Ahhh what a feeling!!!! The hugger is a good head as are most heads on the market today. Technology just makes the future better and most heads I know of have very modern technology on them, including in cab adjustable stripper plates, gearbox snapping roll drives, and even poly snouts. I do believe most heads are designed for the color of combine they come on, but it is true the Agco cornhead has the lowest profile head so loosing ears is a minimum if you have every thing set properly. We rarely have a problem with our 8 row hugger, and its a 91 model thats been rebuilt and maintain numerous times. Have put two seals in the gearboxes and other than that just welded rod on the stripper plates and replaced gathering chains and gathering chain sprocket bearings. Never have had to rebuilt any gearbox gears or bearing that I can recall. Anyways good luck with your decision!!!!