Kubota & AGCO sign MoUs on "Right to Repair" for Farmers and Independent Technicians

In a significant move towards empowering farmers, ranchers, and independent technicians, farm equipment manufacturers AGCO and Kubota Tractor Corp. have joined the "Right to Repair" movement. Both companies have recently signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the American Farm Bureau Federation, allowing individuals in the agricultural industry to repair their own equipment.

The MOUs, individually negotiated with each manufacturer, follow similar agreements previously established by the AFBF with John Deere and CNH Industrial Brands earlier this year. With these four MOUs in place, approximately 70 percent of agricultural machinery sold in the United States is now covered by this initiative.

The signed MOUs establish a comprehensive framework that enables farmers and independent repair facilities across all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico to access AGCO and Kubota manuals, tools, product guides, and information. This access empowers them to effectively self-diagnose and self-repair their machines. Additionally, the manufacturers will provide support for direct purchasing or leasing of diagnostic tools, as well as ordering necessary products and parts.

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AGCO, renowned for its diverse brand portfolio, includes esteemed names such as Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Challenger, Valtra, and White Planters. Through this agreement, AGCO is taking a significant step towards facilitating the repair process for farmers and technicians working with their machinery.

This development aligns with the recently signed Consumer Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Act in Colorado, which mandates farm machinery manufacturers to provide customers with diagnostic tools, software documents, and repair manuals starting from January 1, 2024. The legislation also requires manufacturers to extend the same resources to independent technicians. Previously, manufacturers had restricted customers to using only authorized dealers and technicians for equipment repairs, such as those involving tractors and combine.

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Furthermore, similar "Right to Repair Farm Equipment" bills have been introduced in ten other states, including Missouri, Texas, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and Vermont. These bills aim to promote fair access to essential repair information and tools, fostering a more inclusive environment for farmers, ranchers, and independent technicians.

The commitment of AGCO and Kubota Tractor Corp. to embrace the "Right to Repair" concept marks a positive step towards empowering individuals in the agricultural sector to effectively maintain and repair their own equipment. By fostering self-sufficiency and providing access to vital resources, these manufacturers are supporting the livelihoods of farmers, promoting sustainability, and encouraging a more robust and resilient agricultural industry.

source-Hoosier AG Today

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