What problems are "most 8520s" having w/their IVT & ILS that are causing them to park them?

Is it just in your area, or is this a nation-wide problem?

Our "xx30s" are fine.

"Well it's really high tech. so it's more likely to breakdown or have problems.

BULL FEATHERS !!!   what'a load of krap !! 

There is NO reason any machine can't be built with quality and technology, save one,, failure to built with quality.  JD is right in the forefront with STUPID high Technology.  Such as your experience with the hydraulic hoses.  Assinine.

Things like the tractor's dying if the operator lifts his rear off the seat, or take's his arm off the armrest,,,  More assinine technology. 

It is rediculous building equipment to "outthink the stupidy of man". 

Consider the nationwide issue of seatbelts.  Everyone cries  "THEY SAVE LIVES",, well yes that is partially true,, BUT,, People also do more stupid KRAP then before !!  Now they're playing on their phones, Twitter, texting while driving, etc.etc..  And,, all because the idiot drivers believe their "safer" because they're wearing their seatbelts,, have airbags, etc..  

  Man will forever  "OUTSTUPID" any safety device invented !

Apparently John Deere Inc. has went the "china" way of business. 

JD Management is looking at short term High Profit return's, riding the wave of 70+years of building quality equipment to sustain Sales and Profit.  Depending on that quality,, they believe their equipment is worth more on that first sale and subsequent resales of the equipment.  John Deere charges a premium for parts for their machines depending on that history of quality.

The secret to continued sucess is continuing to build that quality into every piece of machinery and building with quality as JOB 1 !   That is what has gotten John Deere to where it is at.  In the last few years,, (hard to put an exact date on the "when" but quality has been dropping on various pieces here and there for years..)  John Deere has been more concerned about that 'short term' profit,and jacking up their prices than long term quality. Technology has moved forward but JD has slacked off on 'built in residual quality'.

Just look back thru the pages about the 4020's, 3020's.  Many posts express the love of those older tractors, including dependability, quality, etc.  and would buy a new one if available.  Yes the technology was 'low tech' but all other qualities were high. 

There will not be Farmers in 20-30 years talking about how great the 20-30 series of the 2009 decade's, nor will they be looking to buy tractors/equipment of this era.

It doesn't take too many years to become known as the "Belarus"  of farm equipment.

Investor's don't actually buy equipment,, they invest money because money can be turned into a profit.  However,, that money can just as quickly be withdrawn and put elsewhere.

Customer's are the one's who actually buy equipment, or not.  20 years 'down the row' customer's won't be buying JD equipment if the quality is not in the equipment now.

Just a perspective of what you mentioned as a 'rant'.  As has some other posts.

To this one:

"It's not just Deere, but it seems especially in the cabs, hoods, etc, Deere's topping it off with cheapest material. Would it really be that costly to add another 1/4" thickness to the plastic? Don't have a problem with paying for quality, so long as it really is quality."

Shinny Green paint looks nice but there's more to "quality" than green paint.