The 1157 is a Frontier model and most of the guards on it have broke. Its an offset tiller so it has a few guards off the main gear box that cover the floating shaft. They sit and vibrate until they brake. They need to be held in with more than one bolt.
The tines on it do not seem to wear as well. My 673 takes care of a ton of hard packed ground and the tines look fairly new. The tines on the 1157 are looking fairly rough for only taking care of a small garden. I think it has to do with the hardness of the material used. Also, the chain on the 1157 is a bit smaller than the 673, but it has less to move also. Your talking about comparing a 1200 pound machine with a 600 pound machine. There are serious differences.
Brian,
When you say it doesn't compare to the 673 could you be more specific? I have been considering the 647 because it appears to be comparable to the 673.
Common misconception...
Case in point, Frontier SB1174 Blower = RAD/Blizzard B74. I coulda bought the Frontier for 50 bucks CHEAPER then my OEM version...I wouldnt make a blanket statement saying the JD Green ones are more expensive. I know for me, whether its a Rear Blade, Snowblower or Power Rake, the Frontier units at my dealer are usually same if not cheaper priced then the OEM branded ones.
Personally it p'ed me off to no extent...I'd rather have a Green blower then a Red one...
It might be true in that case Dave, but when we went looking we could get the Machio tiller for about 300 less than the Frontier. There is no questioning who makes the frontier tiller when you take it apart, everything is labeled maschio! So I am sorry, I was not trying to make a blanket statement, just letting everyone know my experience with Frontier and Machio.
Snow...
I have a 47" snow blower for the front of my 445. I would only go with a front blower on that machine! They have a nice QA for up there and you will have to buy it to put the broom on. You would switch between your broom and snowblower as fast as you could a QA three point item. I would also be unsure about turning a rear blower with that size of tractor. There is not a ton of weight in the front.
Hope that helps.