John Deere: Difference between revisions
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'''[https://www.deere.com John Deere]''' is a leading manufacturer of agricultural | '''[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> | ||
{{InfoboxCompany | {{InfoboxCompany | ||
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* John Deere limits access to essential repair software and diagnostic tools.<ref name="dith3">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 | * Restrictive policies prevent farmers from performing repairs or using 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 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> | * 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. | ||
==== Monopoly On Repairs ==== | ==== Monopoly On Repairs ==== | ||
<ul> | <ul> | ||
<li> John Deere's control over the repair market has been likened to monopolistic behavior.</li> | <li> John Deere's control over the repair market has been likened to monopolistic behavior.</li> | ||
<li> By restricting | <li> By restricting and controlling access to repair resources and parts, the company has effectively eliminated competition in the repair market.<ref>https://www.courthousenews.com/ftc-accuses-john-deere-of-unlawful-equipment-repair-practices/</ref></li> | ||
</ul> | </ul> | ||
==== Digital Rights and Ownership ==== | ==== Digital Rights and Ownership ==== | ||
* John Deere uses software locks | * 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 | * 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 ==== | ||
* John | * John Deere has actively lobbied against right-to-repair legislation in multiple states, and on the federal level. <ref>https://pirg.org/resources/john-deere-and-right-to-repair-over-the-years/?utm_source=chatgpt.com</ref><ref>https://wisconsinwatch.org/2024/04/midwest-farmers-right-to-repair-agriculture-john-deere-illinois/?utm_source=chatgpt.com</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>[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. 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.]</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-RgOUT3zeo</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>[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. 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.]</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-RgOUT3zeo</ref> | ||
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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: | 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. | ||
* The company's restrictive policies violated consumer protection laws | * The company's restrictive policies violated consumer-protection laws and limited farmers' ability to maintain their equipment. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||