1958 Fordson Dextra

robroy

Member
Does someone have a shift pattern or know where to get the decal for a dextra? Would also like a wiring diagram for a dextra diesel. Thanks
 
You have two problems. Number 1: Fordson never made a tractor called a Dextra, could this be a China Import?

Fordson did however make a tractor called a Dexta from 1957 to 1964.

Number 2: There was never a shift pattern decal, inscribed gear knob or cast numbers on the Dexta, they relied on the operator having and reading the operator handbook. This can be a problem now the tractor is possibly over 60 years old. The gear selection is as follows:

Short lever on right forward.
Main lever ... To the right and forward = 1st gear.
Main lever ... To the right and back = 2nd gear.
Main lever ... To the left and forward = 5th gear.
Main lever ... To the left and back = Low Reverse.

Short lever on right back.
Main lever ... To the right and forward = 3rd gear.
Main lever ... To the right and back = 4th gear.
Main lever ... To the left and forward - 6th gear.
Main lever ... To the left and back = High Reverse.

When selecting gears, do not rush and move the lever in an H pattern, do not try and move diagonally as this may cause the lever to come out of the selectors. The end of the lever gets worn and will jump out if force is used. This is easily rectified, a 1/2 AF spanner, remove the four bolts around the levers, lift out levers, reset selectors with a short bar or screwdriver and replace levers. Better solution is to build up the end of the gearstick with some weld and it will last another 60 years.

A good idea would be to get a download of the manual for a Dexta from the Internet, they are available. If you live in a colder climate, it is important that you have a working cold start system both primer and heater coil. DO NOT USE ETHER TO START in any form or you will crack pistons, break rings and bend connecting rods. I have sorted out many engines of this design when ether has been used. It is not a Perkins engine, it was made at Dagenham and assembled at Perkins. Some Perkins parts will fit but not all.

Hope this helps. The Dexta is a brilliant little tractor but, like all old ladies, needs a bit of care. I have owned a 1960 petrol version for the last twenty years and she still works on my land.
 
I've always heard them called Fordson Dextra. Serial #957E 7005, built in Dagenham, ENG the reason I bought it is sentimental my mother was born in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham about 270 miles north of Dagenham. My parents met during the war when dad was in England with the 8th Air Corps. Mine is the diesel model.
 
That number is not the serial number, it is a casting number and is the same on every Dexta and Super Dexta. The serial number you need is behind the starter, stamped onto the clutch flange. Will start 957E or even 09B depending on how old the tractor is.

Do not know why people in the US call them Dextra's, the name and spelling is on the bonnet badges or the badge on the radiator cowl. Just teasing. :0)

cvphoto137294.jpg


Dexta Serial Number. These starts 959E because it is a petrol Dexta.


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Dexta Bonnet Badge.
 
Majorman knows his stuff but I always thought the dexta engine was Perkins I remember been told it was an improved P3 also there was an agreement between Ford and Perkins that no names were to be cast into block
I have dexta and the serial number is on left hand side
 
That was a bit confusing because they did work together but Ford cast all the parts at the Dagenham furnace and specified different injection system, timing gears instead of timing chain and pressed in dry liners, Perkins use a lip at the top of the sleeve, but the Dexta is interference fit and have to be bored to size after fitting. All the engine parts were shipped in a just-in-time operation from Dagenham to Perkins for final machining and assembly, the completed engines coming back to Ford Dagenham on the same transport.

Things like the oil pump and liners are different but MF ones can be modified to fit.
 

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