John Deere and CNH Industrial Control Nearly 90% of Tractor Market While Restricting Farmers' Repair Access

Market Dominance and Repair Restrictions

According to a report from Farm Action, John Deere and CNH Industrial together control nearly 90% of the U.S. market for large tractors and combines. The organization states that both companies restrict farmers' and independent mechanics' access to the software, diagnostics, and repair tools needed to fix agricultural equipment, requiring farmers to rely on authorized dealership networks for repairs.

The Financial Stakes

Farm Action cites company filings showing that Deere and its dealers earn three to six times more profit from parts and repair services than from selling new machinery. The report estimates that ending current repair restrictions could save farmers approximately $4.2 billion annually.

Regulatory and Legislative Response

Following a petition filed by Farm Action and other farm organizations, the Federal Trade Commission sued John Deere over its repair practices. Farm Action notes that if the FTC finds Deere violated antitrust law, the agency could order the company to end repair restrictions, release withheld repair information, and pay monetary penalties.

At the state level, Colorado became the first state in the country to pass a law guaranteeing farmers the right to repair their own equipment. Farm Action reports that similar right-to-repair bills have since been introduced in more than a dozen other states.

The report also notes that Deere and CNH have introduced limited repair agreements in response to public pressure, which Farm Action characterizes as falling short of full access to the software and data farmers say they need.