John Deere will let American farmers repair their own equipment

The agreement comes amid political pressure over the right to repair measures.

John Deere has been one of the strongest opponents of right to repair regulations, but is now willing to make some concessions. Deere & Company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) that allows US farmers and independent repair shops to repair equipment, rather than requiring the use of parts and centers authorized service. Users will have access to official diagnostics, manuals, tools and training. Deere will allow homeowners to disable electronic locks and will not prevent people from legally obtaining repair resources even though the company no longer offers them.

The agreement includes certain protections for the equipment manufacturer. John Deere will not be required to "disclose trade secrets" or authorize any repairs that may disable emission controls, remove safety devices or alter power levels. Unsurprisingly, patches can't break the law either.

The memorandum has been in effect since January 8, although John Deere has not specified exactly how or when it will change its practices. We asked the company for comment. In a statement, senior vice president Dave Gilmore said the company looks forward to working with customers and the ABFB in the "months and years to come" to provide repair facilities.

The pact is characterized as a "voluntary" private arrangement. However, with this comes increasing political pressure that has effectively given John Deere no choice but to improve repairability. President Biden has directed the Federal Trade Commission to draft right-to-repair regulations in 2021, while states like New York have passed their own (sometimes weakened) legislation. If Deere doesn't act, it risks legal battles that could limit where and how it does business in the country.

As things stand, the farm equipment maker isn't the only one reacting to government action. Apple, Google, Samsung and other tech brands now have do-it-yourself repair programs in place. Microsoft will offer Surface Parts to users later this year.

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