| Manufacturer |
Fordson |
| Price |
- |
| Model |
Dexta |
| Equipment Type |
Utility Tractors |
| Factory |
Dagenham, England |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 684 2
| Description |
Diesel 6-speed 2WD/February 28 - March 16, 1959/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 684 file/PTO performance/Drawbar performance/Gear 3 used for power test./Gear 1 used for pull test. |
| Power at rated engine speed |
31.41 hp/23.4 kW |
| Fuel use |
2.0 gal/hour/7.6 l/hour |
| Power at rated PTO speed |
26.07 hp/19.4 kW |
| Max power |
27.03 hp/20.2 kW |
| Max pull |
4,362 lbs/1978 kg |
FORDSON DEXTA POWER
| Engine |
32 hp/23.9 kW |
| Drawbar (claimed) |
23.0 hp/17.2 kW |
| PTO (claimed) |
31.41 hp/23.4 kW |
| Plows |
3 |
| Drawbar (tested) |
27.03 hp/20.2 kW |
| PTO (tested) |
31.41 hp/23.4 kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Fordson Dexta is equipped with either a Ford-Perkins 2.4L 3-cylinder diesel or a standard 2.2L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, providing versatility depending on fuel preferences and operational requirements. The diesel variant offers better fuel efficiency and torque for heavy-duty tasks, while the gasoline engine may be suited for lighter applications with easier starting in cold weather. Note that the diesel engine has a higher initial purchase cost but delivers long-term savings through reduced fuel consumption and maintenance intervals.
| Description |
Ford-Perkins 2.4L 3-cyl diesel/Standard 2.2L 4-cyl gasoline |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Fordson Dexta tractor, powered by the Ford-Perkins F3.144 engine, delivers a respectable 32 hp at a rated 2000 RPM with a torque of 93 lb-ft at 1200 RPM, making it suitable for moderate agricultural tasks. Its oil bath air cleaner and a high compression ratio of 16.5:1 enhance engine efficiency, though operators should adhere to the 100-hour oil change interval and maintain proper valve clearances of 0.010 inches post-operation. While the compact size and liquid cooling bolster its versatility in tight spaces, the relatively low power output may limit its capability for heavy-duty applications or demanding terrain.
| Description |
Ford-Perkins F3.144/diesel/3-cylinder/liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
144 ci/2.4 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.50x5.00 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 |
100 h/ |
| Coolant capacity |
9 qts/8.5 L |
| Intake valve clearance |
0.010 inches/0.254 mm *Hot |
| Exhaust valve clearance |
0.010 inches/0.254 mm *Hot |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Fordson Dexta features a 2.2L Standard Vanguard gasoline engine, notable for its moderate displacement and 6:1 compression ratio, which may limit power output compared to higher-compression alternatives. Its inline-4 configuration and specified valve clearances are conducive for regular maintenance, yet the engine's cooling efficiency is contingent on the 6.9-quart coolant capacity. This tractor is advantageous for light to medium agricultural tasks but may face challenges in performance under heavy loads due to its relatively lower horsepower output, making it more suitable for smaller farms or specific use cases.
| Description |
Standard Vanguard/gasoline/4-cylinder 8-valve/liquid-cooled inline |
| Displacement |
133.5 ci/2.2 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.425x3.622 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 |
| Sparkplug |
Champion L10 |
| Sparkplug 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 |
ENGINE OIL
The Fordson Dexta tractor has an oil capacity of 7.2 quarts (6.8 liters), which is relatively moderate, enabling efficient lubrication for various operations. With an oil change interval of 200 hours, regular maintenance is crucial for preserving engine longevity and performance. Be aware that neglecting this schedule may lead to increased engine wear and reduced efficiency, particularly in heavier applications.
