Farmers Are Hacking Their Tractors Because of a Right to Repair Ban

As of 2020, no right to repair law has passed in the US. But more than 20 states are considering legislation similar to Nebraska's, and Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have both supported national right to repair legislation for farmers.
When it comes to repair, farmers have always been self-reliant. But the modernization of tractors and other farm equipment over the past few decades has left most farmers in the dust thanks to diagnostic software that large manufacturers hold a monopoly over.
In this episode of State of Repair, we go to Nebraska to talk to the farmers and mechanics who are fighting large manufacturers like John Deere for the right to access the diagnostic software they need to repair their tractors.
This video originally aired on Motherboard in 2018.
00:00 Intro
01:02 The Modernization of Tractors
05:34 How Farmers Deal with the Repair Ban
07:15 Turning Ordinary Farmers into Activists
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[@VICE]

¿Quieres ver el video en español? Haz clic en el botón de configuración para cambiar la pista de audio. Want to watch this in Spanish? Head over to the settings button to change the audio track.

[@oro4736]

Si gracias

[@javi-m]

Gracias 🫂

[@KALIMANVAGO]

Gracias

[@user-cw2dj8hn1l]

aquí es donde nacen los usuarios de Linux.

[@giancarlod.cortez8821]

Siempre me han encantado los videos de Vice, tener audios en español es simple magnifico, gracias por pensar por los hispanohablantes que ven sus videos

[@TheGuitologist]

Time to stop buying John Deere. Screw them. Screw Apple. Screw any company hostile to field repair.

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

Yeah I'd stick to older equipment

[@zac.bolin01]

I use an iPhone 5 and drive a 2009 crown victoria... never be tricked into buying brand new equipment.

[@texaslibertyadvocatenetwork]

What is needed is a mass boycott of all corporations engaged in these types of treasonous activities. We would find our lives much more fulfilling not spending time doing business with these sniveling cowards anyways. Boycott all major corporations and buy local or in your state and neighboring states. Starve the beast out.

[@smileyxiii481]

Posted from an iPhone

[@smileyxiii481]

@@texaslibertyadvocatenetwork But if you do that then you will end up living in hole that you dug up with your hands.

[@airsoftcarter7863]

“We can’t let people repair our equipment because it opens the gates to hackers” *Meanwhile people are becoming hackers so they can repair their stuff*

[@housesports000]

the irony is real

[@pingwingugu5]

Calling it hacking is misleading. They are using pirated diagnostic software, it's normal official tool but modified by someone to circumvent license checks. I guess you can say that the software was cracked, either way farmers are just using that pirated versions, they are not making them. Using pirated software may be dangerous, you never know for sure what else the person who modified it put in, but if you have no other choice you will do it. Right to repair will fix that, allowing people to buy that diagnostic software legally.

[@parrisprice5892]

But many of these huge corporations,will get into business with china , because of the cheap labor ,and give away their proprietary rights or tech,in order to make a huge profit. Then they whine to the u.s. government how unfair china treats them,lol. No one forced them to go there, GREEDY

[@EliteNoob22]

If you follow the news,they got hacked because they had zero protection on their stuff without sharing anything.

[@thezyreick4289]

@@pingwingugu5 what is hacking The bypass of built in security or protocol checks without the permission of the owner or creator, with the intent to access a part of a system or gain knowledge otherwise unobtainable without a specified key or permission They are hacking Just cause they use a tool they didn't build doesn't mean they aren't hacking Is a person who hacks the national security firewall less of a hacker because he didn't make the computer he used? Is a kid hacking call of duty less of a hacker because he used an actually completely legal software to do it? No, hacking is hacking by the definition, it is an act not a tool.

[@fiskedunser6314]

Everyday city people don't realize how important this is, but it affects the prices of so many necessary goods. Farmers' rights to repair should be taken just as seriously as people's right to have their IPhones be repaired easily. Good on Vice for bringing the farmers' struggles in the limelight.

[@Freelancer4tehwin]

You'd be surprised how much the Farmer's RTR movement gets talked about in Open-source tech spaces pushing RTR on the software and consumer hardware side. Companies like iFixit and groups like the EFF have written briefs and testified for Farm-oriented bills, not just consumer oriented ones. Farmers are certainly the vanguard for it right now though.

[@Michael-uc2pn]

Hopefully more seriously because I don't think the ability to repair phones gets taken seriously at all. Hell almost all of the flagships phones these days are specially designed to not be worth repairing, and they stop supporting them with updates after 3-4 years, so even if the battery still works, you're going to have to upgrade if you don't want a phone increasingly vulnerable to exploits due to outdated software.

[@orionsimerl6539]

It doesn't affect the price. The price isn't determined by what the farmers are willing to sell their crop for, the price is determined by what the major crop purchasers are willing to pay.

[@Michael-uc2pn]

@@orionsimerl6539 to an extent. If the farmers aren't making any money selling a certain crop though, they'll just stop growing it, in which case supply will drop and prices will increase. The price has to at least be enough to cover the farmers cost, otherwise they go out of business or switch to growing something that is profitable. Supply and demand still applies even in a monopoly, nothing is perfectly inelastic, at some point something will give.

[@PeterErikson-rd5tj]

These useless dirtbag Lawyers in Congress. are to blame and the Big Corps off course.

[@brandoncontreras4909]

I love how the official statement says that consumers should work together with manufacturers to come to a common ground rather than going to legislation. The fact of the matter is every time that has been attempted, the manufacturers usually laugh them out of the building.

[@Fido-vm9zi]

Lol

[@nikitaw1982]

full force of gov should go after these companys.

[@nikitaw1982]

@@capthawkeye8010 they are but not really. Do you think car companys wanted all the pollution control measures? do you think car manufacturers wanted to increase every car by 1k plus for a catalytic converter? under the bonnet a third the junk is pollution control. The problem is idiot women are over half the voters and have no interest in fixing stuff, just throwing it in the river getting BOUGHT new and shiney.

[@OfficerPorkchops]

@@nikitaw1982​​⁠But then how will those poor defenseless giant corporations squeeze every last dime out of someone so they can pay their CEO a few thousand more per hour for doing absolutely nothing? :(

[@TheObeyMayhem]

@@nikitaw1982 They just lobby and pay the government to go away.

[@Sakshigulati2101]

How in the world did US manage to fuck up so bad? I never thought we even needed an act which allow us to repair what we own

[@durkala]

Democrats is how

[@daftnord4957]

it's one thing to lock down a vehicle to make money on repairs. Tesla doing everything themselves gives them 100% knowledge of failure data

[@jacobfranklin820]

Christopher Vasquez oh ya because Democrats are known for there love of the rich stfuw

[@Noobison-1]

@Frank L Tesla might make to some point sense in case of self driving car and that it's overall new so that they don't end up with the blame if someone did repair or "repair" their Tesla by bugging out things.

[@neeneko]

@@durkala Democrats? Hate to break it to you, but Republicans are just as on board with IP laws like this. Crow, when you get away from small farming outfits, I don't see conservatives fighting this stuff, most of the activism is coming from the liberal side. Even most of agribusiness is in favor of these restrictions.

[@josephdrilon2923]

Simply put: John Deere is the Apple of the farming industry

[@KyleSoldani]

Nailed it!

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Wrong! .... Apple's stuff works !

[@davidperalta5280]

Problem is all hardware manufacturers are realizing the "value" in vertical integration so they implant more and more software in their devices, and leverage pay for use schemes to their captive markets. All industry is going this way. Look at how Tesla treats secondary market transactions, or repair/rebuilds of cars. Not too surprising why Apple now wants to build a car.

[@ezboi5768]

apple tractor?. I tractor!

[@jace7g]

Nah Apple is the John Deere of phone industry

[@exxxo45]

It is very important to show up to these hearings and provide your testimony. Don't let the lobbyists provide their BS opposition unchallenged.

[@andrzejniemierko1408]

"PIrated software from eastern Europe" - this part made me quite proud of my country.

[@critterIMHO]

I’m not a farmer, but I am dependent on farmers, and want to see them do well.

