VIRGINIA BEACH—Amid a national shortage of service technicians, agricultural equipment manufacturers are advancing user-friendly tools for navigating self-repairs and emerging technologies.

During a workshop at the 2023 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, representatives from AGCO, John Deere, Kubota Tractor Corp. and New Holland offered an overview of the industry’s self-repair resources available to consumers.

“Whether you’re a customer, dealer or manufacturer, we want to make sure that you’re getting the most that you can out of your equipment,” said Tim Jenkins, territory customer support manager for John Deere.

Customers can apply for a Customer Service ADVISOR™ online or offline subscription directly through JohnDeereStore.com or a dealership. This digital database offers operator, diagnostic and technical manuals, along with electronic field service tools and training on how to use them.

Additionally, with Service ADVISOR™ Remote, dealers can remotely analyze Diagnostic Trouble Codes in near-real time to identify potential issues with machines and isolate solutions via the machine’s JDLink™ connection. Updates also can be pushed to machines remotely to resolve problems and enable enhancements.

Similarly, New Holland offers the Customer Electronic Service Tool, allowing customers to connect to their equipment’s Controller Area Network through a protocol adapter. The remote service tool enables a technician to perform various diagnostic functions remotely. Once logged in, they can retrieve and clear fault codes, read and update machine configurations and push software updates to machines.

Customers also can purchase all New Holland parts and equipment directly through MyCNHIStore.com by logging in and creating an account.

By plugging in Kubota’s main diagnostic tool, KOBD ACE, customers can see past and present fault codes to quickly diagnose problems. Customers also can access training modes and other functions.

Customers can find Kubota operator’s manuals for all equipment through the Kubota app and Kubotausa.com, and order specialty tools or parts to be shipped directly to a local dealer.

AGCO created a customer diagnostic tool, Tech Connect Diagnostics-CV, to assist customers in maintaining, diagnosing and repairing their equipment. Customers can apply to rent a TCD-CV through their local dealer and, within a few days, receive a tool package with a laptop to set up the application.

AGCOpubs.com contains all publications, including service and operator’s manuals, service books and maintenance guides.

“Probably the biggest tool we have is our relationship with our dealers,” Jenkins added.

Representatives encouraged customers to reach out to their local dealers with any questions and for further assistance.

Media: Contact John Deere public relations; Aimee Culbert, New Holland public relations manager, at 717-413-3367; Kubota Newsroom at 877-582-6826; or Bob Blakely, AGCO public relations manager.