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Comment by BugsJustFindMe | Hacker News Reader

> It’s extremely difficult to pity the farmer in this case.

What are the available options?

Kubota and New Holland seem to be popular in my area, to the extent that I used to drive past a Kubota dealership on my way to some high school extracurricular or other.

Not much out there to compete with the new X series combines. Claas Lexion is pretty much the only series contender in the 6000 bu/hr range.

Boycott the company, buy from another manufacturer, lobby the Iowa government to stop these abusive practices. Or just sit back, bend over, pull down your pants, and take it while wearing the branded cap of the company which is abusing you?

Really it’s all about choice now isn’t it?

Parts availability is a massive factor. When you break down mid-task, your task is often time sensitive. You can't always risk having your tractor stuck in the middle of a paddock for weeks while you get new parts in.

So, the reality of choice is pretty much down to what your local tractor seller/repairer supports, because they'll have the supply chain setup to cope with certain brands only.

The issue is that the tractor senses if you try to repair it yourself. There’s a trap mechanism which will punish you if you’re audacious enough to try to fix your machine.

Wait, what?

Truth. Equipment is locked to the chassis SN and exchanging it throws a flag that requires a JD signoff to clear.

> lobby the Iowa government to stop these abusive practices.

Isn't the right to repair movement exactly that? I don't think farmers are entirely absent from it.

From what I hear the resale market on old farm equipment rivals Apple products in their ability to retain their value

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