Deere Owners to Get Right to Repair Own Machines

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 9, 2026

The Federal Trade Commission and several state attorneys general reached a settlement with Deere & Co. requiring the company to provide farmers and independent repair shops with access to repair software and parts for John Deere equipment. This agreement aims to reduce repair costs and downtime by allowing greater self-servicing, reflecting increasing regulatory pressure and support for right-to-repair policies in the agricultural sector.

The Federal Trade Commission, alongside attorneys general from several states, reached a settlement agreement with Deere & Co. on Wednesday that grants farmers and independent repair shops greater access to repair their equipment. The Illinois-based manufacturer, widely recognized for its John Deere agricultural machinery, will now be required to provide the necessary software and parts to allow customers to carry out their own repairs.

Deere has long faced criticism for restricting access to key diagnostic software and repair information, making it difficult for owners and independent mechanics to fix machines without relying solely on authorized dealers. These limitations have drawn complaints from farmers who argued that the company’s policies increased downtime and repair costs.

The new settlement marks the second significant resolution related to John Deere’s repair restrictions this year. In April, Deere agreed to a $99 million class-action settlement with farmers, which provided financial compensation to affected customers. Unlike that settlement, the latest agreement with the FTC focuses on changing Deere’s business practices, ensuring that equipment owners and third-party repair providers have the ability to perform maintenance and repairs using official resources.

While Deere has maintained that its approach protects proprietary technology and ensures machine safety and quality, the FTC and state officials have pushed for greater transparency and consumer choice in the agricultural equipment market. This ongoing regulatory scrutiny reflects broader national debates over “right-to-repair” policies, which advocate for customer autonomy in servicing and maintaining their own products.

The enforcement action underscores the growing attention on equipment manufacturers’ control over repair processes and highlights the evolving landscape for farmers seeking more flexible and cost-effective maintenance options. Deere’s commitment to comply with the settlement terms will likely influence future approaches within the industry concerning repair access and consumer rights.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.