John Deere announced it is expanding access to tools to help Canadian customers repair and update software on their own equipment.
The company announced Wednesday that Canadian customers will now be able to remotely download software updates to the embedded controllers of their 4G-connected John Deere equipment through its Equipment Mobile app.
In addition to being available through existing dealers, Deere said Canadian customers and independent repair shops will also be able to purchase Deere’s Customer Service Advisor tool directly from the company. The database can be used to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair most Deere equipment and will be sold through the company’s new e-commerce platform in Canada.
“We are committed to developing and delivering new and enhanced solutions that help our customers repair their equipment and minimize downtime,” Denver Caldwell, Deere’s vice president of aftermarket and customer support, said in a news release. “This update for our Canadian customers is just the latest example of John Deere’s commitment, and we will continue to work to further enhance and expand these solutions in the future.”
Big equipment makers such as Deere, CNH and AGCO have been under pressure from lawmakers and agricultural groups to maintain farmers’ “right to repair” as machines become increasingly digitalized through proprietary software.
Two private member bills – a bill (C-244) to amend Canada’s copyright law to allow for the circumvention of technological “locks” for repairs, and a bill (C-294) to allow interoperability so devices can work together with other brands of equipment – have been approved by the House of Commons and are currently at the committee stage in the Senate.
