John Deere

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John Deere is a leading manufacturer of Agricultural, and Heavy Machinery. Founded in 1837, they are primarily known for their heavy-duty agriculture machines, such as tractors and combines. They have recently faced criticism for their business practices, especially in the realm of equipment repair. These practices have raised concerns among farmers, independent repair technicians, and consumer advocacy groups.

Consumer Protection Profile

Front Page of the FTC's Suit Against John Deere

Repairability

• John Deere limits access to essential repair software and diagnostic tools.
• Restrictive policies prevent farmers from performing repairs or utilizing independent repair shops, forcing them to rely on authorized dealerships.
• Farmers have reported being unable to fix minor mechanical issues without John Deere's proprietary tools.
• John Deere has allegedly unlawfully inflated repair costs by controlling the repair service market.

Monopoly On Repairs

• John Deere's control over the repair market has been likened to monopolistic behavior.
• By restricting, and controlling access to repair resources, and parts, the company has effectively eliminated competition in the repair market.

Digital Rights and Ownership

• John Deere uses software locks, and digital rights management (DRM) systems that control user autonomy.
• These measures prevent Farmers, and Independent repair technicians from completing repairs without access to the proprietary software.

Right to Repair Legislation Opposition

• John Deer has actively lobbied against right-to-repair legislation in multiple states, and on the Federal level.
• Despite signing a memorandum of understanding with the American Farm Bureau Federation in 2023, the company has been accused of undermining the spirit of the agreement.

Consumer Protection Incidents

FTC Lawsuit (January 2025)

On January 15, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against John Deere, alleging anticompetitive practices in the repair market. The lawsuit claims that:

• John Deere unlawfully inflated repair costs by monopolizing the repair service market.
• The company's restrictive policies violated consumer protection laws, and limited farmers' ability to maintain their equipment.