John Deere: Difference between revisions

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[[File:John deere doc.png|thumb|524x524px|Front Page of the FTC's Suit Against John Deere<ref name="DCRCCN325">[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/DeereCoREDACTEDComplaintCaseNo325-cv-50017.pdf UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS WESTERN DIVISION] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260221171915/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/DeereCoREDACTEDComplaintCaseNo325-cv-50017.pdf Archived])</ref>]]

====Repairability====

=== Repairability ===

Access to essential repair software and diagnostic tools is reportedly limited by John Deere.<ref name="dith3">{{Cite web |date=5 Feb 2021 |title=Deere in the Headlights |url=https://pirg.org/resources/deere-in-the-headlights-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404124159/https://pirg.org/resources/deere-in-the-headlights-3/ |archive-date=4 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> Such restrictive policies can hinder farmers from performing repairs independently or utilizing independent repair shops, thereby necessitating reliance on authorized dealerships.<ref name="jdflrtrt" />

Farmers have reported an inability to address certain mechanical issues, even minor ones, without access to John Deere's proprietary tools.<ref name="fssdcp">{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=FTC, States Sue Deere & Company to Protect Farmers from Unfair Corporate Tactics, High Repair Costs |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429162248/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs |archive-date=29 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=[[FTC]]}}</ref> Furthermore, it is alleged that John Deere has unlawfully inflated repair costs through its control of the repair-service market<ref name="fssdcp" />.

====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~~.<ref>{{Cite web ~~|last=Byrnes |first=Dave~~ |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=FTC ~~accuses John~~ Deere ~~of unlawful equipment repair practices~~ |url=https://www.~~courthousenews~~.~~com~~/ftc-~~accuses~~-~~john~~-deere-of-~~unlawful~~-~~equipment~~-repair-~~practices/~~ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/~~20250427213734~~/https://www.~~courthousenews~~.~~com~~/ftc-~~accuses~~-~~john~~-deere-of-~~unlawful~~-~~equipment~~-repair-~~practices/~~ |archive-date=27 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=~~Courthouse News Service~~}}</ref>

Farmers have reported that without access to John Deere's proprietary tools, they're unable to address certain mechanical issues, even minor ones.<ref name="fssdcp">{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=FTC, States Sue Deere & Company to Protect Farmers from Unfair Corporate Tactics, High Repair Costs |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429162248/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs |archive-date=29 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=[[FTC]]}}</ref> There are measures in place that prevent independent repair technicians from completing repair,<ref name="dith3" /> such as [[Digital rights management|software locks]] that control user autonomy,<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Reilly |first=Kevin |date=18 Jul 2023 |title=Service Obstructor: John Deere software restricts farmer repair |url=https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622174115/https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |archive-date=22 June 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> requiring access to proprietary software, and controlling access to repair resources and parts. Through eliminating competition in the repair market, John Deere has allegedly unlawfully inflated repair cost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byrnes |first=Dave |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=FTC accuses John Deere of unlawful equipment repair practices |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/ftc-accuses-john-deere-of-unlawful-equipment-repair-practices/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427213734/https://www.courthousenews.com/ftc-accuses-john-deere-of-unlawful-equipment-repair-practices/ |archive-date=27 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=Courthouse News Service}}</ref> Mechanics and technicians are reportedly buying pirated John Deere firmware online to repair consumer tractors, at the risk of being scammed or clicking sketchy links.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=21 Mar 2017 |title=Why American Farmers Are Hacking Their Tractors With Ukrainian Firmware |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware/? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404160107/https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware/ |archive-date=4 Apr 2025 |website=Vice}}</ref>

~~===~~=Digital rights ~~and ownership====~~

~~John Deere uses~~ software locks ~~and [[digital rights management~~]] ~~(DRM) systems~~ that control user autonomy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Reilly |first=Kevin |date=18 Jul 2023 |title=Service Obstructor: John Deere software restricts farmer repair |url=https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622174115/https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |archive-date=22 June 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> ~~These measures prevent farmers~~ and ~~independent~~ repair technicians ~~from completing repairs without access~~ to the ~~proprietary software~~.<ref name="~~dith3~~" />

