John Deere Equipment Repair Rights
Federal Regulators Secure Right-to-Repair Settlement with John Deere for Farmers
The Federal Trade Commission and five state attorneys general have forced John Deere into a landmark right-to-repair settlement, requiring the farm equipment giant to open up its repair tools to farmers and independent shops — not just its own dealer network. WBAL-TV reported that Deere has faced years of complaints for locking customers out of fixing their own tractors and other equipment.
The deal marks the second major right-to-repair agreement Deere has reached in 2025. In April, the company paid $99 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by farmers over the same issue, according to KCRA.
What John Deere Must Now Do Differently
Under the settlement, Deere must make its repair software and services available to farmers and independent repair shops — not just authorized dealers. For years, Deere controlled access to the software needed to diagnose and fix its equipment. That forced customers to pay dealer prices, even for simple repairs, according to KOAT.
Deere will also pay $1 million to the five states involved — Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin — to cover antitrust enforcement costs. The company will be watched closely for the next 10 years under strict compliance oversight, KCCI reported.
Five States Joined the FTC to Take on Deere
The FTC teamed up with attorneys general from Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to bring this case. They argued that Deere had illegally blocked farmers and independent mechanics from doing their own repairs. The states said this hurt competition and cost farmers money, according to WLKY.
Farm states like Minnesota and Wisconsin have large numbers of Deere customers. Independent repair shops in those states say they lost business because they couldn't access the software needed to fix Deere machines. The multi-state push put major pressure on the company.
Farmers Have Fought This Battle for Years
The right-to-repair fight over farm equipment has been brewing for over a decade. Deere's software locks meant that even a simple fix could require a dealer visit. Farmers in remote areas sometimes waited days for a technician — right in the middle of harvest season, when every hour matters.
The April class-action settlement of $99 million gave some farmers direct payouts. Now this FTC deal goes further — it changes the rules going forward. Farmers won't just get money. They'll get access, according to KCRA.
A Broader Win for the Right-to-Repair Movement
This settlement is one of the biggest right-to-repair victories in U.S. history. The movement argues that people who buy products should be allowed to fix them. It has targeted electronics makers, automakers, and farm equipment companies. Deere was one of the most high-profile targets, WBAL-TV reported.
With 10 years of compliance oversight locked in, this deal has real teeth. If Deere fails to follow through, federal and state regulators can act quickly. Advocates say the settlement could set a template for future cases against other manufacturers who restrict repairs.
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