Being in the market for a new large combine, I have spoke with Deere, CIH, and NH about demoing their new machines.....so I feel that I'm not biased in this subject. Having spoken with CaseIH reps out of Nebraska, I was told there will only be a certain number of AFX8010's released to shows and demo's this year. Reasons for this were mostly to do with customer support. Even though these machines logged big hours during testing last year, obviously things are bound to go wrong. By releasing a limited number to the fields CaseIH could closely monitor performance, reliability, and provide quick, accurate customer support with what is now a growing parts supply_availability. I was told CaseIH are targeting certain areas for dealer demos, and the rest would be brought online for next year when AFX8010 sales were opened up to all dealers. As for the fires, there has only been one confirmed by CaseIH last week that was caused by a blown fuel line. Being a Deere tech, I know you would be loyal to the 9860STS product. I will be demoing one in the near future, and I'm looking forward to it. However, most reports from the "fields" are that the 9860 is a 50series with updates to keep it on the same level as the NH CR970, and the AFX8010's. I don't think less of Deere for this, *but* from the local Deere dealer himself he was a little concerned that those of us that demo'd the 9750STS 2 years ago would not see enough improvements to buy a 60series. (in a way I hope he's wrong because his dealership has by-far the best service of the 3 colors in my area). Most guys I talked to that traded Axial-Flows for STS's did it for capacity, and not for cleaning. Now that CaseIH has finally come out with a large machine there are a number of guys that say they will go back to the red rotor. The guys I've talked to that are looking to return to red have said they are "pleased, and then some" with the capacity, and cleaning ability of the AFX8010. Others have also traded their red and green for the New Holland CR series which is gaining bigtime populairity with small grain and rice farmers for outstanding quality. Anyways...to make a short post long, customer service is the n1 reason that many CaseIH dealers_customers are not able to demo a AFX8010 this year. I think in many ways All companies should release their tractor and combines this way.....hopefully this will help to avoid many updates and required warranty work for new iron in your_our fields. "If g0d isn't a Penn State fan, then why is the sky Blue and White IJ"