Imagine missing the ideal planting window because of a mechanical failure. Or having to interrupt the soybean harvest due to an unexpected hydraulic problem. In agribusiness, time is productivity, and productivity is margin.
And it is at this critical point that the maintenance of agricultural equipment shifts from the role of an operational support to assuming strategic leadership in the field.
This was exactly the movement that engineer Iure Cardoso Maciel, a specialist in agricultural mechanics with extensive experience at John Deere, proposes for the agricultural department.
He not only optimized maintenance management but also proposed a transformation: a Maintenance Management System (MMS) designed specifically for the challenges of the field.
“Agriculture can no longer coexist with the unpredictability of mechanical failures. We need a model that anticipates problems, maximizes equipment availability, and adapts to the context of each rural operation,” says Iure.
John Deere, is a leading American corporation with over 155 years of history in the production of agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, and diesel engines.
Headquartered in Moline, Illinois, the company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DE) and ranked No. 84 on the 2022 Fortune 500 list, reflecting its scale and financial strength among the largest U.S. corporations.
Recognized for its iconic leaping deer logo and the slogan “Nothing Runs Like a Deere,” the brand is a reference of innovation worldwide, offering a broad portfolio that includes advanced tractor series, specialty equipment, and digital platforms such as JDLink, consolidating its position as one of the most respected and influential companies in the global machinery industry.
A new perspective on maintenance: connectivity, data, and strategy
The model proposed by Iure combines three fundamental pillars: digital integration via IoT, predictive maintenance algorithms, and operational intelligence based on real usage data.
The goal? To reduce unexpected failures, optimize resources, and ensure that machines are always available — especially during the critical phases of the harvest.
“It’s not just about technology, but about mindset. Maintenance needs to stop being reactive and become strategic. With sensors and data analysis, we can anticipate failures before they happen,” explains the engineer.
Smart sensors: the electronic ears of machines
Equipment such as tractors, sprayers, and harvesters are now equipped with sensors that monitor variables such as engine temperature, hydraulic pressure, vibration levels, and component wear in real time. This data is automatically transmitted to a central system via IoT (Internet of Things) technology.
In practice, what emerges is a constant “digital check-up” of the machines — like a real-time electrocardiogram. This telemetry makes it possible to identify subtle deviations that would be invisible to the naked eye but precede serious failures.
“We work with real data, coming from the field, with all its variability. It’s a much more accurate technical vision than any workshop checklist,” highlights Iure.
The agricultural sector as a pillar of development
The agricultural sector is fundamental for the economic and social development of a country, as it ensures food security for the population, generates jobs, and drives the growth of local and national economies.
In addition to supplying essential raw materials for various industries, such as food, textiles, and biofuels, agriculture contributes significantly to the trade balance through exports.
Its relevance also extends to the environmental field, since sustainable agricultural practices can promote the conservation of natural resources and mitigate climate change.
Thus, strengthening the agricultural sector is essential to ensure society’s well-being and the economic stability of a country.
A milestone for agribusiness innovation
The solution developed by Iure Cardoso Maciel represents a milestone for the technological and operational advancement of agribusiness, as it transforms agricultural maintenance into a strategic management tool.
In a sector where each minute lost can mean tons less in harvest and significant financial losses, the Maintenance Management System (MMS) conceived by Iure offers an intelligent solution, capable of anticipating failures, reducing costs, and ensuring maximum use of planting and harvesting windows.
By integrating sensors, IoT connectivity, and predictive maintenance algorithms, the model brings to the field a data-driven approach, replacing the old culture of emergency repairs with preventive and proactive management.
This innovation strengthens production efficiency, ensures greater equipment longevity, and promotes a more sustainable and competitive agriculture adapted to the demands of the digital era.
In short, Iure Maciel’s contribution raises the standard of agricultural mechanization, positioning maintenance as a key element for increasing productivity and profitability in the field.
Written by Giovanna Divino and reviewed by Tiago Mendes, December 2024
