Dealer Advice: Navigating Right-to-Repair

Friday, August 22, 2025

‘Take a balanced approach when deciding whether or not to tackle repairs.’

By Mary Loggan

Our new federal right-to-repair laws – Bills C-244 and C-294 – received Royal Assent in November 2024. These laws give farmers legal access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, software, and parts for their farm equipment, allowing them or independent technicians to make repairs without infringing copyright or being blocked by digital locks. The regulations to implement these laws are now being drafted, but the legal framework is in place.

The Grain Growers of Canada called the legislation “a significant victory,” highlighting that farmers will now have legal access to diagnostic software and the ability to repair sophisticated equipment like tractors and combines. The Canadian Canola Growers Association noted that the previous lack of repair access led to costly delays, inefficiencies, and lost competitiveness, especially during short, critical seasons such as harvest. Alberta Grains has also long advocated for such legislation, stating that modernized repairability policies help break the monopoly on repair services and put Prairie farmers on equal footing with producers in other jurisdictions.

Indeed, some farmers have voiced frustration when forced to rely on equipment dealers for even minor machinery repairs.

And yet, today’s farm machinery is highly complex, often requiring specialized knowledge and training to repair safely and effectively. While these new rights offer flexibility and potential cost savings, farmers should carefully assess their own skills and the complexity of the issue before attempting repairs themselves, as dealer service technicians typically have extensive experience and training with advanced equipment systems.

Better Farming recently spoke with Kevin Frazer, service manager at Stewart’s Equipment, who shared his perspective on the new right-to-repair laws and offered some pointers for producers.

Timely advice

According to Frazer, this newfound freedom comes with both opportunities and challenges.

“This is a big change. Farmers will now have the ability to know what’s wrong with their machines and decide if they can fix it themselves or if they need help.

“But it’s not as simple as just reading a manual – there’s a lot more to it,” he warns.

Frazer believes that knowledge will be a key factor.

“I think many producers who take the time to learn from the new options available could have great success fixing their machinery at home and could offer many benefits to their operation.”

However, he advises, “Be aware of what you're capable of.

“If you’re working with your equipment every day, you might already have a good understanding of how it works. But there’s a big difference between knowing your machine and being able to repair it when something goes wrong.”

He cautions that while farmers will get access to workshop manuals and diagnostic codes, simply reading these resources may not be enough.

“Reading the book and being able to duplicate what it says can be challenging. There’s a lot to all of these pieces.”

Frazer suggests that self-repair isn’t always the best option.

“If you can’t finish the repair, it may not be a good idea to start. It’s always more complicated for mechanics when they have to pick up where someone else left off.”

He advises farmers to carefully assess their own skills before diving into repairs and to seek help when needed. “Ask for help if you’re unsure,” he says. “Having a good relationship with your dealership is still important.”

Frazer also points out that while farmers will now be able to purchase diagnostic tools from various brands, this comes with its own set of considerations.

“This will still be attached to a price tag. Farmers will need to ask themselves: Do I have enough equipment to justify the cost?”

Potential challenges

While right-to-repair opens up new possibilities for farmers, Frazer acknowledges that it also introduces significant challenges.

One of the most pressing issues is the complexity of modern farm equipment, which often integrates advanced technology such as GPS systems, sensors, and software-driven components.

“Challenges will be dealing with technology and electrical diagnostics,” Frazer explains. “There are ins and outs, and what works on one machine might not work on another.”

This variability means that farmers who operate multiple brands of equipment may need to invest in different diagnostic tools for each brand – a potentially expensive endeavour.

“This means potentially buying different brands,” Frazer says. “That can get expensive quickly.”

Another challenge is the steep learning curve associated with modern machinery repairs. While farmers will now have access to workshop manuals and other resources, Frazer points out that experience plays a critical role in successful repairs.

“Farmers still may not have the level of education as mechanics or dealers. Training and making informed decisions on what is needed comes from experience.”

He adds that even seasoned mechanics learn things over time: “What works on one tractor may not be the same for another.”

Frazer also highlights the potential risks of trial-and-error repairs.

“People doing things wrong can have bad outcomes. Mistakes made during self-repair could lead to further damage or safety issues, creating additional stress for farmers who are already juggling busy schedules.”

Finally, Frazer notes that time constraints remain a significant barrier for many farmers considering self-repair. “Time is always an issue,” he says.

“For some people, it might just be easier – and less stressful – to take their equipment into the dealership.”

Looking ahead

Frazer sees both opportunities and challenges as farmers adapt to life under the new laws. He predicts that independent mechanics may see more business, particularly in rural areas where access to dealerships is limited.

At the same time, Frazer believes dealerships will continue to play an essential role in farm equipment maintenance due to their specialized knowledge and resources. “Dealerships will still be the quickest option for many repairs.”

Frazer also anticipates that new systems tailored specifically for farmer use may emerge in response to this legislation.

However, he cautions that real-world experience remains invaluable when dealing with complex machinery issues.

“It will be hard to pick up all the knowledge in a book,” he explains.

“Mechanics have the ability to ask others and work as a team together to solve problems.

“Farmers don’t always have access to those same resources.”

Ultimately, Frazer advises farmers to take a balanced approach when deciding whether or not to tackle repairs themselves under this new law.

“It comes down to balance.

“Consider your operation – how expensive is your machinery? What are your capabilities? Weigh the pros and cons carefully.”

Frazer believes that while some farmers will thrive under this new system by gaining valuable knowledge and independence, others may find it more practical – and less stressful – to continue relying on dealerships for support.

For now, Frazer advises, “Do what’s best for your operation.

“Whether that means embracing self-repair or continuing partnerships with trusted dealerships, each farmer must navigate this new era in a way that aligns with their unique needs and circumstances.” BF