Introduction
Fordson Dexta Utility Tractor
Produced in Dagenham, England, between 1958 and 1961, the Fordson Dexta is a utility tractor designed for general agricultural tasks. It was marketed in the United States as the Diesel 2000 and was available in several configurations, including narrow and industrial models.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled inline engine with a displacement of 133.5 cubic inches (2.2 liters). It features a bore and stroke of 3.425 by 3.622 inches and a compression ratio of 6:1. Maintenance requirements include an oil change interval of 200 hours, with a total oil capacity of 7.2 quarts and a coolant capacity of 9 quarts. The ignition system utilizes a Champion L10 sparkplug with a gap of 0.031 inches.
Transmission and PTO
The drivetrain consists of a manual transmission offering 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, coupled with a dry disc clutch. The rear power take-off (PTO) operates at 540 RPM and is available with an optional live 2-stage clutch configuration, which allows for independent control of the PTO during gear changes.
Mechanical and Hydraulic Systems
The Dexta utilizes a two-wheel drive system steered manually by the operator. Braking is handled by mechanical expanding shoe differential brakes. The hydraulic system is equipped with a pump providing a flow rate of 4.42 gallons per minute (16.7 liters per minute), supporting a Category I rear hitch for implement attachment.
Dimensions and Chassis
The tractor features a wheelbase of 71 inches and an overall width of 64.5 inches. Ground clearance is 21 inches at the front axle and 12 inches at the rear axle. The operator station is of an open design, and the machine is supported by agricultural tires, typically 5.50-16 or 4.00-19 at the front, and 10-28 or 12.4-28 at the rear.
Conclusion
The Fordson Dexta is a versatile, compact utility tractor suited for varied field operations. Its straightforward mechanical design and availability in multiple variants made it a significant model in the late 1950s, remaining a functional piece of agricultural machinery for collectors and small-scale farming today.
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Production Information of Fordson, Dexta
- The gasoline version of the Dexta was produced in much smaller numbers than the diesel verion. The Dexta was sold in the United States as the Diesel 2000. A narrow model (52-inch width) as well as an industrial model, and a Dexta Special (Germany) were made.
- Utility tractor
- Built in Dagenham, England
| Manufacturer | Fordson (a part of Ford) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Fordson, Dexta
| Clearance (front axle) | 21 inches [53 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 71 inches [180 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 54 inches [137 cm] |
| Width | 64.5 inches [163 cm] |
| Length | 118.5 inches (diesel) [300 cm] |
| Clearance (rear axle) | 12 inches [30 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 46.5 inches [118 cm] |
| Height (hood)(optional) | 121 inches (gasoline) [307 cm] |
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 10-28 |
| Ag rear | 12.4-28 |
| Ag front | 4.00-19 |
Engine Specifications of Fordson, Dexta
- Liquid-cooled inline
| Oil change | 100 h |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 7.66 qts [7.2 L] |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Coolant capacity | 9 qts [8.5 L] |
| Coolant capacity | 6.9 qts [6.5 L] |
| Sparkplug | Champion L10 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Displacement | 133.5 ci [2.2 L] |
| Compression | 6:1 |
| Oil capacity | 7.2 qts [6.8 L] |
| Oil change | 200 h |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.425x3.622 inches [87 x 92 mm] |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.006 inches [0.152 mm] |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.010 inches [0.254 mm] |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.010 inches [0.254 mm] |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.010 inches [0.254 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.031 inches [0.787 mm] |
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Transmission Information of Fordson, Dexta
Transmission variants 1
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Fordson, Dexta
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes
Power Information of Fordson, Dexta
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO(optional) | Live optional (2-stage clutch) |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Fordson, Dexta
| Pump flow | 4.42 gpm [16.7 lpm] |
|---|
Three-Point Hitch of Fordson, Dexta
| Rear Type | I |
|---|
Electrical System of Fordson, Dexta
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 32 HP, the Fordson Dexta sits between Major (27 HP) and New Major (38 HP) in Fordson's range. Its power puts it in the 40th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Fordson Dexta have?
The Fordson Dexta delivers 32 HP.
What years was the Fordson Dexta produced?
The Fordson Dexta was produced in 1958-1961.
Is the Fordson Dexta 4WD?
The Fordson Dexta is available in 2WD.