Premium 303 and MileMaster 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluids

March 2020: A federal judge granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement. A final fairness hearing is scheduled for October 13, 2020. For more information, go to https://www.303settlement.com/index.html.

February 2020: Plaintiffs moved for preliminary approval of a proposed settlement agreement. According to its terms, class members may receive a cash refund for products purchased ($18 for a 3/2 gallon jug, $27 for a 5-gallon jug, and $200 for a 55-gallon drum) and a cash award to reimburse them for the cost of repairing damage to equipment. In addition, the company agreed not to sell 303 tractor hydraulic fluids.

January 2020: Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint similarly alleging that the companies misleadingly market tractor hydraulic fluids as meeting “303” manufacturing specifications and providing anti-wear and protective benefits when, according to the complaint, the 303 designation is obsolete and the products do not provide the advertised benefits.

November 2018: This case was transferred from state court to federal court. (Case No. 18-cv-941, W.D. Mo.)

May 2018: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Orscheln Farm and Home and Citgo Petroleum for allegedly deceptively marketing that Premium 303 and MileMaster 303 tractor hydraulic fluids protect farm, construction, and logging equipment from wear and damage when, according to the complaint, the products increase wear and damage to equipment. Plaintiffs also claim that the company represents that the tractor hydraulic fluids meet certain specifications and the “303” designation when, according to the complaint, the products do not meet current specifications and the 303 designation is obsolete. (Hornbeck et al v. Orscheln Farm and Home, LLC d/b/a Orscheln Farm and Home and Citgo Petroleum Corp., Case No. 18CA-CC00106, Missouri State Court – Cass County)

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