Attorneys General of Minnesota, Illinois, and Federal Trade Commission Sue Deere & Company Over Right to Repair Restrictions

(KNSI) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, joined by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Federal Trade Commission, has filed a lawsuit against John Deere, alleging unfair practices that inflate repair costs for farmers and restrict their ability to make repairs to equipment.

The complaint alleges that Deere & Company has intentionally restricted repair options using a proprietary software tool, Service ADVISOR, which is fully capable of performing all repairs but is only available to authorized dealers. The practice limits farmers to more expensive and less accessible repair options, giving Deere monopoly power in the repair market.

The suit also highlights an alternative tool, Customer Service ADVISOR, saying it is inferior and lacks the functionality of the authorized dealers’ version. Unlike the automotive and trucking industries, Deere is accused of withholding necessary technical information for creating an accessible generic repair tool, causing farmers who traditionally have relied on self-repair or independent shops, to face increased costs, unnecessary delays and reliance on Deere branded parts. They say Deere’s control over repair tools has allowed it to maintain a 100% market share for repairs requiring its proprietary software.

The suit says despite growing public pressure and legislative efforts advocating for farmers’ right to repair their own equipment, Deere continues to withhold access to fully functional repair tools. The practices not only raise costs but also disrupt farmers’ ability to plant, spray, and harvest crops on schedules necessary to optimize yields.

The lawsuit is asking for a court order requiring Deere to make its Service ADVISOR tool and other repair resources available to independent repair providers and equipment owners.

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