Missouri retailers of tractor hydraulic fluid (303) have been notified by the Department that these products are misbranded because they fail to meet any current tractor manufacturers specifications. The John Deere (JD) 303 designation is 57 years old and has been obsolete for 43 years. In addition, there are no specifications available for 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluids and, as such, products making only 303 claims cannot be tested to assure compliance with any known specifications. This action is being taken to protect tractor owners from equipment damage.
Over the summer the Department sampled 14 different 303 fluids, many claiming to work in almost every tractor. All 14 of these 303 fluids failed to meet current specifications and were found to be underperforming to the point that damage was likely to result from use.
Companies have been given the opportunity to revise their claims on the container to clearly identify the appropriate use of the product therein. The Department is working with manufacturers, distributors and retailers to ensure a low cost product with accurate labeling is available in the State of Missouri.
In the end, this action was taken to protect you and every other tractor owner in Missouri from damage to equipment. We are continuing to work with companies to revise their product claims or provide a higher quality product that meets a verifiable OEM Tractor specification.
