Part 7/13:
Furthermore, the lack of an established service infrastructure compounded problems. Unlike Western manufacturers like John Deere, which had extensive dealer networks, parts supply chains, and trained technicians, the Soviets operated through centralized planning. Parts for the MTZ50 were slow to arrive, often taking years and effectively making repair and maintenance impossible on short notice.
The Invisible System of Trust and Support
Western agricultural successes were built on a system of ongoing relationships—dealer networks, quick parts availability, and committed service technicians—factors that made the machinery more than just a product. They were parts of a reliable ecosystem that farmers could depend on.