I have been told that if you have a Euro JD chopper, the parts system will not recognize the serial number 'here', so if you need a S/N specific part you are out of luck.

I am sure it is nothing that can't be worked around by someone with knowledge and experience, but sometimes those folks are hard to find.

Row vs rotary heads- row heads are cheaper to buy, probably cheaper to rebuild, we had a Claas RU450 that we ran for 12 years, 1200-2000 A/year, and had basically no repair expense. It was in need of attention when we traded it, but I would think a rebuild should have been good for another 75% of the original stuff. If you are only doing your own, a rowless head in fair shape should run you a long time.

I know of one farm that bought a Euro JD from Texas(don't know the dealer), they got plenty of experience in JD harvester repair in a short period of time. After 2 years they unloaded it and got a new JD.

One thing that usually turns out to be true is, "If something always sells cheaper, there is probably a reason."