[@jcolbyt7518]

Solectrac

[@idkidk9204]

This comment right there is golden

[@miamiaa6893]

Shoot why do we need farmers when we got grocery stores Hahaha jking

[@MaxCE]

@Mastodon1976 huh??

[@jcolbyt7518]

We neglected our soil and food x food is king

[@Eat_The_Rich_666]

Never thought I'd see the day where farmers are pirating software for tractors. Welcome to the future folks.

[@FecalMatador]

@Anatolyevitch Torop I guarantee that every farmer in the history of history has had to jury rig a piece of equipment

[@maxlewin7807]

Right. Insane. Same thing is happening with sports cars and tune shops.

[@noseboop4354]

@GunBug even the law abiding ones can hack their tractor. As stated in the video, Congress modified the DMCA in 2015 to make it legal to hack farm equipment in order to make repairs.

[@corid143]

Hondo, can’t farm space worms here

[@chillwill5080]

@Corn pop Laws made by who? LOL, right.

[@audvidgeek]

As and electronics technician, I wholly support this bill! I can find parts and schematics for radios that were built in the 1930's and before. Even Hifi stereos built in the 1970's would have a schematic diagram hiding inside, and repair components are readily available to get them in working condition. Repairing a 10 year old flat-panel TV however is next to impossible if it's a semiconductor that's failed. Just like the farmer, the chips are "dead" when they arrive and must be programmed. even then, there is a *LOT* of custom chips that were only made for the run of that particular model TV...yet, I can get a transistor to repair a 1970's RCA television very easily!

[@stanhudson2802]

Pure and simple why I dumped my John Deere equipment and will never, NEVER EVER buy a Deere again.

[@biggestthreattoyourexistence]

When you spend $200k - $500k on equipment John Deere better send out someone to fix that s**** for free.

[@russelljames5631]

Exactly

[@DStar-jl8tw]

So true go Massey Ferguson

[@cpttusktooth7859]

The machine pays for itself.

[@catclaws1847]

My dad bought a combine for 400k after 6 years it stopped working john deere said we had to ship the whole thing to them... (it weighs probably 59k pounds) it was about a 90k repair. Dad called a local repair shop with "programs" and had it fixed with 2000 dollars. Its the only john deere thing we ever bought but it is a reliable machine its only broke once and we've been running it for years sense. The actual programs are easier to get now you just need to pay deere for them,

[@quackhead7492]

Cat would they backup their products

[@simonsays3063]

For the money these farmers are paying for these tractors, john deere should be willing to send a technician to effect repairs. Free of charge.

[@007DeezNutz]

exactly, the farmer that buys a brand new 300k base model combine and headers to suit, John Deere or any company selling that should come with a personal tech... or free access to software. Honestly.

[@rickb06]

John Deer should be giving them sexual favors for the ridiculous cost of these machines. Fortunately the software can't be that different from ODBII.

[@mateusfalcao4273]

lol the farmers shouldnt even be in this situation. To be called activist just because the company support for the product you spend dozens of thousands of dollars sucks, and you move againsnt it... Where are the morals? That man bought your product, supported your company, and even still you still want to rip money off him. Big corporations are the scum of humanity, but a "necessary" evil unfortunately

[@scarzz_ph3171]

Well that would be our family’s dream

[@MetalSStar196]

@@rickb06 Considering that those bits of technology were invented and innovated by NASA for commercial use on the ground, it's no surprise that companies like John Deere would be itching to make some money off of exploiting farmers through their "latest" technology that might not even be better but, instead, worse compared to the older tractors made in the 1950s and earlier. The tractors in those times were built to last. Seeing how Hobart built electric stand-alone mixers and other kitchen tools to last, why can't John Deere and related companies do the same?

[@Dcalvert92]

I’m a dealer field mechanic for Caterpillar. We lead the market in construction and mining equipment, compared to John Deere which is mostly agricultural. Our software is accessible to customers. They can see live data, perform diagnostic tests and flash ECMs. Our online system has complete diagrams, explains component function and step by step troubleshooting processes. Even if you know absolutely nothing about machines, we give you the resources to figure it out. CAT will always be superior to Deere.

[@polarisborealis4143]

God bless companies which respect their customers

[@lance___]

Hell yeah! I only had CAT tractor toys as a kid cus I didn't want that Johny deer bull shrimp 🦐

[@Bondrubio]

Yo soy agricultor y mecánico. Estoy en Ecuador y pasa exactamente lo mismo. Y si, todos tenemos derecho a reparar lo que compramos. Y si, cada ves las herramientas y maquinarias son más electrónicas y computarizadas, lo que te limita para repararlo, totalmente. Sigamos en la lucha de nuestro derecho justo a reparar.

[@Patchuchan]

John Deere not allowing farmers to repair their own tractors is corporate greed at it's worst.

[@Patchuchan]

@chakur25 A farmer could loose an entire crop if they end up having to wait a week for a certified tech to come repair it.

[@brentvalentine]

@@Patchuchan It happens more than you think. My stepfather kept older equipment available for just that scenario. The neighbors and family members did the same. There was always some way to keep some of the equipment moving, albeit at a slower pace. At least until the repairs could be done.

[@nl8989]

Its a part of the let's have the tax payer pay for the infrastructure And to use it The companies often aren't expected to pay their share of taxes And how often are expecting and getting various other incentives to be so good as to bring their business to an area And then the we'll go somewhere else if you don't keep giving us deals and take jobs with us And the jockeying things around so how many jobs are here ? How many out of country? How much of the money in the company going out of country let us line itemize everything And make every new generation of something need all new accessories The hey shut and just be ok with whatever bits of trash we throw your way Cause we (the companies and the people of high income) don't have to be accountable That's what they're buying The power to do whatever they want and even if caught for doing anything that is prosecutable As long as the money flows To the right people They might get a little slap (probably on the back) Their sentences set aside Free advertising Protections put in place to protect THEM And an excuse to tack more on to the cost of the product/service they "provide" Because it's in their contract that legal fees are paid for by the company And taking away from the elite shouldn't be but from Farmers Truck drivers Waitresses Cashiers Daycare workers Teachers Cleaners Stockers Factory workers Gas station workers Fast food workers Even Nursing home And Hospital workers It's a mess

[@UsenameTakenWasTaken]

It's about par for course at this point. It shouldn't be, but fucking people over on property rights is normal business. Now, what's really fucked up is charging a seventy year old man more than one million dollars for his COVID treatment. What's really fucked up is my local hospital giving it's janitorial staff insurance that they do not accept.

[@grassbackyard3825]

Rules and Regulationswhat our government has become . Look at it now and the history this government has. Capitalist society . No longer what we thought we fought for or stand for.

[@big14tx]

Never thought I would hear “Hacking” “Farmers” and “Tractor” in the same sentence...

[@simonlivsey7425]

I'm disappointed, I thought I'd see a chainsaw or an axe or a grinder!

[@MachStarry]

Farmers are the backbone of any and most countries, its expected for them to have skills about meterology and many many other technical stuff

[@texasabbott]

Hearing about "Farming" with "Tractors" is absolutely mind-blowing

[@ldtworks1052]

lol the farmers can't hack .They just downloaded a pirated copy of the software like downloading a cracked version of a 300 dollar game

[@frankiephenomanal]

"pirate software from Russia" 🤣

[@JxH]

With an automobile, it is typically possible to install an aftermarket ECU (e.g. Haltech from Australia, many other examples). So if one has to, then one can take full control back from the vehicle OEM.

[@dennispfister8277]

I'm not a farmer, but farming at one time was in my family in Colorado and Nebraska. So my loyalty is with the farmers and independent repair companies. The first thing I thought of was why not buy equipment from companies that will allow farmers the ability to repair their own equipment, and tell John Deere to pound sand. We are switching to New Holland or who ever. Good luck to all you farmers.

[@JP-20s]

I support the farmers 100% and I don't even own a John Deere tractor

[@GhostKingGeorge]

If you own anything electronic it effects you.

