Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating reports that certain John Deere S-Series combines may contain design defects that allow crop residue, chaff, and other combustible debris to accumulate near hot engine, turbocharger, and hydraulic components, increasing the risk of fires during normal harvesting operations.
What Consumers Report
Owners report:
- Crop residue accumulating behind shields and protective panels.
- Fires beginning near hydraulic lines, turbochargers, or engine compartments.
- Little or no warning before flames appeared.
- Total loss of combines during harvest.
- Crop losses after fires spread into surrounding fields.
- Significant repair bills and insurance claims.
- Difficulty accessing areas that require routine cleaning.
Why Consumers Should Be Concerned
Modern combines generate significant heat while operating in dusty, debris-filled environments. Owners allege that the design of certain John Deere S-Series combines allows combustible crop residue to collect in hidden areas near high-temperature components, creating an increased fire risk during ordinary harvesting operations. Fires can destroy expensive equipment, damage crops, interrupt harvest schedules, and expose operators to serious safety hazards.
Potential Claims May Include
- Product defect
- Design defect
- Failure to warn
- Breach of express warranty
- Breach of implied warranty
- Consumer protection violations
Signs You May Be Affected
You may be affected if:
- You own a John Deere S-Series (S660, S670, S680, S690, S760, S770, S780, or S790 combine).
- Your combine accumulated excessive debris around the engine compartment.
- You experienced smoke, overheating, or fire during harvesting.
- Your machine suffered fire damage despite routine maintenance.
- You incurred repair costs, crop losses, or insurance deductibles because of a combine fire.
If you have encountered these issues, we would like to hear from you. Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call at (202) 470-3520.