I went through the same thing with the Deere dealers several years ago , like yourself , I had all Deere tractors and a late model 7700 combine . I had the 7700 sold to a neighbor and was looking for a '87 or '88 7720 . They all thought they were "GOlD" and said for a few more $$$$$ I could have a 9500 . I said repeatedly I did not want an early 9500 I wanted a late 7720 . I farm only 900 acres and didn't need that high priced machine . Stopped at one of the local CIH dealers inquiring if he had any late '20's comming in on trade , he said why was I looking for one of them when I can sell you a 1660 for the same or less $$$$$ . He priced me a 1991 1660 1400hrs , chopper , rock trap , big tires , big grain tank and all ready to go for $3,000 less than the Deere dealer's '88 7720 that needed some work . Went back to my local Deere dealer told him he was too high priced and that I could get this 1660 for less and what can you do IJ He said "that was a good deal , he probably was just doing it because you are all green and you will not buy it anyway" and then began telling me the bad about the CIH rotaries . So I bought the 1660 , never regretted it , easier to work on as I get older (61) and I will buy another if I live long enough . The only things I don't like are too small chaffer and no variable speed on header . The chaffer problem has been solved with the next models though . I still run my 1978 Deere 643 corn head I bought new with the 7700 but have a 1020 20ft platform . Mine has the standard rotor which works fine , I do mostly corn , just got done putting new bars , ears , wear bars , feeder chain and chopper knives on . It is a lOT easier to work on than the 7700 . You'll lIKE it , Jim (sorry for going on so long but that's my story and I'm sticking to it)