[@jokkis8951]

Thank u for this irrelevant information

[@codprawn]

Why not just boycott John Deere?

[@kimtonginn747]

Same m8

[@BRAXMANoftheS]

apple, ford, gm, john deere all these companies do this it's not exclusive to anyone of them

[@Lexrolla-1]

John Deere.....we bite the hand that LITTERALLY FEEDS US

[@carmeloeverhart6377]

Best comment

[@DuoTheGodOfDeath]

Nah they'll just wait for the farmer to go bankrupt and buy up all their land on the cheap.

[@navyblu79]

Couldn't have said it any better. Nailed it.

[@illeagle9560]

@@DuoTheGodOfDeath then they'll do what with it? They're manufacturers not farmers.

[@samsadowitz1724]

@@illeagle9560 not the manufacturers like John Deere, but other members of Big Ag like Tyson, Smithfield, Monsanto, etc. They drool over snatching up farms on the cheap

[@Becerro842]

The same happens with semi trucks.. it's so difficult, specially Daimler Benz, aka Detroit Diesel. Software makes the diagnosis of problems an engineering challenge. The business, works by selling fleets, and once a fleet has expired his warranty, you may choose to buy a new fleet and return your trucks or end contract, you keep the trucks you paid for the years contracted but no service tools , software, hardware or information available to you via dealer or factory, you have to sell your fleet truck by truck, and whoever buys it knows the challenge he will face later, hack tools to change checksums, opening hardware to hook up hardware tools and software to edit functions inside the ECM software.

[@DSHPerotecH]

Enlightening to me was reading "Small Wonder", a book published in the late 60s about the success of Volkswagen. In the book, the author praises VW for the innovation of automobiles as a service, where you not only sell the customer a vehicle, but you garner repeat business by encouraging them to service their vehicle with you. As time has gone on, we've seen almost all automobile manufacturers go this route, to the point where anything for then an oil change becomes tedious for the home mechanic. Not to mention appliances, electronics, lawn equipment, farm equipment, etc. Baffling that we have come to the point where you either have to pay the manufacturer to fix it for you, or buy new.

[@martygreenspan-xy2jo]

Believe it or not, the Grateful Dead band used this exact VW model for all their shows. Fans were allowed to record live shows on tape. They are one of the largest, well-known bands in the world. Open source works.

[@AlineMaline1]

i think that the right to repair something you OWN is pretty reasonable, just saying.

[@tarelsun4025]

That's the whole point. You aren't meant to OWN something today...

[@Veagence100]

Corporations are arguing the "piracy" debate but really they still want control in what the consumers bought... Downright evil and manipulate to change the narrative on what a trade is. Corpos view: You buy you, we still own you so your technically renting our services (greed) Reality: you buy and in return you receive full control of something to own...otherwise I don't own it If this problem was in real estate im sure the problem would be very clear

[@gregorychurch605]

Apple would like to know your location...

[@maxi-me]

IKR. It also seems reasonable that should also be allowed to purchase their tractors from Caterpillar, Kubota, Jacobson etc but the law is clear: you must buy ONLY John Deer tractors.

[@ally-gh3hv]

shhhh, the fbi is en route to your house

[@Prober61]

The system isn't broken. It's working EXACTLY how they want it to.

[@Westexec]

Yup. WEF agenda in full force

[@frjcde9392]

Yup, good ole Marxism hard at work 😂

[@willthomsen7569]

No Marxism makes junk cause nobody tries at work. Engineered obsolescence is a capitalistic invention so they can sell you something over and over again. Constant access to your free wallet. Nothin to do with Marxism

[@iroblix6199]

@@frjcde9392 marxism? tf, its america XD this looks more like the capitalist dream for industries. complete power/control on the product, even after they were bought!

[@LawsonR]

Good ole Lobbyists allowing criminal activity to obscure reality. Gee I sure do love lobbyists!

[@joseluisvaiksnoras7857]

The worst thing about this story is that you buy a tractor, but they don't allow you to be self-sufficient on it. The automobile and heavy machinery industry, with the excuse of "providing a good service", created a symbiosis together with the dealerships. Something very similar to a mafia. You don't have what you need and you have to pay without complaining...

[@jameslovitt994]

Same issue with the trucks that haul these pieces of equipment, what farmers produce, what you're wearing/enjoying right now. I replaced the front bumper on a 2020 Peterbilt and had to have a dealer "turn on" the fog lights in the new OEM bumper. (Old one wasn't equipped with OEM fog lights) Thought that was silly

[@SleepyHeather]

The executives at John Deere are the kind of people who say you don't need farmers because you can get everything you want at the supermarket

[@manuji5731]

Bro there are two get

[@thatguybrody4819]

like how Apple kills their phones when you replace the battery yourself.

[@texaslibertyadvocatenetwork]

It is corporate treason... these same corporations funded all sides of the wars... they created Nazi Germany and the USSR, North Korea communist China, Al-Qaeda, ISIS etc

[@squarenailco1747]

No, say you don't need farmers cause we can control everything from a laptop! Hence Gill Baits buying up farmland!

[@thatguybrody4819]

@@squarenailco1747 who do you trust more to grow crops? the guys that have been doing it their whole lives, or some rich guy that made computers?

[@m.d.e.845]

I work for Deere, and even people inside the company don't like this about the company. Keep pushing the issue, you will win. I am rooting for you! I don't have the power to make any changes, I just work for the company to make my living just like you farm your field to make a living to make yours. I'm all for justice. If I lose my job because you found justice in yours, so be it. I've been looking for a different job anyways. This is a litigation battle and not something you can blow a whistle over.

[@brianwright4104]

a company should make the best reliable equipment or it sabotages it's own name for minimal profit usually for shareholder profit margin

[@thepopeofkeke]

I got a thumb drive that says you DO havve the power haha

[@gregpalmer3831]

It must be rough to work at an immoral company

[@m.d.e.845]

@@gregpalmer3831 It is actually. I hate their values and work culture. I'm currently seeking new employment that agrees with my values which is "the customer is always right." Deere says one thing, and does another. Everything in this video is true, and is a big reason I am leaving. They treat their employees like garbage as well. Everything changed after the Deere family sold the company and they became publicly traded. Deere's interest is only in market share value and the stockholder. They are blinded by this ethos and the farmer is the one that has paid for it. They will be around for a long time yet because of their patent ownerships and various other assets, but if they keep the same business model, they will fail over time. They are one of the closest industries to being a true monopoly in my opinion.

[@Lesservector]

I commend you for being considerate of others lively-hood for the potential sacrifice of your own lively-hood. I can relate to this in a way. I work for a company that manufactures ammunition for the war fighters. Essentially the ammunition is used to destroy other people's property or take their lives. Why do we live in a world where this is acceptable? To defend yourself is reasonable but to go out and search and destroy is not. Especially at times like this when a virus is the world's enemy. I would not mind losing my job in order to better the human race collectively. If people would just come together on the same issue/resolution, revolutionary changes could occur for the better, for all mankind.

[@_PITBOY]

The simple answer is; Do not buy a John Deere piece of equipment now ... and NEVER buy a piece of John Deere equipment moving forward. If everyone did that, they would back down.

[@Volcano22207]

*pulls out cartoon megaphone* “IF BUYING IS NOT OWNING PIRACY IS NOT THEFT

[@jacoblee8181]

Everyone should have the right to repair anything if they’re willing.

[@xXxJustCallMeM]

As she said "youve always had the right but the ability". Making hardware and softare available for atleast a period of time is the big thing.

[@brrandondarrrell]

Only if u own it

[@Mystereoxd]

Well then, let's repair the Soviet Union!

[@willparo123]

To be fair, tractors have many restrictions to reduce pollution that increase maintenance costs with no gain.

[@joseffbokobza1013]

Tell that to coin collectors

[@ThatBronxgirl7]

Companies are not worried about hackers. They are worried if you can fix that product you won't buy a new one or pay huge fees to the dealership.

