In July 2025, John Deere introduced its Operations Center PRO Service, a digital diagnostic tool priced at $195 per machine annually for farmers in the U.S. and Canada. This move comes amid intense scrutiny over the company’s repair policies, driven by ongoing “right to repair” lawsuits and growing frustration among farmers. The tool, accessible through the John Deere Operations Center app, aims to empower equipment owners by providing machine-specific repair diagnostics, health insights, and diagnostic trouble codes. For Deere owners, prospective buyers, and the broader agricultural community, this development raises critical questions about repair access, cost, and the future of farming equipment maintenance.
The Rollout: What the Tool Offers
The Operations Center PRO Service marks a significant upgrade from John Deere’s previous Customer Service ADVISOR, which was criticized for its limited functionality. Priced at $195 per machine per year for farmers and a steeper $5,995 for independent service providers (covering up to 10 local downloads), the new tool offers real-time, model-specific repair content to help troubleshoot and fix equipment. John Deere emphasizes its intuitive design, aiming to reduce downtime during critical planting and harvesting seasons. According to Denver Caldwell, Vice President of Aftermarket and Customer Support, the tool reflects the company’s commitment to giving customers choices, whether they repair equipment themselves, work with independent technicians, or rely on authorized dealers.
This release appears to address long-standing complaints about restricted access to diagnostic software, a core issue in the right-to-repair movement. Modern John Deere equipment, equipped with electronic control units (ECUs), often requires proprietary software to diagnose and repair issues. Without access, farmers have been forced to rely on authorized dealers, leading to higher costs and delays. The new tool aims to bridge this gap, but its effectiveness and accessibility remain under scrutiny.
Right to Repair Lawsuits: The Backdrop
The launch of the Operations Center PRO Service coincides with escalating legal battles. In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), joined by attorneys general from Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Michigan, filed a lawsuit against John Deere, alleging anticompetitive practices. The FTC claims Deere’s restrictions on repair tools, particularly its full-function Service ADVISOR software, violate antitrust laws by forcing farmers to use authorized dealers, inflating repair costs, and causing delays. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to compel Deere to provide comprehensive repair tools to farmers and independent shops. Additionally, multiple class-action lawsuits, consolidated in Illinois, accuse Deere of monopolizing the repair market for its ECU-equipped machinery, with farmers seeking damages for overpriced repairs since 2018.
These legal challenges build on years of advocacy. In 2023, John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the American Farm Bureau Federation, promising to provide diagnostic tools and resources. However, critics, including the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), argue that tools like Customer Service ADVISOR were inadequate, lacking the full capabilities of dealer-exclusive software. A 2023 PIRG report estimated that repair restrictions cost U.S. farmers $3 billion annually in downtime and $1.2 billion in excess repair costs, with dealer labor rates averaging $58.90 more per hour than independent mechanics. The Operations Center PRO Service appears to be a direct response to these pressures, but right-to-repair advocates remain skeptical, citing its cost and limited functionality compared to the dealer-only Service ADVISOR.
Implications for Deere Owners and Prospective Buyers
For current Deere owners, the $195 tool offers a potential lifeline. Timely repairs are critical in agriculture, where a broken tractor during planting or harvest can mean significant yield losses. The ability to diagnose issues without waiting for a dealer technician could reduce downtime, especially in rural areas where authorized service centers may be hours away. However, the annual subscription fee per machine adds a recurring cost, which could strain budgets for farmers operating multiple Deere units. Independent technicians face an even higher barrier at $5,995 annually, potentially limiting their ability to offer affordable repair services.
Prospective buyers of new or used Deere equipment face a complex decision. The tool’s availability suggests progress toward repair accessibility, potentially making Deere machinery more appealing for those prioritizing self-reliance. However, the ongoing lawsuits and uncertainty about whether Deere will fully open its repair ecosystem raise concerns. Used equipment buyers, in particular, should note that older models, like the 1980s-era John Deere 4440 tractors, remain valuable due to their simpler mechanics, which don’t rely on proprietary software. Recent market trends show used high-horsepower tractors declining in value by 18-23% from 2023-2024, with some regional auctions reporting drops up to 40%. While 2025 has seen stabilization, economic pressures in agriculture could further impact equipment affordability, making repair access a key factor in purchasing decisions.
Broader Context for Farmers
The right-to-repair debate extends beyond John Deere, touching on broader issues of property rights and technology in agriculture. As equipment becomes more digitized, with sensors and ECUs controlling critical functions, farmers increasingly depend on manufacturers for maintenance. This shift has sparked legislative efforts, with over a dozen states introducing right-to-repair bills in 2025. Colorado’s 2023 Consumer’s Right-to-Repair Agricultural Equipment Act set a precedent, but many states exempt farming equipment from broader repair laws, often due to lobbying by manufacturers like Deere. The FTC’s lawsuit and potential settlements could set a national standard, forcing not only Deere but other manufacturers like CNH Industrial and AGCO to loosen repair restrictions.
Farmers also face practical challenges. The complexity of modern equipment requires not just tools but technical expertise, raising questions about whether diagnostic access alone is enough. John Deere argues that safety and emissions compliance justify limiting software access, as improper repairs could void warranties or violate regulations. Critics counter that these restrictions prioritize corporate profits over farmers’ autonomy. With farm profit margins already squeezed by weather, commodity prices, and rising input costs, affordable and timely repairs are non-negotiable.
Looking Ahead
John Deere’s $195 diagnostic tool is a step toward addressing right-to-repair concerns, but it’s not a full solution. While it offers farmers and independent technicians more control, its cost and functionality gaps compared to dealer tools suggest it’s a compromise rather than a resolution. The ongoing FTC lawsuit and class actions will likely determine whether Deere must provide unrestricted access to its Service ADVISOR software, potentially reshaping the repair landscape. For farmers, the tool provides immediate relief but underscores the need for vigilance in advocating for fair repair policies.
For Deere owners and prospective buyers, the tool enhances repair options but comes with added costs that must be weighed against operational needs. As legal and legislative battles unfold, farmers should stay informed about their rights and explore both new and used equipment markets carefully. The fight for the right to repair is far from over, and its outcome will shape the future of farming in an increasingly tech-driven world.