Deere & Company Reaches Settlement in Repair Services Antitrust Litigation

The settlement addresses issues raised in a 2022 complaint and allows Deere to continue supporting customers' ability to maintain and repair their equipment.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:52pm

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A highly reflective, chrome tractor part or diagnostic tool floating on a clean white background, lit dramatically to symbolize the balance between agricultural equipment innovation and customer repair rights.A settlement between Deere & Company and farmers over 'right to repair' issues aims to balance innovation and customer control.Moline Today

Deere & Company has reached a settlement agreement to resolve the multidistrict 'right to repair' litigation pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The settlement addresses the issues raised in the 2022 complaint and brings the case to an end with no finding of wrongdoing. As part of the settlement, Deere will deposit funds into a class settlement fund and continue to support customers and other service providers with access to repair resources, including tools, manuals, and diagnostic software.

Why it matters

The 'right to repair' litigation has been a long-standing issue in the agricultural equipment industry, with farmers and independent repair shops seeking greater access to the tools and information needed to maintain and repair their equipment. This settlement represents a compromise that allows Deere to continue innovating while also providing customers with the resources they need to service their equipment.

The details

Under the terms of the settlement, Deere will deposit funds into a class settlement fund that will be distributed to class members pursuant to a Court-approved plan, and used to cover administrative and legal fees. Additionally, Deere will continue to support customers and other service providers with access to repair resources, including tools, manuals, and diagnostic software. Deere remains committed to supporting customers' ability to maintain, diagnose, and repair their equipment safely, efficiently and conveniently.

  • The settlement was announced on April 6, 2026.
  • The original 'right to repair' complaint was filed in 2022.

The players

Deere & Company

A major manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment, headquartered in Moline, Illinois.

Denver Caldwell

Vice president of Aftermarket & Customer Support at Deere & Company.

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What they’re saying

“As we continue to innovate industry leading equipment and technology solutions supported by our world-class dealer network, we are equally committed to providing customers and other service providers with access to repair resources.”

— Denver Caldwell, Vice president, Aftermarket & Customer Support

“John Deere Operations Center™ PRO Service is designed to enhance customers' ability to care for their equipment how and when they want, and this settlement reaffirms Deere's commitment to customer choice of how they want their equipment supported and access to the tools that enable it.”

— Denver Caldwell, Vice president, Aftermarket & Customer Support

What’s next

The settlement remains subject to approval by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The takeaway

This settlement represents a compromise that allows Deere to continue innovating while also providing customers with the resources they need to service their equipment. It highlights the ongoing tension between manufacturers' desire to protect their intellectual property and customers' demand for greater control over the maintenance and repair of their equipment.