[@leejason3700]

Hi I'm Lee Johnson can you help me please. Hungry.🤡

[@filipesrubio4015]

Yeah, thats the point of the entire video

[@Bipolar_Bear7774]

Tractor should be able to repair by individual, dealership should supply sparepart..i think that win win situation.

[@Gr3nadgr3gory]

That does, therefore make them worried about hackers.

[@Pizzafan622]

?

[@richardbullwood5941]

Honda and a few other auto manufacturers tried the same thing a few years ago. They tried to say that taking your car somewhere else other than Honda dealership for basic maintenance voided your warranty. That was shot down in court, so now, instead of taking off four nuts to get your tail light out, or a couple of bolts to get your headlight out, you have to drop the entire bumper cover. They did that on purpose to try to keep people from doing basic maintenance themselves.

[@robertvanderlinden2813]

back here in the countryside of the netherlands, it is dominated by NewHolland represented by Westrate, when you've got an issue you call them and they come to you with some software, if it is software, they fix it right then an there, if it mechanical, they will try to fix it or get it towed off the field

[@andremoire]

John Deere’s statement summarized: “No please don’t do this I won’t be able to profit off of people needing repairs anymore!”

[@Tee-OhBee]

They don’t want the government to regulate so they still have all the control and leverage. It really is disgusting what they’re doing to the farming industry.

[@sirrivet9557]

Why anarcho capitalism isn’t true anarchism, because when the governments aren’t oppressing you it’s the corporations.

[@jjaj1243]

theyve also implicitly threatened to raise prices in retaliation with their warning of increased prices

[@k20z1pilot4]

CAT, Liebherr, Volvo, Komatsu, Construction, Mining, Deep Foundation etc etc theyre all being controlled the same, and from what i recently heard CAT is trying to extend their control on equipment repair even more, so basically anything minuscule happens and its only CAT who can touch it

[@k20z1pilot4]

CAT literally stated they’re doing so to increase their profits for 2021 & the coming years. And ensure people will keep coming back to them for just about everything.

[@apt5177]

We need right to repair for *all* technology. Being able to keep our technology running is good for the environment *and* ourselves.

[@marioasenov3383]

You need a Eastern European, we have all the rights to repair it ,for all technology. Out of need for working macins we lurn how to make it run.

[@ransom182]

You sound like a commie. Letting corporations wright the laws is what America is all about!!!!

[@tlbusta6143]

@@ransom182 is this comment bait? lmao I can't tell if ur being serious

[@linuxed3524]

@@tlbusta6143 it's def sarcasm haha

[@masondeitrick]

@@tlbusta6143 well I mean if it was comment bait, you were jebaited

[@Kakarotomex]

All my support for the farmers....they need to be able to fix things cheap and faster....this is crazy.

[@mangarang]

Honest question: how hard would it be to reverse engineer or reveal the source code for all the various software onboard? Also, assuming you could do that, could you isolate the lines of code responsible for verifying serialized parts and disable it, like jailbreaking the tractor?

[@EtnoZam]

Getting hands on the core firmware and software code is not the issue. The problem begins with that many of these modern machines communicate with all kinds of services and apps like GPS, updates, weather monitoring, security and maintenance. In a modern seeder the driver can virtually sleep in the cabin while the machine keeps working or the machine wont start unless some two tier safety is engaged through an app like with a tesla car. So even if you have access to the diagnostic software and parts it could be that the machine wont start because a serial number or activation code for a part wouldnt match on the server. The solution is to tare down the software and firmware to remove all these safeties but that might render most of the advanced features that these tools bring in efficiency and cost reduction useless and then the question remains why not just buy an old school machine made in some developing country by an unknown manufacturer that offers little service in your region BUT allows you to repair or modify the tool as you wish? The answer is business sustainability and a competitive market. Big farming companies suffer less from these issues but small farmers that want to sell their produce at a competitive price must choose between modernization at high costs or bankruptcy and that is basically the story of all modern small businesses.

[@wabbit4936]

Imagine telling a farmer 50 years ago that in 50 years they couldn’t even repair their own tractors because of how greedy the companies got

[@CoolGobyFish]

companies were always greedy. just look at what they used to do the unions back in a day. 50 years ago they didn't have the tech prevent repairs, otherwise they would do it

[@nonegiven2830]

Imagine people seeing this and still believing that capitalism is some kind of flawless system that's only ruined by legislation.

[@Lycon721995]

They'd ask who'd they have to kill, truely

[@DaleBouwman]

It's the greed and corruption of these large companies that keep me a Pirate!! Arrrr matey! I download all my enteratinment from movies, music, television shows, programs & games for past 12 years.......still goin!!

[@graan1802]

@@nonegiven2830Let's keep the left and right out of this issue. This affects every single one of us and if we don't come together on this issue and use this to score political points on each other things will never get better. No country in the world currently is fully capitalist, socialist or communist anymore and that's how it should be. America gives subsidies to companies and bussinesses all the time, that's not capitalism but at the same time there's a free market. Us also has social security ffs. Same goes for european countries where there are more social welfare programs compared to the US but the market is still free and have capitalistic values. Scandinavian countries aren't socialist either, they might have more welfare programs but they aren't socialists. You can take the good from both and combine it. Even China isn't totally communist in terms of business and economy, they have a relatively free market. So, stop being a child and have a bit of a nuanced view on this world we live in. It's not black and white.

[@jackpoirier5023]

I’m behind you guys 100%. Right to repair your own equipment is just a common sense right of survival.

[@speedKGDM]

Like car mechanics can so why not!

[@deaddoll1361]

@@speedKGDM Car mechanics are qualified to fix their own cars by virtue of having had extensive training and experience in that area. Someone who went to Agricultural College didn't receive any training in that area, but many are willing to "have a bash" as though having training and experience is overrated.

[@PRIM1984]

@@deaddoll1361 you realise that to have machinery sent to a factory for repair is enough to ruin a crop And to ban a man from repairing his own personal property is a constitutional violation Your not going to take your car to a mechanic to change a flat tire are you? Why should a farmer have to pay hundreds of thousamds of dollars for a repair a company has a monopolistic vise grip on.

[@mac6417]

@@PRIM1984 from what he’s saying, he probably would take it to the mechanic for a tire 😂

[@mac6417]

@@deaddoll1361 they’re qualified to fix other peoples cars. Anyone can fix their own car. Anyone should be able to fix their own tractor. Wtf is ur point

[@jedifreak1977]

The auto industry was regulated to OBD 2 back in the 90's making crucial operating in info open to the aftermarket so you can have independent shops and individuals who want to spend the money to purchase software to repair vehicles and it didn't ruin that industry. There should be allowance for the same in the farming industry.

[@gregoriyvylegzhanin1833]

The tractor ain’t no phone or laptop, you can just ship it or bring it to the store. Farmers should have 100% to repair themselves.

[@nozaku1191]

This isn’t just for John Deere, this right to repair fight is for literally everything.

[@jadodavo]

NoZaku Yea check out louis rossmann he is fighting Apple for his right to repair mac books

[@roberthicks1612]

That's what companies like Apple are afraid of.

[@davidjose9808]

Case/Farmall/New Holland (AKA Fiat-CNH) are the same!

[@superstarmcgee1128]

@@davidjose9808 they are owned by the same people follow the $

[@Seawolf.Gaming]

Yeah, from Cellphones, to laptops, to tractors. Anything that can be broken and fixed.

[@ParkerTJames]

A late family friend of mine was a hoarder on the prairie in South Dakota. Hoarder In the sense he had 28 tractors but only ever needed 2 or 3 (small property). I asked him a few years before he died why he could afford a new house, new trucks, and so many nice guns, yet didn’t have a tractor younger than he was. They were all freaking ancient, and he told me he bought them all up for parts to keep his old reliable tractors running. Just to avoid this exact issue. He died happy with 28 tractors that were far cheaper than owning a new deer.

[@rolandoamaromoreno4281]

Los coches es lo mismo para cambia una pieza

[@dgolfere-wgt5194]

no way

[@waynegretzky8464]

Thak you for sharing his story. It was good to hear sounds like my kinda guy.

