John Deere: Difference between revisions
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'''[https://www.deere.com 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.<ref>https://www.npr.org/2025/01/15/nx-s1-5260895/john-deere-ftc-lawsuit-right-to-repair-tractors</ref> | '''[https://www.deere.com 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.<ref name="jdflrtrt">https://www.npr.org/2025/01/15/nx-s1-5260895/john-deere-ftc-lawsuit-right-to-repair-tractors</ref> | ||
== Consumer Protection Profile == | == Consumer Protection Profile == | ||
[[File:John deere doc.png|thumb|524x524px|Front Page of the FTC's Suit Against John Deere<ref>https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/DeereCoREDACTEDComplaintCaseNo325-cv-50017.pdf</ref>]] | [[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</ref>]] | ||
==== Repairability ==== | ==== Repairability ==== | ||
* John Deere limits access to essential repair software and diagnostic tools.<ref>https://pirg.org/resources/deere-in-the-headlights-3/</ref> | * John Deere limits access to essential repair software and diagnostic tools.<ref name="dith3">https://pirg.org/resources/deere-in-the-headlights-3/</ref> | ||
* Restrictive policies prevent farmers from performing repairs or utilizing independent repair shops, forcing them to rely on authorized dealerships.<ref | * Restrictive policies prevent farmers from performing repairs or utilizing independent repair shops, forcing them to rely on authorized dealerships.<ref name="jdflrtrt" /> | ||
* Farmers have reported being unable to fix minor mechanical issues without John Deere's proprietary tools.<ref>https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs</ref> | * Farmers have reported being unable to fix minor mechanical issues without John Deere's proprietary tools.<ref name="fssdcp">https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/ftc-states-sue-deere-company-protect-farmers-unfair-corporate-tactics-high-repair-costs</ref> | ||
* John Deere has allegedly unlawfully inflated repair costs by controlling the repair service market. | * John Deere has allegedly unlawfully inflated repair costs by controlling the repair service market. | ||
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* John Deere uses software locks, and digital rights management (DRM) systems that control user autonomy.<ref>https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/</ref> | * John Deere uses software locks, and digital rights management (DRM) systems that control user autonomy.<ref>https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/</ref> | ||
* These measures prevent Farmers, and Independent repair technicians from completing repairs without access to the proprietary software.<ref | * These measures prevent Farmers, and Independent repair technicians from completing repairs without access to the proprietary software.<ref name="dith3"/> | ||
==== Right to Repair Legislation Opposition ==== | ==== Right to Repair Legislation Opposition ==== | ||
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==== FTC Lawsuit (January 2025) ==== | ==== 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.<ref | On January 15, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against John Deere, alleging anticompetitive practices in the repair market.<ref name="fssdcp" /><ref name="DCRCCN325" /> The lawsuit claims that: | ||
* John Deere unlawfully inflated repair costs by monopolizing the repair service market. | * John Deere unlawfully inflated repair costs by monopolizing the repair service market. | ||