Target Audience:
Farmers, agricultural contractors, and DIY enthusiasts seeking an affordable, reliable utility tractor for medium-duty tasks.
Advantage:
The Fordson Dexta was among the first tractors to offer a diesel engine at a price competitive with petrol models, providing fuel economy and durability. Its simple, robust design and ease of maintenance made it a popular choice.
Engine:
Three-cylinder diesel (Perkins) or four-cylinder petrol (Fordson) options.
Transmission:
Manual gearbox with 6 forward and 2 reverse gears (standard) or optional 10-speed Select-O-Speed transmission.
Hydraulics:
Standard three-point hitch and power take-off (PTO) with independent operation.
Engine:
Complete overhaul procedures, including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of all engine components.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan service.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, and lubrication circuits.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, injection pump (diesel), carburetor (petrol).
Electrical System:
Battery, starter motor, alternator, wiring diagrams.
Clutch:
Clutch assembly, adjustment, and replacement.
Transmission:
Manual gearbox, differential, and final drive service.
Steering:
Steering gear, linkage, and power steering (if equipped).
Brakes:
Service and adjustment of mechanical or hydraulic brakes.
Hydraulic System:
Three-point hitch, hydraulic pump, control valves, and cylinders.
Power Take-Off (PTO):
PTO shaft, clutch, and engagement mechanism.
Service and Adjustments:
Step-by-step procedures for routine maintenance and adjustments.
Removal and Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing components.
Disassembly and Assembly:
Complete break down and reassembly procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic information and fault finding.
Tightening Torques:
Factory specifications for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
References to required service tools and illustrations.
Precautions:
Safety warnings and notes.
Comprehensiveness:
Detailed, step-by-step procedures with sequential instructions.
Illustrations:
Includes detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photos.
Specifications:
Provides factory specifications, allowable limits, and service data.
Part Numbers:
Reference to service tool numbers and associated illustrations.
OEM References:
N/A - not specified in manual details
Compatibility:
Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Requirements:
Adobe Reader or equivalent PDF viewer.
Searchability:
Text searchable (digital PDF).
Printable:
All pages are printable.
Resolution:
High-resolution scans for clear printing.
Type:
Digital (no physical binding).
Physical Manual:
N/A - digital download only.
Diesel Engine:
Perkins A3.144 three-cylinder diesel.
Petrol Engine:
Fordson four-cylinder petrol engine (available on early models).
Displacement:
2.4 L (144 cu in)
Power:
Approximately 34 horsepower (25.4 kW) at 2000 rpm.
Torque:
Approximately 112 lb-ft (152 Nm) at 1200 rpm.
Diesel Injection:
Direct injection with mechanical fuel pump.
Petrol Carburetion:
Single downdraft carburetor (petrol models).
Type:
Manual, sliding mesh or constant mesh (gear drive).
Gears:
6 forward and 2 reverse.
Type:
Select-O-Speed (powershift) - optional on later models.
Gears:
10 forward and 2 reverse.
Clutch:
Single or dual stage clutch (for independent PTO).
Speed Range:
Up to approximately 20 km/h (12 mph).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1,880 mm (74 in)
Length:
Approximately 3,120 mm (123 in) (excluding three-point hitch)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,700 kg (3,750 lb)
Crash Test:
N/A - Tractors are not subject to car crash test ratings.
Brakes:
Mechanical or hydraulic drum brakes on rear wheels (depending on model).
Steering:
Manual steering (or optional power steering on some models).
Rollover Protection:
N/A - Not original equipment; often added as aftermarket roll bars/ROPS.
Seat Belt:
N/A - Not original equipment.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 100 hours or annually, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Change:
Every 200 hours or with every other oil change.
Transmission Oil:
Check level every 50 hours; change every 500 hours.
Coolant:
Check level weekly; replace every 2 years.
Hydraulic Oil:
Check level every 50 hours; change every 1000 hours.
Engine Oil:
SAE 30 (API CC/SE) for diesel; SAE 20/30 for petrol.
Transmission/Hydraulic Oil:
SAE 90 gear oil or universal tractor transmission fluid (UTF).
Coolant:
50/50 ethylene glycol and water.
Brake Fluid:
If hydraulic brakes: DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues:
Injector pump seals may leak; cylinder head gasket failure on petrol models; wear in steering tie rods.