[@masishida7522]

Maybe today, you can still try making parts if you send a broken one to a workshop or somewhere, and keep gping for ever. I see India people repairing old truck gearboxs and chassis.

[@Jake-zk3eb]

Nice made-up story

[@henrytwigger2245]

Farmers don't own tractors anymore, they hire agricultural contractors. Agricultural contractors don't own tractors, they lease them form plant leasing companies, that's a financial service industry. John Deere's customers are banks, not farmers. 'The year's 2030, I own nothing and life hasn't been better' (for some people). Ida Auken, W.E.F.

[@fredericklockard3854]

Many American companies do this. They tell you only they can repair something and they tell you if it isn’t done by them you lose your warranty.

[@TheLoos3Goos33]

How many politicians have said time and time again how important farmers are. Yet when it comes to actually supporting real farmers versus big companies... Well, we know who they pick.

[@biking2cruze]

Still, they (the politicians) expect to be fed BEFORE everyone else, those corrupt dirty rats!

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

I like the statement John Deere issued at the end, "Customers, dealers, and manufacturers should work together on the issue rather than invite government regulation...". Excuse me, I think that is why we are seeking government intervention is because you (Deere) won't work with us by giving farmers access to the diagnostic software.

[@stevecorcoran9869]

RIGHT!

[@bernardkinsky1637]

Just ten farmers take there deere back to the same dealer and say they can keep it. They will take note.

[@natehill8069]

"Nothing Sues like a Deere!"

[@thothtahuti5509]

Yup!

[@yjkader]

Ths statement by John Deere to keep the government out of it is like the selfish bully in school that gets mad at the others for reporting his behaviour

[@CausticLemons7]

Farmers should never have to call a corporation in order to get their work done. Support farmers!

[@Scruffy32]

As someone who does IT i have the same issues with anything from fixing phones to certain computers its insane we can’t fix our own things

[@andrewsabin729]

One would think that spending 6 figures in a tractor would mean it doesn’t break so damn much

[@Rilatwoma]

Ah, but you see that wouldn't make the company more money!

[@MrWillypanda88]

That's just capitalism at it's finest... Want something even better? Printer. See how well they last and go ahead and try to repair them. Tried to fix one once, it's maddeningly difficult.

[@headglitch7003]

Farm equipment is put through a lot of strain for long periods of time. Wires get pinched, bars get bent, things break. Only difference is with the old ones are incredibly easy to work on, so you can be back up and runningin a couple hours with three wrenches and the replacement part.

[@ZzZz-fx7zb]

One is a fool lol

[@colamity_5000]

Nah, this isn't a car it's a working machine. These things are pushed to their limits often for 20 hours a day during planting seasons. John Deere equipment is good that's why people pay the price.

[@ishaiahguyton64]

This is horrible how can anyone pass anything like this. Big corporates thinking about more money and not lives. Disgusting

[@lydhavet-music]

Ishaiah Guyton they can think about both if it harms their reputation too much

[@ihavenoname4851]

Ishaiah Guyton you don’t realise that companies like apple have a reputation to hold and this could ruin it.

[@JD-lm8xq]

this is monopoly in results of capitalism. John Deere making more money by exploiting the situation in favor for them not the masses

[@howdyimdan]

@@JD-lm8xq ^^^^^

[@Lobos222]

+Ishaiah. Most of these farmers VOTED INTO OFFICE the very same people that supported these types of laws. What comes around,...

[@Crimson_Hawk_01]

I support farmers. Farmers need to keep using and repairing old equipment and don’t buy new. Putting pressure on the manufacturers.

[@Fingers_and_Keyboards]

Unfortunately everything is this way .. "A monopoly on repair" .. Buy a Car, Tractor , Washer dryer, water heater, AC unit ... that you know how to fix can keep it forever!!!

[@gbonephilly4010]

John Deere should be ashamed of themselves. This is outrageous.

[@SNAKE.LOVER.69]

It not just JD. It's every Corporate entity that deals with digital devices.

[@robertw1871]

Kaz, "Gunfight by The Moonlight," Miller yep, caterpillar started it, and in modern day America we have taken capitalism to its limits, morals or customers don’t matter only profits matter and anything that makes you more money is better...

[@gbonephilly4010]

@@robertw1871 let's delve into this deeper. I think it's the greed and selfishness in the hearts of men that's at the root. We can change the economic system, apply more oversight over corporations, institute laws and sanctions. But in the end it comes down to a lack of morals and empathy. And that demon of greed and lust will always find a way to feed itself

[@oliverlane9716]

That's where they make their profit. If it wasn't for this then their products would cost a lot more.

[@ronniedoorzon1576]

just stop buy anything from john deere for a year or two, and then let's see how fast they go on their knees and beg to use their software to fix their shit.

[@Dahbz14]

The fact that this is even an issue shows the malicious greed of big tech.

[@FIXTREME]

This has nothing to do with Big Tech. This is an issue with nothing-happening 'American' brands that are destroying their business in America with stupid business practices.

[@mymyrrah]

@@FIXTREME so, big tech

[@karhammer]

What it shows is how people get so easily tricked into buying shitty products. People still buy apple ffs, it looks good but they literally lie to your face.

[@ShamoKwok]

@@karhammer ya is how thats works

[@vmsysprog]

It always comes down to money. If I were these farmers, I’d run the old equipment until it couldn’t be repaired anymore.

[@daveporter8351]

🎉guys get a laff..in 74 I used a farm all in granny gear to pick a whole field of baled straw...run get 3 bales run throw on wagon....sreer it straight... Southern mich..then I went to jd with thrower ....10 wagons dropped off...coll kids would come get hay and I went all day.. 17 yrs old!! I loved it 1975

[@daver1427]

The repair issue also pertains to automobiles, electronics, and other consumer products. It even affects manufacturing facilities. Example of an automobile issue.... Service engine light is on.... With some "new" (within a year or so), and until some company like ALLDATA or Snap-On develops the code reader or diagnostic software, one MUST go to the dealer to diagnose some issues. IE: a mis-fire.... Could be nearly anything from a spark plug to the wire to spark plug, to the coil-pack, to the computer signals, to ???

[@pl-mn2ro]

When Volkswagen created the Beetle, it was kept in mind that every owner should be able to repair it with basic hand tools themselves. This was the most sold model car in the world ever and still holding this title. Volkswagen did not lose money by doing so but created customer’s fidelity Today’s is all about profit to shareholders Shame on you! 21st Century manufacturers

[@tsherwoodrzero]

One person, one hour, one engine swap. For 4 people, the record is 1 minute 4 seconds.

[@xmo552]

Model t Similar

[@deepakk1347]

but we are the shareholders and it indirectly helps us

[@pl-mn2ro]

Deepak k If you have assets in the company you are a shareholder; if not then your just a consumer.

[@caslor2002]

As an owner of many vw aircooled Beetles i can say that this is was the first thought... but as you looking to the beetles owner manuals year per year you will notice that on later years manuals start removing lot of staff how to maintenance / repair it by your self... it was the period that discover that the real money in on repairs and maintenance . they start using => if....... - please visit local vw distributor

[@jeffcauhape6880]

This is a hell of an opportunity for a small tractor manufacturer: they could make their tractor software open source like Linux, or Apache, and invite users to publish code they've written, and the winner gets their ideas incorporated into the next release. When you have more minds working on a problem, you improve the quality more rapidly.

[@GS-zc4sk]

Reduce the amount of software and isolate it from basic functions

[@sanderd17]

@@GS-zc4sk every bit of software is important and needs to cooperate. If you use gps to plant seeds, you need to have some other place to store it, while way too take it to the harvesting machine, and it needs to read a bunch of different sensors and use a bunch of actuators to do all the work. You can modularise for sure. But you need all bits to remain competitive.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

There are no small manufacturers. Some of those machines cost 6 figures a piece. Not something you can produce in the small time.

[@urphakeandgey6308]

They'd probably be better off just not using much software at all. Many of the farmers might even like that. I've even heard some older tractors sell more than the newer ones for this reason specifically.

