Fordson Dexta (957 E)
Built: 1957–1964 · Series: DEXTA
More machines from model year 1957
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Fordson Dexta – Compact British Tractor, 1957 to 1964: three-cylinder Perkins diesel with 22.8 to 29.4 kW, 2,350 to 2,502 cm³ displacement, water-cooled
From 1957, the Dexta complemented the larger Fordson Major with a more compact tractor for smaller farms; the register lists models up to 1964. Output of the recorded models ranges from 22.8 to 29.4 kW, at a displacement of 2,350 to 2,502 cm³, predominantly with three-cylinder engines.
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Recorded operating weight runs from 1,376 to 1,485 kg, wheelbase from 1,867 to 1,876 mm, and top speed of the listed models spans 20 to 23 km/h. The Dexta used a diesel engine developed by Perkins, setting it apart technically from the petrol-engine heritage of earlier Fordson models.
The Dexta was one of the first affordable diesel tractors for smaller farms in Britain, shaping an entire class of compact post-war tractors. For historic examples, check the engine condition and hydraulic system, as parts for some components are now rare.
Perkins, now part of the US Caterpillar group, still runs its own parts and service network for its historic as well as current diesel engines; wear parts for the Dexta engine can therefore often be sourced independently of specialists dealing solely in Fordson. The Dexta's PTO and lift matched the standard typical for its power class, with a 540 rpm speed and a category I three-point hitch under ISO 730. Other British tractor makers of the period also relied on Perkins engines, which eases the search for parts across the industry.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Fordson DEXTA
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | Diesel/Benzincorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 32 hp (23.5 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2.250/1.800 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 3correct |
| Displacement | 2,365 cm³correct |
| Bore | 88.9 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 127 mmcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,010 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,660 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,370 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,867 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 530 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,470 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5 V/2 Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 5.50-16 ASFcorrect |
| Rear tyres | 10-28 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 23 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 16 kW/t (24 kW / 1.5 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 19% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Fordson Dexta (957 E) have?
The Fordson Dexta (957 E) delivers 32 hp.
How much does the Fordson Dexta (957 E) weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,470 kg.
What engine does the Fordson Dexta (957 E) have?
3 cylinders, 2,365 cm³ displacement, Diesel/Benzin.
How fast does the Fordson Dexta (957 E) go?
Top speed is 23 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Fordson Dexta (957 E)?
3,010 mm × 1,660 mm × 1,370 mm.
When was the Fordson Dexta (957 E) built?
Production years: 1957–1964.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 21 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Other models in this series
DEXTA / 1870
DEXTA/1870 SPECIAL
DEXTA/1870-60
DEXTA/1870-62
DEXTA/1870-64
Dexta
Dexta-Special
Super Dexta (960 E)
dexta/1870-61
Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.