====Opposition to right-to-repair legislation====

John Deere has actively lobbied against [[Right to repair|right-to-repair]] legislation in multiple states, and on the federal level.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Proctor |first=Nathan |last2=Sherwood |first2=Will |date=27 Nov 2024 |title=John Deere and Right to Repair over the years |url=https://pirg.org/resources/john-deere-and-right-to-repair-over-the-years/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510155839/https://pirg.org/resources/john-deere-and-right-to-repair-over-the-years/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |archive-date=10 May 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bamberg |first=Jennifer |date=17 Apr 2024 |title=Farmers’ long fight for the Right to Repair gets little traction in John Deere’s home state of Illinois |url=https://wisconsinwatch.org/2024/04/midwest-farmers-right-to-repair-agriculture-john-deere-illinois/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510155926/https://wisconsinwatch.org/2024/04/midwest-farmers-right-to-repair-agriculture-john-deere-illinois/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |archive-date=10 May 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=Wisconsin Watch}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dickey |first=Dave |date=12 Nov 2024 |title=Is John Deere’s day of reckoning soon at hand? |url=https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/11/12/is-john-deeres-day-of-reckoning-soon-at-hand/#:~:text=In%20a%20nutshell%3A%20Deere%20embeds%20authorization%20codes%20in,dealers%20have%20access%20to%20all%20the%20verification%20codes. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428213115/https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/11/12/is-john-deeres-day-of-reckoning-soon-at-hand/ |archive-date=28 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=Investigate Midwest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=10 Jan 2023 |title=John Deere memo: Farmers have NOT won, but that won't stop the news from pretending they did. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-RgOUT3zeo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=7-RgOUT3zeo |archive-date=2 Apr 2023 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

~~===Tractor hacking===~~

"Tractor hacking" is growing increasingly popular due to restrictions by John Deere and other manufacturers, particularly due to fears over John Deere's ability to remotely shut down tractors<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=21 Mar 2017 |title=Why American Farmers Are Hacking Their Tractors With Ukrainian Firmware |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware/? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404160107/https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware/ |archive-date=4 Apr 2025 |website=Vice}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=weak}}. Mechanics and technicians are reportedly finding pirated John Deere firmware online just to repair consumer tractors<ref name=":0" />.