[@nathanl3037]

@@urphakeandgey6308 i wouldn't say many. Up until this bs, it's allowed farmers to expand and gain yields. Deere just wants to capitalize off of maintenance. If they don't want to have open software, they need to drop service fees and decrease cost of loaner machines while down. It shouldn't cost 500 bucks just for a technician to get in their truck. Especially if they are forcing your hand to call them out.

[@basilpunton5702]

John Deere a few years back claimed that they could provide parts for every thing that they had ever made. This appears to have fallen by the way.

[@hectorguajardo9173]

They must fight hard, the large industrial and agricultural companies, they want to remove them from their place and take over their lands, they want to force them to sell, fight hard and do not give up their lands. I wish you a lot of strength and may God bless you.

[@ReclusiveEagle]

*buys tractor* Company: "This comes with a 5 year warranty on any parts and repairs!" *2 months later, doesn't turn on* Company: "Please pay $1000 to transport it to us so we can tell you to buy a new part because we don't support the parts in this tractor anymore"

[@bigd5749]

It's just as bad in the automotive industry. I had to junk out a good running 03 dodge neon because the transponder would not recognize the key. It put itself in (anti theft) mode and even the dealership said they didn't have the outdated software to reprogram the system.

[@ronaldtreitner1460]

tell me about it, i had to junk a dodge stratus and my e-350 powerstroke because i couldn't get parts. idiots at the dealer and parts stores always try to bullshit me and tell me all parts are the same for the powerstroke. according to dealer and parts store stratus doesn't have fuel filters, sadly i believe the manual listed 4 but there's at least five types.

[@goodlydanz2459]

In reality though, most warranties dont cover labor, just the part. So you still have to pay for a diagnosis and labor to replace the defective part

[@user-wc3sl4xs6l]

Reclusive Eagle I work in a dealership and it isn’t 1000 to transport. It’s way less

[@asherdie]

@@user-wc3sl4xs6l depends on circumstances. Distance, size of equipment etc. Your situation is not universal.

[@johnchristian1205]

Repairing what you own should never be something anyone should have an objection to.

[@marcchaffee7751]

no cocksucker will ever tell me i cant work on my own stuff .

[@yardlimit8695]

JUST LIKE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THINGS ON YOUR OWN HOUSE THAT YOU PAY THE TAXES ON, INSTEAD OF HAVING TO DEAL WITH STUPID GOV'T MORONS TELLING YOU YOU CAN'T DO THIS OR YOU CAN'T DO THAT....................YOU PAY THE TAXES AND DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES ON YOUR OWN HOUSE............GOV'T IS TOO BIG,,,,,,,,,,,,,,GET RID OF IT..............

[@davidcobra1735]

They're a bunch of dumbasses that want to tinker with complicated subsystems on these machines instead of paying a licensed mechanic. That's all this is about. John Deere didn't want to just email them the diagnostic software and told them to go to a professional. If they do something wrong they could completely break the combines or make the brakes not work or who knows what else could happen. This isn't like tightening a fan belt or filling up the tires. Other dumbasses in local government passed a stupid bill and now John Deere gave them a version of the software that reads the error codes but doesn't actually let you make changes to the software. I'm pretty sure that basically means you can't actually change software parameters. How could they allow that and not risk being held liable if somebody say gets run over by a combine? The farmers would probably blame John Deere for the brakes failing and forget to mention that they tinkered with them a lil bit earlier. At least this is the defense of the company. Are they right? I'd say probably but who knows. You can break the mechanicals too and John Deere wouldn't be liable in the case of an accident so why would software be any different.

[@Jolygued]

There are times when a company gets so big that they think they can write their own laws.

[@CaptainRon1913]

Ironically, the software John Deere uses is "open source", and the licensing agreement is that it has to remain open source.. So the fact that John Deere not allowing access to the open source software is essentially illegal

[@josevazquez4374]

I’m watching this at 1am and I don’t even own a tractor

[@quyae-2641]

I dont even know anything bout tractor

[@superdutyscaler6823]

SAME

[@kkbg9809]

@@quyae-2641 what's a tractor?

[@PinMonkey1960]

I am watching at 3am and don’t own a tractor. Interesting because its cars trucks and everything around us that’s encrypted. You buy a piece of equipment you should own the entire thing, including whats inside.

[@simonh5110]

Jose Vazquez yeah I don’t own a tractor...but I’m the kinda guy who would!

[@jonarment1229]

If you don't have the right to fix a piece of property you own, then you don't own it. "Right to Repair" affects us all, not just farmers. I sincerely appreciate Vice shining a light on this issue.

[@JerryDLTN]

Same could be said that we don't even own our house and land...we "rent" it from the county in the form of property tax.

[@tommyl5319]

@@JerryDLTN I see what you're saying, but those taxes are (ideally, at least) more about supporting various government services on different levels whereas Apple and other companies just don't like the thought of their profit margin being reduced

[@alphanerd7221]

The name is a misnomer. Everyone has every right to repair their stuff. The manufacturer is just under no obligation to help you.

[@jonarment1229]

@@alphanerd7221 no that's a ridiculous statement. Some manufacturers want to monopolize the repair work for their products. When they do things like refuse to sell their customers genuine parts or even make them available at reasonable prices, or if they use proprietary software that can only be accessed with their equipment, then they effectively deny anyone but themselves the ability to do any repairs. If one chooses to "repair" the item (as you put it), then what happens is the item doesn't get fixed at all. It gets more broken.

[@alphanerd7221]

@@jonarment1229 It's a factual statement and your flailing has done nothing to discredit it.

[@henrysampson3754]

We have nothing but John Deere Tractors on our farm. The ironic thing is that the 1938 John Deere model B is still running yet our 6400 and 6430 we were told needed new transmissions. We sent both Tractors to a dairy farm where for$1500 we got both Tractors fixed. The dealer wanted $30,000 to replace the transmissions. All it took was a solenoid and a screen cleaned. This makes me not want a John Deere. If they would fix them yesterday at a reasonable price, okay but when you have to wait weeks, give me a Case

[@Shade_tree_garage01]

thats your problem for buying Shitty john deere tractors.

[@eddasapr]

Por eso, entre otras cosas, es que los tractores de los 80 90 en buen estado cada vez valen más en el mercado

[@j-rodreviewsstuff1992]

People are finally starting to see and understand how these big businesses are monopolizing entire industries. From WALMART and Home Depot to John Deere’s service department. Intentionally creating control for every aspect of their products and usage.

[@balazsfodor1338]

Don't forget to add Facebook, Twitter, Google etc...

[@jerryaulphgmail]

Well said that's why the big box stores were allowed to work right through the pandemic. while little stores had to close because people could get sick there. They're trying to destroy the middle class that with its entrepreneurialship. Where do they want to go with all this? Think the 1300s when everybody was a surf when everybody owed their whole life and everything they had to the king and to the church,.. That's why the Protestant Reformation started was to free people from overregulation, from the tyranny of evil men both kings and popes. Kings and Popes working together to control everybody and take all their money. They want us to be slaves again. My great-great-grandfather great great great... Left France in 1590 to go to Denmark to sell on 400 ships with with King William the red out of Denmark.... They sailed to England overthrew the king and the Catholics and established Protestants freedom for everyone again.... My third great grandfather fought with General Washington to give us freedom here... All they want now is to take away our freedom and have us all as surfs and slaves again... The only thing they seek to do is to divide and conquer... You're white I'm black You're poor You're rich... God help us all... I guess history has to repeat itself blood must be shed probably.... The ignorance of the elite and their arrogance promotes tyranny.... They should expect resistance.

[@balazsfodor1338]

@@jerryaulphgmail Amen to that brother.

[@Kiinqx_]

I work at home depot so i might be brain washed and stupid but how is it a monopoly?

[@clammacgregor8536]

@@Kiinqx_ it's more of an oligopoly but they are because they have purchasing power, they can get stuff cheaper than anyone else because they can buy more than anyone else, this makes it hard for new entrants

[@CTPadres]

“Nothing runs like a Deere.” Unless you need to fix it.

