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Fordson Dexta
1958 Fordson Dexta tractor, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, USA · Photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fordson · Post-war · Utility

Dexta

Built 1957–1964 (Super Dexta from 1961/62) in Dagenham, Essex, England
Power
32engine hp
Engine
3-cyl 2.36 L Diesel
Weight
1,352kg
Gearbox
6 forward, 2 reverse

The story

Ford's sales staff wanted a small tractor to take on the Ferguson 35, and the result, known as project 957E during development, became the Dexta. Five prototypes were tried at Elveden in 1955, and the designers took care to stay clear of Ferguson's patents.

It was launched at Alexandra Palace in London in November 1957, with full production at Dagenham from February 1958. Power came from a three-cylinder Perkins diesel that was easy to start, and the gearbox was based on the Ford 8N with two extra ratios.

A Live Drive version came in 1959 and the larger Super Dexta in 1961. Roadless offered a four-wheel drive conversion.

The Dexta ended in late 1964, when the Basildon-built Ford 2000 and 3000 took over.

Did you knowRansomes designed a range of smaller, lighter implements specially to suit the Dexta.
For sale

No Fordson Dexta listings yet. Dealers and private sellers will be able to list them here soon.

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Nebraska tractor test

Test number684
Year tested1959

Test 684, Fordson Dexta 957 E, dated 28 February 1959. Measured figures will be added from the original report.

Specifications

Engine
MakerPerkins (3-cylinder diesel, A3.144; parts cast by Ford and assembled by Perkins)
FuelDiesel; a petrol version was built mainly for export
Cylinders3
Displacement2.36 L / 144 cu in
Power
Rated engine power32 hp
Drive
Transmission6 forward, 2 reverse (dual-range); dual clutch optional, Live Drive from 1959
Top speed29.2 km/h / 18.1 mph
Hitch3-point linkage with hydraulic lift
Size
Weight1,352 kg / 2,980 lb
Fuel tank33 L (7.2 imp gal)
History
Built1957–1964 (Super Dexta from 1961/62)
FactoryDagenham, Essex, England

About these figures. 32 hp (SAE) at 2,000 rpm for the standard Dexta. The Super Dexta used a 2.5 L Perkins A3.152 rated at 39.5 hp at first and 44.5 hp from 1962. Measured figures from Nebraska test 684 will be added from the original report.

Sources

  1. Press and Journal: Little Fordson Dexta found favour on many farms
  2. Koneviesti Konedata: Fordson Dexta 1957–64
  3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Test 684, Fordson Dexta 957 E

Last checked 1 November 2026

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