Apr 21, 2026
When a tractor breaks, most people assume you fix it. For many farmers, that's no longer true.
Instead, they call the dealer and wait and pay — sometimes tens of thousands of dollars for a single repair.
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That reality is at the center of a $99 million right-to-repair (1) settlement involving John Deere, one of the biggest names in farming equipment. The company has agreed to compensate farmers who claim the manufacturer restricted their ability to fix their own machines (2), effectively forcing them into higher-cost service channels.
But while the payout is grabbing headlines, the deeper issue is something that affects far more than farmers: what it really means to "own" something in a world where software controls everything.
When ownership doesn't mean control
Modern tractors are digital systems on wheels. High-end equipment can cost $500,000 or more, with harvesters reaching $1 million. In return, farmers get precision, efficiency and higher yields.
They also get complexity: Today's machines rely on computers and proprietary software to manage everything from engine performance to fuel efficiency. When something breaks, fixing it often requires access to diagnostic tools and software that only authorized dealers own.
"The new equipment is really nice," Montana farmer Walter Schweitzer told The Wall Street Journal. "But it has so many computer controls in it. You have to reboot it. Sometimes it resets, but not always. Then, you have to have a dealer tech come out and do it."
That leaves farmers with limited options. In the lawsuit, farmers argued this setup allowed Deere and its authorized dealers to dominate the repair market, driving up costs. Some estimates suggest farmers may have overpaid by hundreds of millions of dollars over several years.
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Why the $99 million may not change much
The settlement would create a fund for affected farmers and expand access to certain repair tools and software. But many in the farming community aren't convinced it goes far enough.
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Advocates for the "right to repair" movement say Deere has made similar promises before, only to fall short of providing the same level of access dealers have. If that pattern continues, farmers could still find themselves locked into expensive repair networks.
"This is the same promise that John Deere has made to farmers for 10 years and at each step, it's fallen short," Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, told the Journal.
Deere, for its part, says its approach protects equipment quality, safety and resale value. The company has also raised concerns about unauthorized modifications that could damage machines (3) or bypass emissions standards.
That tension, between control and protection, isn't going away anytime soon.
A fight beyond the farm
Cars, smartphones, appliances and even home devices are increasingly governed by software. And in many cases, manufacturers control how those products can be repaired.
That means you may not be able to fix your own device, independent repair shops may be limited and costs can rise due to lack of competition. As one example, users have long criticized Apple, the maker of the ubiquitous iPhone, for the difficulty and cost of repairs (4) to its devices.
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Deere's case could signal how those battles play out.
When companies control repairs, consumers often face higher costs and fewer options. Over time, that can add up, whether it's fixing a car, replacing a phone or maintaining equipment.
When you're buying expensive equipment — or even a car or appliance — it's smart to think beyond the sticker price.
- First, research repair restrictions before you buy, including whether independent shops can service it.
- Second, factor in lifetime maintenance costs, not just upfront price, since proprietary systems can make repairs far more expensive.
- Third, keep documentation and service records, which can help if disputes or compensation claims arise later.
- Finally, support brands and policies that favor right-to-repair access.
Consumer demand is one of the few forces that can push companies to offer more flexibility and fair pricing over time.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
The Repair Association (1); The Wall Street Journal (2); John Deere (3); Yahoo Tech (4)
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Chris Clark is a Kansas City–based freelance contributor for Moneywise, where he writes about the real financial choices facing everyday Americans—from saving for retirement to navigating housing and debt.