[@bobbastion7335]

“Nothing runs like a Deere.” except farmers running away from Deere to other brands.

[@chefboiard5468]

CTPadres no it’s “Nothing runs like a Honda”

[@mikedeloach6849]

It's an abbreviated slogan. The whole thing reads "Nothing runs like a Deere ....dealership repair bill"

[@h0tdiggity_dog918]

They shouldn't pay for it, they should be able to fix it without having to pay basically a subscription to fix it. If they have to lets just not fix it and watch america's economy break

[@logana1999]

should have bought an International

[@station4358]

I’m a Harley Davidson mechanic. I always feel bad for people who have to pay extra money because they need to bring their bikes in for us to hook it up to computer and reflash something like the ECM. Only because the poor guy wanted to install his own aftermarket turn signals and now they don’t work.

[@llamacebu216]

This is the reason why our grandparents who farmed sent their kids to trade school to become diesel mechanics to work on the equipment themselves

[@southjerseysound7340]

Yeah but now if you aren't a dealer franchise you can't even add a implement without dealer level software to program it.

[@aidanb7782]

@@southjerseysound7340 *Laughs in sketchy Ukrainian software*

[@C-64]

Astro Kitty , that depends, I’ve had only an iPhone 5 and this iPhone SE, both extremely reliable phones, it wasn’t until I blew a fuse on my iPhone 5 that i replaced it since it would cost me more to buy equipment to replace that fuse. This iPhone SE has been reliable and I don’t plan on replacing it until it either breaks down, or I find an amazing deal on a phone that makes this one obsolete. Why would you want to replace an old toaster? Well you gotta take into consideration efficiency. Some things just consume too much energy, technology of the past isn’t worth maintaining sometimes

[@rejectevolution152]

No...no its not the reason...it was money.

[@joshbarth9469]

I learned how to fix these modern tractors, Including John Deeres by going to a trade school for diesel mechanics. Lol. You can still do that 100%

[@noahabraham4539]

This is a problem. We can not have greed collapsing our food chain and putting our legacy farmers out of business because a company refuses to stop screwing with programming

[@snaky1107]

I think it’s sorted now

[@roopkd]

Unfortunately greed is what’s collapsing the farmers in India too.

[@snaky1107]

@@roopkd especially in those what the Americans call them democrats states ?

[@graan1802]

@@snaky1107 It's not, the right to repair bill has still not passed.

[@graan1802]

It's not just farmers, everyone is affected by this, your phones can't be repaired by a third party. Same goes for video games, you buy a game then you pay more for secret character or skin etc. We own nothing completely anymore.

[@markwagstaff4464]

This is the 1st time I have seen this. As an Ag Engineer who worked in the food processing industry for 45 years and retired. The same thing is going on there.

[@happyvapor4670]

It's happening everywhere. Started in the tech industry, now it's our vehicles and farm equipment.. Imagine if the govt came to Deere and said, "hey, Nebraska's keeping the price of corn too low-- let's turn them off for a couple years."

[@_loois]

This has effected everyone from phone, computer repair, to tractors. You don't own what you buy anymore

[@_loois]

@Lovecraft until it doesn't... Hence having to make costly repairs only the dealer can fix. Often over priced even if it's a simple fix. Sure phones have planed obsolescence, but the manufacturers in both of these cases want if not expect you to return to them to increase their profits, be it by replacing the item or preforming maintenance only they can do

[@krabes8613]

if there’s software in it

[@bradleysmith9431]

Yeah called property tax. Unfortunately!!

[@SamSneed001]

In that case, I should be able to go back to the place of purchase and exchange it for a new equipment whatever it is with no money out of pocket. Life Time Exchange Guarantee.

[@roxasparks]

Then stop buying

[@VDM32]

This isn’t just tractors it’s new cars too

[@robertmaybeth3434]

There is only one way to stop this moronic trend, DON'T BUY THEIR CARS! Once they find out how we really feel (showing opinions with our wallet not our muth!) they will drop that idea. Same thing happened with stupid talking cars idea, EVERYONE hated them, told them so, and wouldn't buy them. The talking cars disappeared in a matter of months. WE HAVE TO DO THE SAME THING NOW TO THIS IDEA - DON'T BUY "SEALED" CARS!

[@smithgraincattlesgc4940]

At least with a car I can go buy a scan tool from snapon or Mac and buy a scan tool a look for codes I can’t do that with my new holland

[@El-ingobernable]

@@robertmaybeth3434 yeah but even then they can "force" you like the man in the video said about the gps, Deere said they dont support it anymore (or discontinued) and then youre screwed. its like with these electric cars, in Norway and Germany theyve started to ban all vehicles except for natural gas and electric cars

[@dannyfischer8336]

I can go to any car dealership (EXCEPT TESLA) and buy the parts I need to fix my car and truck. The problem with that is.....these vehicles are so complex and tight inside the engine area, etc... that I would need a ford computer program, scanners, etc (for example) to work on my ford f350 diesel one ton. Remember the good old days when you COULD actually do some major work on your car or truck without breaking the bank?

[@eliasshadow5643]

Im sure its everything we own now a days even credit cards.

[@DennisMoore17]

Simple: Do not buy green. I looked into a mowing contract around a JD dealership. The one requirement was that I had to use a JD lawn mower. Really???? Did not pursue the bid.

[@naza78901]

*Perhaps if farmers bought other brands, John Deere would be forced to do things better, otherwise the company would go bankrupt.* *In a free country, the power is in the hands of the consumer.*

[@eyabut8237]

Time is ripe for open source machinery, where parts can be made by anyone who wants to make them, and fixed by anyone who wants to fix them.

[@NZIsaacNZ]

combined with a community of 3d printing machines, i think theres something to this!

[@pulsar9681]

there is only one problem. imagine you have an idea, so you start a company and make that item. now a big company sees that and goes "thats mine now" a bigger company can push it harder and squish you out. thats why patents and copyright are a thing

[@noah4822]

@@pulsar9681 commons licence could be an option

[@TaeruAlethea]

@@pulsar9681 there is a way to be open source and patented.

[@Sam-dc9bg]

I see a million and one people asking for open sourced technology, but only so many people willing to put the years required into making something professional level and then just giving the secrets away.

[@wariowashere7017]

Hacking a tractor is something I never thought I would see

[@fitnessover4054]

They are really high tech! 👊🏻💥👊🏻

[@hungrybartender6388]

Yeah, but can it run Doom?

[@wariowashere7017]

@@hungrybartender6388 prob

[@KameraShy]

With software from Eastern Europe.

[@sidehop]

Ya 🤦

[@SeattlePioneer]

The government regulators are doing most of the fundamental engineering on cars, tractors and other equipment these days. I'd be curious to know to what extent the government is requiring manufacturers to do all the repairs on equipment. Insure it isn't polluting and such, y'know. This has the odor of government regulation to me.

[@markh4926]

In a way scaled down situation, I live in the country and did all my repairs on the property. In my barn I had weed eaters, pipe repair kits, electrical parts, different replacement parts like a two well pumps, industrial fans, different metals, wood, paint cans which held the colors in my home, and the list goes on. When I got sick in the hospital my brothers tore through all my stuff and junked it. Now if I need a new O-ring I have to go to the hardware store. City people can be dumb as hell.

[@CashFloCEO]

Huge shout out to Louis Rossmann and Vice...an executive order has been passed...this is a step forward and huge win for the average repair guy and clients!

[@mothertruckersparadise3260]

Trump was on this 3 yrs ago

[@martymcfly9342]

@@mothertruckersparadise3260 And didn't push it Soooooooooo 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@mothertruckersparadise3260]

@@martymcfly9342 sure did. Where were you?

[@martymcfly9342]

@@mothertruckersparadise3260 No he did not. Do your research

[@mothertruckersparadise3260]

@@martymcfly9342 I pay attention, I don't need research

[@christophe9602]

"You'll own nothing and you'll be happy" said the people who own pretty much everything.