==Incidents==

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 [[File:John deere doc.png|thumb|524x524px|Front Page of the FTC's Suit Against John Deere<ref name="DCRCCN325">[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/DeereCoREDACTEDComplaintCaseNo325-cv-50017.pdf UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS WESTERN DIVISION] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260221171915/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/DeereCoREDACTEDComplaintCaseNo325-cv-50017.pdf Archived])</ref>]]
-====Repairability====
+=== Repairability ===
 Access to essential repair software and diagnostic tools is reportedly limited by John Deere.<ref name="dith3">{{Cite web |date=5 Feb 2021 |title=Deere in the Headlights |url=https://pirg.org/resources/deere-in-the-headlights-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404124159/https://pirg.org/resources/deere-in-the-headlights-3/ |archive-date=4 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> Such restrictive policies can hinder farmers from performing repairs independently or utilizing independent repair shops, thereby necessitating reliance on authorized dealerships.<ref name="jdflrtrt" />
-Farmers have reported an inability to address certain mechanical issues, even minor ones, without access to John Deere's proprietary tools.<ref name="fssdcp">{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=FTC, States Sue Deere & Company to Protect Farmers from Unfair Corporate Tactics, High Repair Costs |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429162248/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs |archive-date=29 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=[[FTC]]}}</ref> Furthermore, it is alleged that John Deere has unlawfully inflated repair costs through its control of the repair-service market<ref name="fssdcp" />.
 ====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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byrnes |first=Dave |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=FTC accuses John Deere of unlawful equipment repair practices |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/ftc-accuses-john-deere-of-unlawful-equipment-repair-practices/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427213734/https://www.courthousenews.com/ftc-accuses-john-deere-of-unlawful-equipment-repair-practices/ |archive-date=27 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=Courthouse News Service}}</ref>
+Farmers have reported that without access to John Deere's proprietary tools, they're unable to address certain mechanical issues, even minor ones.<ref name="fssdcp">{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=FTC, States Sue Deere & Company to Protect Farmers from Unfair Corporate Tactics, High Repair Costs |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429162248/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs |archive-date=29 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=[[FTC]]}}</ref> There are measures in place that prevent independent repair technicians from completing repair,<ref name="dith3" /> such as [[Digital rights management|software locks]] that control user autonomy,<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Reilly |first=Kevin |date=18 Jul 2023 |title=Service Obstructor: John Deere software restricts farmer repair |url=https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622174115/https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |archive-date=22 June 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> requiring access to proprietary software, and controlling access to repair resources and parts. Through eliminating competition in the repair market, John Deere has allegedly unlawfully inflated repair cost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byrnes |first=Dave |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=FTC accuses John Deere of unlawful equipment repair practices |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/ftc-accuses-john-deere-of-unlawful-equipment-repair-practices/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427213734/https://www.courthousenews.com/ftc-accuses-john-deere-of-unlawful-equipment-repair-practices/ |archive-date=27 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=Courthouse News Service}}</ref> Mechanics and technicians are reportedly buying pirated John Deere firmware online to repair consumer tractors, at the risk of being scammed or clicking sketchy links.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=21 Mar 2017 |title=Why American Farmers Are Hacking Their Tractors With Ukrainian Firmware |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware/? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404160107/https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware/ |archive-date=4 Apr 2025 |website=Vice}}</ref>
-====Digital rights and ownership====
-John Deere uses software locks and [[digital rights management]] (DRM) systems that control user autonomy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Reilly |first=Kevin |date=18 Jul 2023 |title=Service Obstructor: John Deere software restricts farmer repair |url=https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622174115/https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |archive-date=22 June 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> These measures prevent farmers and independent repair technicians from completing repairs without access to the proprietary software.<ref name="dith3" />
 ====Opposition to right-to-repair legislation====
 John Deere has actively lobbied against [[Right to repair|right-to-repair]] legislation in multiple states, and on the federal level.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Proctor |first=Nathan |last2=Sherwood |first2=Will |date=27 Nov 2024 |title=John Deere and Right to Repair over the years |url=https://pirg.org/resources/john-deere-and-right-to-repair-over-the-years/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510155839/https://pirg.org/resources/john-deere-and-right-to-repair-over-the-years/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |archive-date=10 May 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bamberg |first=Jennifer |date=17 Apr 2024 |title=Farmers’ long fight for the Right to Repair gets little traction in John Deere’s home state of Illinois |url=https://wisconsinwatch.org/2024/04/midwest-farmers-right-to-repair-agriculture-john-deere-illinois/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510155926/https://wisconsinwatch.org/2024/04/midwest-farmers-right-to-repair-agriculture-john-deere-illinois/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |archive-date=10 May 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=Wisconsin Watch}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dickey |first=Dave |date=12 Nov 2024 |title=Is John Deere’s day of reckoning soon at hand? |url=https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/11/12/is-john-deeres-day-of-reckoning-soon-at-hand/#:~:text=In%20a%20nutshell%3A%20Deere%20embeds%20authorization%20codes%20in,dealers%20have%20access%20to%20all%20the%20verification%20codes. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428213115/https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/11/12/is-john-deeres-day-of-reckoning-soon-at-hand/ |archive-date=28 Apr 2025 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=Investigate Midwest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=10 Jan 2023 |title=John Deere memo: Farmers have NOT won, but that won't stop the news from pretending they did. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-RgOUT3zeo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=7-RgOUT3zeo |archive-date=2 Apr 2023 |access-date=24 Apr 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
-===Tractor hacking===
-"Tractor hacking" is growing increasingly popular due to restrictions by John Deere and other manufacturers, particularly due to fears over John Deere's ability to remotely shut down tractors<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=21 Mar 2017 |title=Why American Farmers Are Hacking Their Tractors With Ukrainian Firmware |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware/? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404160107/https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-american-farmers-are-hacking-their-tractors-with-ukrainian-firmware/ |archive-date=4 Apr 2025 |website=Vice}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=weak}}. Mechanics and technicians are reportedly finding pirated John Deere firmware online just to repair consumer tractors<ref name=":0" />.
 ==Incidents==