Deere & Company agreed Monday to pay $99 million into a settlement fund for farmers involved in a class action lawsuit over repair costs and access.
The settlement covers eligible plaintiffs who paid Deere's authorized dealers for repairs to large agricultural equipment from January 2018. This case stems from broader U.S. scrutiny over right-to-repair practices, where manufacturers allegedly limit competition by controlling access to repair tools and software.
Under the agreement, Deere will make available digital tools required for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of large agricultural equipment including tractors, combines, and sugarcane harvesters for 10 years. The settlement requires judicial approval.
"This settlement addresses the issues raised in the 2022 complaint and brings this case to an end with no finding of wrongdoing," Deere stated.
The company faces a separate antitrust lawsuit from the FTC, which alleges Deere forced farmers to use its authorized dealer network, driving up parts and repair costs.