WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Farmers will gain broader access to repair tools and software for their equipment under a new settlement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), five states and Deere & Company, marking a major development in the long-running right-to-repair debate.
Under the proposed settlement, Deere will be required for the next 10 years to provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same repair resources and software capabilities currently available to its authorized dealers.
The agreement also requires Deere to make future repair resources available once they are deployed to most of its dealer network, while prohibiting retaliation against farmers or independent repair shops that use those resources.
The FTC said the settlement resolves allegations that Deere unlawfully restricted access to diagnostic software and repair tools, forcing farmers to rely on authorized dealers for many repairs, increasing costs, and delaying service.
The settlement requires Deere to provide access to tools and information needed to:
- Read, clear, and reset electronic fault codes.
- Reprogram electronic components.
- Restart equipment after emissions-related shutdowns.
- Access technical manuals, troubleshooting information, and other repair guidance.
The agreement still requires approval by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
