John Deere Relents on Right to Repair

The BBC reports that John Deere and the American Farm Bureau Federation have signed a memorandum of understanding that grants owners and independent service facilities the right to fix the manufacturer’s products. Previously, John Deere had made waves by making it increasingly difficult for anyone other than licensed dealers to work on the company’s equipment. For owners who may live hours from the closest Deere dealer, that was a huge problem. Now those owners should have access to the same information, tools, and other resources that the crew in the service department have had all along.

The memorandum also makes it clear that independent service providers won’t be able to “divulge trade secrets.” Likewise, the agreement prevents workshops from disabling safety or emissions equipment.

John Deere owners across the country have been working toward a right-to-repair agreement for years after the company put software locks on equipment that prevented anyone but a dealer from diagnosing computer-based problems, and installing remote deactivation devices. That put JD in the middle of a larger discussion around consumer rights that drew in everyone from automakers to Apple.

Meanwhile, The Verge reports that the memorandum is written to help John Deere avoid any legislation surrounding the right to repair. Specifically, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s statement says that it encourages state Farm Bureau organizations to “refrain from introducing, promoting, or supporting federal or state Right to Repair legislation.” But that doesn’t stop John Deere from backing out of the agreement at any time.

Still, here’s hoping the agreement will help you keep your Gator running for a few more years.

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