LUBBOCK, TX – Farmers who paid for certain John Deere equipment repairs may soon have a claim window under a $99 million right-to-repair settlement. Robert Andrew Branan with North Carolina State University says a federal court in Illinois preliminarily approved the agreement on May 18.
The case involved large John Deere agricultural equipment and repair services paid through authorized dealers from January 10, 2018, through May 2026. Deere admits no wrongdoing under the settlement.
The lawsuit centered on whether equipment owners were restricted from using independent repair services or making repairs themselves. Farmers argued that delays during planting, spraying, and harvest windows can be costly, especially in remote areas.
The settlement imposes limits on modifying core software or factory performance settings, while recognizing access for equipment repair. Deere agreed to provide diagnostic tools over a 10-year period.
Eligible owners or lessees are expected to receive claim notices. The opt-out deadline is September 15, and claims are due October 15, with a settlement portal expected to open this summer.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Farmers should watch for settlement notices and gather dealer repair invoices, proof of payment, and equipment identification records.