John Deere Diagnostic Tools

General Description of Service Advisor

• As its name implies, John Deere's diagnostic tool Service Advisor is an all-one assistance package. The program contains digital versions of product manuals, technical repair manuals and interactive software to expedite repair work. The tool is designed to allow quick and easy diagnosis and repair of John Deere–manufactured mechanical products of any type. The software itself is designed and approved by the John Deere company.

Specific Program Assistance Offered

• The Dealer Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) is the base software and hub used by most John Deere or licensed store employees. The DTAC incorporates real-time diagnostic software along with aiding in the testing of equipment by technicians. Calibrations and program controller installations are a snap wherever the DTAC is in use. Certain stores may have equipment to hook up the software to the mechanical devices so the computer and software itself can perform tests and find a diagnosis.

Different Editions

• John Deere produces an updated version of Service Advisor almost every year. As the Service Advisor is similar to the company's operating system, each new edition is akin to new editions of Windows or Linux. Besides yearly models, each type of equipment sold by John Deere has its own version or subsoftware for Service Advisor, which includes software devoted not only to different fields such as agriculture or construction but also to individual types of mechanical parts.

Cost and Availability

• Workers at a John Deere–licensed technical store will receive the software in the form of DVDs or even a separate laptop computer from their superiors. The general public can purchase the Service Advisor online through one of several available software retailers. Prices vary for different editions, but generally the cost for the basic Service Advisor software runs between $120 and $250. Specialized applications or editions of the software each have an individual price in the same range.