[@agnidas5816]

Own nothing - control everything : by some old dead rich dude ;P

[@angelikaskoroszyn8495]

People are afraid of communism while corporate oligarchy is just around the corner

[@humphreyfluffy906]

"MEMPHIS MEAT " THATS WHAT!

[@humphreyfluffy906]

@Blass Bill Gates MEMPHIS MEAT

[@argonhammer9352]

@Cayenne Captain communism is based

[@jamesbraun9842]

I work at a farming operation in a rural farming area. See less and less new John Deere every day. With thw exception of Gators , and lawn tractors only new ones going to hobby farmers and mechanics with connections.

[@Darkness251]

8:50 in the background is Louis Rossmann, he has a little board repair shop in NY and is on the frontlines of the right to repair movement aswell.

[@wormchickenwizard]

I was wondering if anyone else noticed that lol.

[@Nerferdude98]

Came to say the same! If there’s anyone we can count on to make noise about right to repair, it’s Louis.

[@paddington1670]

his monologue was very impactful at that hearing.

[@brmbkl]

a little shop, and a massive youtube following

[@PetervanderKruys]

That’s how I got here

[@zachmighty2754]

And this is why my grandfather, a mechanic for over 40yrs hates John Deere. They consistently try, and succeed in screwing over their customers

[@elyvaliente9511]

Welcome to beautiful American capitalism

[@PeterLawton]

@@elyvaliente9511 It's not the capitalism that's flawed. It's John Deere. The bad intentions of JD execs would exist no matter what economic system were in place.

[@elyvaliente9511]

@@PeterLawton that’s just not true. They lobby the government so they’re allowed to monopolize fixing tractors. Capitalism allows Jon Deere to be as fucked up to their clients as they want.

[@PeterLawton]

@@elyvaliente9511 my statement is that their intentions would be the same under any system. If another system prevents actions we are currently seeing, those same bad intentions will just find another way to be bad. And you disagree with that.

[@elyvaliente9511]

@@PeterLawton I’m not saying their intentions would be any different. A scumbag is a scumbag wether socialist communist or capitalist. But under capitalism whoever has the most money writes the rules. These farmers are technically criminals because they’re going against the company rules. But we don’t see them that way because John Deere are the real bad guys. They’re the bad guys because they can pay off a capitalist system that allows them.

[@Nirotix]

This BS is happening all across the market. Dodge almost PURPOSELY engineered the Jeep to have a nylon part break after warranty. It's what changes your air flow from defrost to vents. To repair it, you need to remove the entire dash. Drain all the coolant, evacuate the refrigerant, tear out the heating core, just to replace a 60 cent plastic part. It's engineered by design to fail to cost the customer a $3,000 repair bill. It's about BS. And locking people out or Engineering a product to fail should be illegal.

[@michaelarmajo4572]

"In the past, America thrived on self-sufficiency. When something broke, we fixed it-a testament to our resilience and resourcefulness. However, today, our ability to repair is hindered by a paywall, and it's time to address this issue. We advocate for the Right to Repair, emphasizing not just the right to repair but also the right to access the knowledge necessary for it. In a landscape where devices are intentionally programmed to fail, and shoddy designs encourage constant replacements, it's crucial to reclaim our independence. We aim to extend the lifespan of our machines, fostering a culture where old things can be kept running at their best. Access to codes and information is paramount. Whether it's our cars, trucks, tractors, planes, drones, or phones, Americans should have the right to fix what's broken. By doing so, we break free from the cycle of forced consumption and contribute to a sustainable, self-reliant society. Let's champion the Right to Repair and uphold our freedom to maintain and preserve, just as a free country should."

[@fuzzyjax]

If you’re going to own heavy equipment you’re going to need to fix it when it breaks. WTF! After watching this I wouldn’t buy a John Deere lawn mower.

[@Boatflipit]

It’s not just Deere it’s all major at companies

[@brunobarz1699]

Tesla does this too

[@setesh1294]

Fortunately, the small stuff is still completely mechanical. We have a john deere zero point turn mower and there's not a single bit in it that is digital.

[@jaydenc27]

Just so you know it’s not just Deere pretty much every single farm equipment company is like this they are just the biggest. If anything John Deere is the best at making it easier for farmers to work on their own equipment throughout the 1900s Deere was one of the last companies to keep building 2 cylinder tractors after everyone else was building 4 cylinders they finally built 4 cylinders after the technology was improved they were the same way about 4 track tractors Case had been doing it since the 90’s but Deere steeped in with a much better design in 2016 when they were able to produce the best that Deere could produce

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I'm a gen tech and I love their older engines before they went common rail computer control. Other than that , they can go suck eggs.

[@onrean]

Sad to see our US tech companies forgetting where their food comes from.

[@mickys8065]

Abroad most likely, aka places probably using old tractors with no electronics

[@syahrulfauzi6344]

grocery ofc

[@salan3507]

Bill Gates owns the most farmland in the US now, I believe. And if that isn't a scary thought.

[@edofragoso]

From brazil and the 3rd world

[@mormacfey]

They're not US tech companies they're global/international they hold no allegiance to the US or its citizens.

[@neokibo6899]

Sorry, a little late here, but I haven’t seen a comment stating what I am about to say. From what I have read, John Deere has relaxed, the diagnostic tools are now available to everyone (for a price), effectively giving the right to repair a victory. On another note, @8:50 when the scene goes to court, I recognize the person standing against the wall, his name is Louis Rossmann, a KZbinr well known for fighting hard against Apple and others for the right to repair. He is in the electronics field, but a huge force in the right to repair movement, thus not surprised he is there and for sure made amazing arguments helping the cause.

[@cassidycouey2352]

This is giving me more inspiration being a diesel mechanic to help people out.

[@augustdawn8348]

"Customers, dealers, and manufacturers should work together on the issue rather than invite government regulation that could add costs with no associated value." - John Deere The problem is that you haven't been open to working with your customers. And what added costs? You're forcing people to haul farm equipment at great personal cost to have repairs they could do at home be done by you, just to squeeze them for every last penny. Costs would only go down! To use people's fear of government overreach as a defense for your predatory business practices is despicable. I hope the hard-working men and women who use John Deere products can find suitable alternatives. It deserves to go out of business for this.

[@Sparkchaser1]

Chris Taylor 👍👍like John Deere hasn’t been catching hell for this for years. They’ve had plenty of time to work with their customers. They’d loose too much money , which is the only issue they’re interested in

[@donalddodge1]

Chris Taylor , Here Here, if at the end of the day you have no customers, by a mirror!

[@philipnesbitt6230]

Surprised nobody mentioned John Deere doing mobile repair? They come to you and your tractor, instead of tractor coming to them and all those hefty shipping costs

[@Sparkchaser1]

Philip Nesbitt of course they will. In reality most guys won’t haul it in, they’ll have a tech come out. But for those guys 100 miles away from a dealer, that takes a while too. Plus the inevitable 2nd trip. The dealership will haul it, also, for a price

[@mycarolinaskies]

@@philipnesbitt6230 mobile repair is simply a way to charge for simple diagnostics which a farmer can do himself quickly. The mobile tech diagnose the issue for $$ but often the fix still is up to the farmer if it is a part replacement if it's time criti al again unless he wants to pay JD an inflated cost for expedited care.

[@jarontjones]

It’s not just John Deere that’s like that. Apple is doing the same thing with their phones. Even if you buy legitimate parts for your phone, you can’t install them because they’re all serialized. They just won’t work. In the iPhone 12, you can’t repair it anywhere but Apple. All the parts need software to be run or they just won’t work. Even something as simple as a battery and it’s only gonna get worse.

[@Joe-pg3xx]

Ok

[@MrGreatness412]

Yeah thats crazy I just watched that video 2

[@MrGreatness412]

So actually a very proficient hacker can have a very lucrative career.

[@leelitchfield8370]

Been going on for decades! Just getting worse. This problem goes for ANTTHING repairable and electronic. You get "Proprietary" or just plain no. End of story.

[@owenoreilly_20]

Yes I agree with the home button on older phones, the cameras on the 12 and the screen, it’s like Tesla