Thanks for the post Sam.
I think its impossible to get into this discussion without becoming political. And I for one appreciate the dialog (which has been very respectful so far in this thread so I hope it can continue).
Here is my take (philosophy). If I have an IH built tractor then I am not going to put a overseas motor in it. In fact, I have one I am looking at rebuilding instead of repowering, simply to keep it 'original'. This is more of a 'collector' mentality I know. But also what I like about these tractors (after all, the red ones are more desirable than the yellow ones - at least to some)
But if I have something that I just want to 'use', it becomes a practical consideration. I would repower with one of these.
As for domestic vs foreign manufacturing, its hard to tell anymore. I remember some time ago a municipality took political heat for buying a fleet of Kubota tractors. So they cancelled the order and went with John Deere instead. Then later they found out more parts on the Kubota were made in
the USA than were on the John Deere! Having said that I respect anyone that chooses to make purchasing decisions based on protecting the livelihood of the US economy/worker.
(feel free to delete/edit if too far off topic)