"Machinery Must Be in the Field": 5 Principles from the Chief Engineer of Zakhidnyi Buh

In the agribusiness, results depend not only on the weather and cultivation technologies but also on whether the machinery is ready to hit the field at the exact moment it's needed. Anton Kyselov, Chief Engineer at Zakhidnyi Buh, shared five core principles behind the company’s technical maintenance system, explaining why prevention is more effective than repair and how the team prepares for peak workloads.

1. Working Ahead of the Curve

The key principle of the engineering service at Zakhidnyi Buh is not waiting for a breakdown, but solving the problem in advance. The company has moved away from situational repairs in favor of a systemic approach.

"We strive to prevent malfunctions rather than deal with their consequences. That’s why we operate on the principles of preventive and predictive maintenance. Machinery should stop for scheduled service, not due to an emergency, so it doesn't fail at the most critical moment," notes the Chief Engineer.

Inspections are conducted regularly based on clear criteria:

• Manufacturer recommendations;
• Operating hours (engine hours);
• Seasonality and workload intensity.

On average, equipment runs from a few dozen to several hundred engine hours between scheduled inspections. However, critical parameters are monitored more frequently, outside the standard maintenance schedule, allowing the team to keep a finger on the pulse during peak seasons.

2. A Rational Approach to Unit Renewal

Decisions on whether to repair a unit or replace it with a new one are not made intuitively, but based on economic calculations. Several factors are considered:

• The technical condition and remaining lifespan of the unit after a potential repair;
• The cost of restoration versus the price of new components;
• Risks to the machinery during the height of the season. "Our principle is: repair when it’s feasible, replace on time to avoid greater losses in the future," explains Anton Kyselov.

3. Team Training

Preparation for the season at Zakhidnyi Buh includes more than just purchasing spare parts; it involves comprehensive team training. Before work begins, all actions are coordinated: the machinery operator must clearly know the machine's features and understand who to contact at the first sign of an irregularity.

"Our goal is for the operator to understand the machinery, not just drive it," emphasizes the Chief Engineer.

To achieve this, the company conducts systematic training: briefings, studying the specifications of new machines, and consultations. This minimizes operational errors.

4. In-House Expertise and Dealer Support

Zakhidnyi Buh’s own engineering and service team handles the primary workload. These specialists are responsible for daily operations and most routine repairs. At the same time, the company enlists external support for complex or highly specialized tasks.

"We collaborate with official dealers and service partners such as John Deere, CLAAS, and others. This allows us to combine our internal expertise with factory maintenance standards," says Anton Kyselov.

5. The Main Quality Criterion for Zakhidnyi Buh

According to the Chief Engineer, defining service quality is simple: the machine must be working, not sitting in the repair shop.

"Reliable machinery is equipment that enters the field when the business needs it, not when the service department is ready. This is the result of systematic work, where stability is more important than 'heroic' repairs in the middle of a field," concludes Anton Kyselov.