection Pump:
Bosch (typically CAV or Simms on some variants)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 - 6.0 U.S. Quarts (5.2 - 5.7 Liters) with filter change.
Cooling System Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with fan and radiator.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 13 U.S. Quarts (12.3 Liters).
Transmission Type:
Manual gearbox
Number Of Gears:
Typically 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds.
Optional Features:
Live PTO (Power Take-Off) was a common and desirable feature, allowing implements to operate independently of the tractor's ground speed. Differential lock was also often available.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios are detailed in the manual for each gear, crucial for understanding torque multiplication and field speed selection.
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 90 or 80W-90 gear oil. (Manual will specify exact Ford/ESSO grades.)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10-12 U.S. Quarts (9.5-11.4 Liters) for the gearbox and differential assembly.
Length:
Approximately 125 inches (3175 mm)
Width:
Approximately 66 inches (1676 mm) at rear axle.
Height To Exhaust:
Approximately 57 inches (1448 mm)
Operating Weight:
Around 3,500 - 4,000 lbs (1588 - 1814 kg) depending on configuration and ballast.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 72 inches (1829 mm)
Front Tire Size:
Commonly 6.00x16 agricultural front tires.
Rear Tire Size:
Commonly 11.2x28 or 12.4x28 agricultural rear tires.
Ground Clearance:
Varies with tire size, but typically around 15-18 inches (380-457 mm) under the rear axle.
Safety Ratings:
Tractors of this era were not subject to the same rigorous crash testing standards as modern passenger vehicles. Safety was primarily dependent on proper operation, maintenance, and the use of appropriate safety guards and features.
Active Safety Features:
Effective braking system, differential lock for traction, appropriate tire selection for stability, adjustable operator controls.
Passive Safety Features:
Operator presence lever (if equipped), metal fenders, robust chassis. The manual would detail proper mounting and dismounting procedures.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 100 hours of operation, or annually. (Manual will specify exact interval and oil type).
Air Filter Cleaning:
Daily or weekly depending on operating conditions. Replacement as needed.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 250-500 hours of operation, or as recommended by the manual.
Hydraulic Fluid Change:
Annually or every 500 hours, whichever comes first. Fluid cleanliness is paramount.
Greasing Points:
Multiple daily, weekly, and monthly greasing points detailed in the manual. Essential for longevity.
Engine Oil Specification:
API CD or equivalent, SAE 30 or 10W-30/15W-40 depending on ambient temperature. (Manual will provide precise Ford specifications.)
Hydraulic Fluid Specification:
Ford 134D Universal Tractor Transmission Oil (UTTO) or equivalent. (Manual will list specific Ford/ESSO grades.)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Manual will specify type and capacity.
Common Issues:
Hydraulic lift problems (loss of lift, slow operation) due to worn pumps, seals, or control valves. Engine starting issues in cold weather (glow plug system maintenance). Clutch wear and slippage. Brake fade or poor performance due to worn linings or air in the system. Oil leaks from various seals and gaskets due to age and material degradation.
Fordson Heritage:
Fordson was the tractor division of the Ford Motor Company, established to produce affordable and reliable tractors for farmers worldwide. The Fordson brand has a long history of innovation and contribution to mechanization in agriculture.
Dexta Evolution:
The Fordson Dexta was introduced in 1957 as a smaller counterpart to the larger Fordson Major. It shared many components and design philosophies with its contemporaries and was produced until around 1964, transitioning into the Ford 3000 series.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured at Ford's tractor plant in Dagenham, England, with some production or assembly also occurring in other international locations.
Production Years:
1957 - 1964 (approximate)
