Tractors in Dealer Parking Lot for SaleMinnesota and Illinois have joined the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in filing a Right to Repair lawsuit against John Deere. The U.S. FTC has been investigating John Deere since 2021 on claims that the company’s equipment design often requires proprietary software available only to authorized dealers. This reportedly limits farmers’ and independent repair shops’ ability to perform repairs.

In 2023, Deere agreed to expand access to its repair tools. However, concerns over compliance with that agreement remain. John Deere responded with a statement that it has a long-standing dedication to customer self-repair, publishing manuals and selling parts. It further said that the lawsuit punishes innovation and pro-competitive product design.

John Deere has the right to contest the charges before the FTC issues its final order. This order can then be appealed to the courts.

Read more about the U.S. FTC lawsuit against John Deere here.