Market Position:
The Fordson Dexta and Super Dexta were key models in Ford's tractor lineup during the late 1950s and 1960s, designed to be versatile and economical utility tractors for a wide range of agricultural tasks.
Competitors:
Competed with tractors from manufacturers such as Massey Ferguson, David Brown, International Harvester, and Ferguson/Massey Ferguson TE series.
Key Features:
Reliable Perkins diesel engine, user-friendly controls, robust construction, versatile three-point linkage system, and PTO.
Coverage:
Complete Service, Repair, and Workshop procedures for Fordson Dexta and Super Dexta tractors.
Page Count:
Undisclosed (typically comprehensive for workshop manuals, likely several hundred pages)
Manual Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF compatible)
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, fuel system (injection pump, injectors, lines), lubrication system, cooling system, starting system, ignition system (if applicable to diesel glow plugs), air intake, exhaust system.
Transmission Systems:
Gearbox, clutch, drive shafts, PTO (Power Take-Off), differential, final drives, hydraulic lift system (draft control, position control).
Chassis And Running Gear:
Front axle, steering system, rear axle, brakes (drum brakes), wheels and tires, suspension.
Electrical System:
Lighting, starter motor, generator/alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, instrument panel.
Bodywork:
Sheet metal, fenders, operator's station, controls, linkages, hitches.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-up procedures, pre-delivery inspections.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, hydraulic system troubleshooting, electrical component replacement, steering box adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete overhauls and diagnostics. Includes step-by-step instructions, exploded views, and torque specifications.
Engine Model:
Perkins 3.152
Engine Type:
Direct injection, naturally aspirated diesel
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline 3-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 5.00 in (88.9 mm x 127.0 mm)
Displacement:
152.7 cubic inches (2.5 Liters)
Dexta Horsepower Rated:
Approximately 30-32 PTO HP
Super Dexta Horsepower Rated:
Approximately 39-40 PTO HP (often a slightly higher compression ratio or different fueling)
Fuel Injection Pump:
Lucas/CAV (type varies, e.g., CAV BPE, CAV DPA)
Oil Type:
API CD or CE rated diesel engine oil, viscosity as per manual (e.g., SAE 10W-30, 15W-40 depending on temperature)
Coolant Type:
Water/Antifreeze mixture (e.g., 50/50 ethylene glycol based)
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh, manual gearbox
Gear Configuration:
Typically 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears.
Optional Gearbox:
Some models may have offered a limited-slip differential option.
Pto:
Standard PTO (540 RPM at engine rated speed)
Hydraulic Lift:
Ferguson System (3-point linkage) with draft control and position control.
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4 rated gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 or SAE 90)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 70 inches (1778 mm)
Overall Length:
Approximately 125 inches (3175 mm)
Overall Width:
Approximately 65 inches (1651 mm)
Operating Weight:
Approximately 3,500 - 4,000 lbs (1588 - 1814 kg), depending on configuration.
Front Tire Size Typical:
5.50-16
Rear Tire Size Typical:
11.2-28 or 12.4-28
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet the agricultural machinery safety standards of its era. The manual will detail specific safety precautions.
Braking System:
Mechanical drum brakes operated by foot pedals, potentially with a parking brake mechanism.
Operator Station:
Open operator station with seat, steering wheel, and control levers. Roll bar not standard on original models but can be fitted aftermarket.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 100-125 operating hours or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
As per manual, often annually or at specific hour intervals.
Air Filter Service:
Frequent cleaning/replacement depending on operating conditions (oil bath type often used).
Hydraulic Oil Type:
Ford 134D Hydraulic Transmission Fluid (HTF) or equivalent (e.g., Universal Tractor Transmission Oil - UTTO meeting appropriate specs).
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6-7 Imperial gallons (27-32 Liters) - confirm in manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 - 6 Imperial quarts (5.2 - 5.7 Liters) - confirm in manual.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, PTO engagement issues, hydraulic lift sluggishness, steering box wear, injector pump seal leaks, starter motor fatigue.
Electrical Faults:
Wiring harness degradation, generator/alternator issues, starter solenoid failure.
Engine Perkins 3.152:
Glow plug reliability, piston ring wear leading to oil consumption, potential for head gasket failure if overheated.
Fordson History:
Fordson was the tractor division of Ford Motor Company, established to produce affordable and reliable tractors. The Dexta and Super Dexta represented Ford's entry into the lighter utility tractor market following the success of the Fordson Major.
Dexta Evolution:
Introduced in 1957, the Dexta was a smaller, lighter, and more economical alternative to the Fordson Major. It was designed for smaller farms and lighter duties. The Super Dexta, introduced later, offered increased power and refinement.
Production Years:
1957-1964 (for Dexta and Super Dexta models covered by this manual).
Manufacturing Location:
Ford's Dagenham plant in Essex, England.