John Deere agrees to expand repair tool access under FTC settlement
A settlement between the Federal Trade Commission, John Deere and five states will require the company to expand access to diagnostic software and repair tools for farmers and independent repair providers, resolving a lawsuit that alleged Deere unlawfully restricted equipment repairs.
The agreement settles a lawsuit filed in January 2025 by the FTC and the states of Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The complaint alleged Deere had limited access to software tools needed to complete electronic repairs on its agricultural equipment, forcing farmers to rely on authorized dealerships for many repairs.
Under the settlement, Deere must provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same repair resources currently available to its authorized dealers. The order will remain in effect for 10 years under FTC and state oversight.
Expanded access to repair tools
The FTC said the agreement will require Deere to make repair resources available on fair and reasonable terms. Those resources include the ability to read, clear and reset electronic fault codes, reprogram electronic components, restart machines after emissions-related shutdowns, and unrestricted access to technical manuals, troubleshooting information and other repair guidance.
The agreement also requires Deere to make future repair resources available to farmers and independent repair providers once they are available to more than 50% of the company’s United States dealer network. Deere must also direct its dealers to support customers using the repair tools and prohibit retaliation or discrimination against those who choose independent repair options.
The company is required to notify customers, independent repair providers, and dealers about the settlement and the availability of the repair resources. Deere also will be subject to reporting and compliance requirements throughout the agreement.
FTC cites lower costs for farmers
FTC Bureau of Competition Director Daniel Guarnera said the settlement restores farmers’ ability to repair their own equipment.
“Today’s settlement enables farmers to do what they’ve done for generations—fix their own tractors and other farm equipment—without having to pay an authorized John Deere dealer to do it for them,” Guarnera said. “The settlement with Deere will help lower costs for American farmers. The FTC will continue fighting against anticompetitive restrictions on American consumers’ right to repair.”
The FTC alleged Deere held monopoly power in repair services for its equipment because it controlled the only software capable of performing all electronic repairs. According to the complaint, restricting access to those tools increased repair costs and caused service delays during critical farming periods.
The proposed order was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The FTC approved the settlement by a 2-0 vote.
Deere says agreement formalizes commitment
In a separate statement, Deere said the agreement formalizes its ongoing efforts to expand customer access to diagnostic and repair tools while preserving equipment safety and innovation.
“This is good news for our customers and for the future of how Deere equipment is supported,” said Denver Caldwell, Deere vice president of aftermarket and customer support. “Producers and equipment operators demand flexible and world class capabilities enabling the maintenance and repair of their machines; we are and will continue to deliver on that expectation.”
Caldwell said the agreement reinforces Deere’s commitment to providing customers with more repair options while allowing the company to continue investing in equipment, dealer support and repair technologies.
The company said the agreement closes the matter filed by the FTC and participating states in early 2025 and allows Deere to continue focusing on customer support while expanding access to repair resources for both equipment owners and independent service providers.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
