Big change is coming to the Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (THF) market. Following the stop-sale of “303” fluid in the states of Missouri, Georgia, and North Carolina, the National Conference of Weights and Measures (NCWM) voted to pass an amendment to the NIST Handbook 130 effective in January 2020. This amendment addresses the ‘303’ market and mandates THF fluids must meet at least one current, testable or verifiable specification.

In addition to this requirement, container labels cannot contain any false or misleading information. If a product container label includes obsolete OEM specifications, it must include the following warning:

“Caution: Some of the specifications are no longer deemed active by the original equipment manufacturer. Significant harm to the transmission, hydraulic system, seals, final drive or axles is possible when using this product in applications in which it is not intended”

The Need for Industry Oversight

Today’s marketplace has been flooded with substandard economy THF offerings. Often marked “303” fluids on bright yellow buckets, these labels mislead customers into purchasing products with false claims. Without industry oversight, these fluids often consist of line wash, no performance additives, down-treated fluids and used oil. 

Products Made for Market Change

With more industry changes and regulations, the selection of a high-quality Tractor Hydraulic Fluid is more important than ever. To best support our customers during this shift in the marketplace, we are proud to offer a selection of Tractor Hydraulic Fluids suited for their needs.

Qwiklift^® HTB^®: A superior product that meets or exceeds the latest industry specifications and is formulated to protect your equipment.

Maxtron^® THF+: A premium, full-synthetic, multi-functional tractor hydraulic fluid that features full performance benefits, including outstanding performance in all-weather conditions.

To discover which Cenex THF is right for your equipment, visit the Cenex Equipment Look-up Tool.