| Oil capacity |
7.2 qts/6.8 L |
| Oil change |
200 h/ |
FORDSON DEXTA ENGINES
The Fordson Dexta tractor, equipped with either a Ford-Perkins 2.4L 3-cylinder diesel or a standard 2.2L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, offers versatile power options for various agricultural tasks. The diesel variant, with an 8.4-gallon tank, provides better fuel efficiency for longer operational hours, while the gasoline option has a larger 11.4-gallon tank, which may be advantageous for quick, less extended tasks. However, potential challenges include the diesel engine’s increased initial cost and maintenance complexity compared to the more straightforward gasoline engine.
| Description |
Ford-Perkins 2.4L 3-cyl diesel/Standard 2.2L 4-cyl gasoline |
| Fuel tank |
8.4 gal/31.8 L (diesel)/11.4 gal/43.1 L (gasoline) |
TRANSMISSION
The Fordson Dexta's 6-speed forward and 2-speed reverse gears provide versatility for various agricultural applications, facilitating adaptability to different terrain and workload requirements. The dry disc clutch offers durability and responsiveness but may require more frequent adjustments compared to hydraulic clutches. Ideal for smaller farms, the Dexta's configuration allows for efficient maneuverability in tighter spaces, though operators must be conscious of clutch wear with frequent starts and stops.
| Gears |
6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch |
dry disc |
MECHANICAL
The Fordson Dexta features a 4x2 2WD chassis, which may limit traction on uneven terrain compared to 4WD models, making it more suitable for flat fields and lighter-duty applications. Its manual steering system provides a direct driving experience but can require more effort when maneuvering in tight spaces. The 6-speed transmission enhances operational versatility, allowing for efficient speed management during various farming tasks, though the lack of an enclosed cab could expose the operator to the elements.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD |
| Steering |
manual |
| Brakes |
differential mechanical expanding shoe |
| Cab |
Open operator station. |
| Transmission |
6-speed |
HYDRAULICS
| Pump flow |
4.42 gpm/16.7 lpm |
TRACTOR HITCH
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
transmission/live (2-stage clutch) optional |
| Rear RPM |
540 |
FORDSON DEXTA TIRES
The Fordson Dexta, equipped with Ag front tires of 4.00-19 and Ag rear tires of 10-28, demonstrates a balanced weight distribution, enhancing traction and stability, especially in light to medium-duty agricultural tasks. Its tire configuration supports effective operation over varied terrains but may limit load capacity compared to larger models. Consider using this tractor for small-scale farming or hobby settings where maneuverability and fuel efficiency are prioritized over heavy lifting.
| Ag front |
4.00-19 |
| Ag rear |
10-28 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
71 inches/180 cm |
| Length |
118.5 inches/300 cm (diesel)/121 inches/307 cm (gasoline) |
| Width |
64.5 inches/163 cm |
| Height (steering wheel) |
54 inches/137 cm |
| Height (hood) |
46.5 inches/118 cm |
| Operating weight |
3,300 lbs/1496 kg |
| Ballasted weight |
6,000 lbs/2721 kg |
| Clearance (front axle) |
21 inches/53 cm |
| Clearance (rear axle) |
12 inches/30 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Fordson Dexta, with a wheelbase of 71 inches (180 cm) and a weight of 3,300 lbs (1496 kg), provides stability and maneuverability, making it suitable for a variety of farming applications. Its tire configuration, featuring 5.50-16 front tires and 12.4-28 rear tires, enhances traction and load-carrying capacity, particularly in soft or uneven terrain. However, its relatively lightweight design may limit its performance in heavy draft work compared to heavier tractors.
| Wheelbase |
71 inches/180 cm |
| Weight |
3,300 lbs/1496 kg |
| Front tire |
5.50-16 |
| Rear tire |
12.4-28 |
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 |
09A 312001 |
| 1962 |
09B 702592 |
| 1963 |
09D 900001 |
| 1964 |
09D 907332 |
| Final |
09D 928248 |
ELECTRICAL
| Ground |
positive |
| Battery volts |
12 |
