The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with attorneys general from Illinois and Minnesota, has filed a lawsuit against agricultural equipment giant John Deere over allegations of unfair repair practices that have severely impacted farmers across America.
The lawsuit targets John Deere's restrictive repair policies that force farmers to use only company-authorized dealerships for equipment repairs, even for basic maintenance. According to the FTC complaint, the manufacturer's modern tractors contain computer systems that lock down after repairs until an authorized technician reactivates them through proprietary software.
"When farmers can't access the proprietary software tools needed for repairs, they face costly delays waiting for authorized technicians. Weather doesn't wait for dealership schedules - delays could mean lost harvests," said FTC Chair Lina Khan.
The commission alleges that by limiting distribution of repair tools, John Deere has maintained complete market control over equipment repairs through its dealer network, leading to inflated repair costs. This has pushed many farmers to seek older, pre-computerized equipment in the used market.
John Deere strongly disputes these claims. Company Vice President Denver Caldwell stated the lawsuit "relies on inaccurate information and assumptions" and ignores their "long-standing commitment to customer self-repair."
The legal action comes after years of complaints from farmers and advocacy groups. The FTC aims to compel John Deere to provide farmers access to the same repair tools and documentation available to authorized repair shops.
This lawsuit represents part of a broader push for "right to repair" reforms. Some states like Colorado have already passed laws requiring manufacturers to provide repair resources to equipment owners, though similar legislation in Minnesota currently exempts farm equipment.
The FTC's action was approved by a 3-2 commission vote, with dissenting commissioners criticizing the timing of the filing ahead of an administration change. If successful, the lawsuit could fundamentally change how farmers maintain and repair their essential equipment.