Beginning in 2023, Deere customers will be able to download secure software updates directly to embedded controllers within certain pieces of equipment featuring 4G connections. John Deere made the announcement as it looks to provide its customers with more self-repair solutions. The changes will be rolled out in May 2023.
Luke Gakstatter, senior vice president of aftermarket and customer support for Deere, noted that customers with connectivity already receive proactive maintenance through over-the-air software updates. This is in addition to diagnostic code information sent through their smartphones.
“The next step for us to digitize and enhance the repairability experience is to enable customers themselves to remotely download secure software updates to controllers,” Gakstatter explained.
Diagnostic information will also be delivered via Customer Service ADVISOR, which has already been available through Deere dealerships. Equipment owners and independent repair shops will eventually have expanded access to Customer Service ADVISOR to complete necessary repairs.
“We hope John Deere customers are pleased about the expanded access to diagnostic information they will get with Customer Service ADVISOR available in the online store,” said Denver Caldwell, director of aftermarket and customer support. “And we’re even more excited about what’s in the pipeline regarding repair. When customers see what we have planned, I think they are going to feel more empowered on top of the offerings that are already in place.”
Customers will continue to have the option of visiting a dealership, working with an independent repair shop, or self-repair their machines. More information about Deere’s commitment to repairability can be found at www.JohnDeere.com/repair.