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Farmer suing John Deere


robbo

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An interesting article, although it is from USA it would appear to have implications globally.

https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/equipment/article/2022/01/13/north-dakota-farm-sues-john-deere?fbclid=IwAR1PgOk8tA9G8AI3OsmT0kflglEI55H8GvrNa6Rg28sHAgi_X5etVd6jiGQ

Basically, the farmer is suing John Deere saying the they are refusing to allow farmers and small independent mechanics access to the software and hardware that is necessary to repair modern machines. The firmware installed in the tractor is as necessary for its operation as an engine, gearbox or steering wheel and once a fault develops that effectively shuts down the machine and puts it into limp mode. Farmers are then faced with not only a hefty repair bill but also delays whilst their tractor or combine is out of action waiting for the dealer to attend. This is costing the farmer both time and money leaving crops unharvested or missing vital deadlines. Deere have also reduced their dealer coverage in recent years making it even more difficult to get one of their official mechanics to attend given the short timescales that farmers are working to.

If this succeeds then there are implications for all other manufacturers, not only in agriculture, but in the wider economy where the manufacturers would be forced to give independent mechanics and fitters access to the software needed to diagnose the faults without resorting to paying dealer prices.

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There's a good vice documentary on this story 

It's certainly an interesting discussion and as mentioned affects a much wider range of companies than just JD, Tesla are hugely at risk because of it. The discussion was gaining alot of traction at Uni last year and appears to be taken quite seriously across the board.

 

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Thats the way things are going and it's abit off a dose. Anything on new on wheels these days must go to the maindealer for maintenance or repairs. Which is fine until the warranty expires.. It's their way off forcing the independent mechanic out off business and taking all. Same goes with cars. I ain't the kinda guy to want a high end executive car. If something goes wrong, it's costly if there aint warranty. 

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