BUYING A FORDSON DEXTA

There is no secret that I have a soft spot for my Massey Ferguson 35. However, since I’ve had a few Fordson Dextas through my workshop, I must admit I kind of like these too.

Top brands

In the late Fifties and early Sixties, Massey Ferguson and Fordson were the biggest selling tractor brands in Great Britain. Locked in a fierce sales battle throughout production, it looked like in the beginning that the little Fordson would win out as the Ferguson 35 was going through its hard-starting period.

The Dexta was fitted with a Perkins derived engine, which not only started well but also had good power and sounded lovely. The tinwork resembled its bigger brother, the Major, as did the colour scheme of blue and orange. Later on in production, the orange was replaced with a light grey colour.

Similarities

The similarities to the Major weren’t confined to the colour and shape; and the front cowl was also prone