Ariens Two-Stage Snow Blowers and the Add-Ons Worth Having

Best for
Long suburban driveways with heavy snowfall

The Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. two-stage electric start gas snow blower (model 921048) is built around an Ariens AX 306cc four-cycle engine with 15.0 lb-ft of torque and a 14-inch Super High Output impeller. SHO stands for Super High Output, and it is what lets this machine move up to 72 tons of snow per hour, according to the description. The 28-inch clearing width and 21-inch housing height handle snow up to about 12 inches deep, per the listing, and throw distance runs from 3 to 55 feet.

The feature list is strong for a deluxe-tier machine. Auto-Turn steering makes it easier to turn the blower at the end of each pass without fighting the wheels, and the Disc-O-Matic drive gives you 6 speeds. The 120V electric start lets you plug into an outlet for easy cold-weather starts. You also get an LED headlight for early-morning or evening clearing, a 200-degree chute turning radius, an in-dash deflector lever and 16-inch directional snow tread tires.

At 267.5 pounds, it is a substantial machine, but still much lighter than the Professional. This model suits homeowners with a long suburban driveway who get regular heavy snow but do not need heated grips or a bigger engine. If you clear snow in brutal cold several times a week, the Professional 28 is worth the step up.

• Ariens AX 306cc engine with 14-inch SHO impeller
• 28-inch clearing width, up to 72 tons per hour
• Auto-Turn steering and 6-speed Disc-O-Matic drive
• LED headlight and 120V electric start

Best for
Frequent storms and demanding cold-weather clearing

The Ariens Professional 28-inch 420cc two-stage snow blower (model 926083) is the heavier-duty choice. Its Ariens 420cc AX engine is a clear jump over the Deluxe’s 306cc, which gives it more power for deep, heavy or compacted snow. It shares the 28-inch clearing width and the 55-foot maximum throw distance, and it uses the same Disc-O-Matic drive system.

The Professional adds comfort and durability features the Deluxe listing does not mention: heated handgrips, a cast iron gear case and Auto-Turn triggerless steering technology, which the description says makes turning easier and more efficient. It also has electric start. At 355 pounds, it is the heaviest machine here, so storage space and maneuvering room matter.

Be aware that the listing’s specification fields do not match the rest of the listing. They say “Corded Electric” power source, a 2-cycle engine and an ideal snow depth of 1 inch, which contradict the gas AX engine described in the title and features. Trust the title and features, and check the product box for full specs such as speeds, impeller size and headlight details, which this listing does not specify. The Professional suits anyone who clears snow often in harsh conditions and values warm hands and a tougher gearbox. For a typical driveway with moderate storms, the Deluxe 28 SHO delivers most of the benefit at a lower weight.

Best for
Reducing wet snow buildup in the chute

The Ariens Snow-Jet Non-Stick Polymer Treatment 11 oz. can is a simple add-on, and the listing says little beyond its name, size and a weight of 15.04 ounces. It does not describe how to apply it, how long a coat lasts, or which surfaces it is intended for.

As general background, non-stick treatments for snow blowers are usually applied to the chute, auger housing and impeller to help wet, heavy snow slide through instead of sticking and building up. Buildup in the chute is one of the most common reasons a two-stage blower loses throwing distance mid-job, especially with spring-like slushy snow. Follow the instructions on the can, since the listing does not provide them.

The Snow-Jet treatment suits anyone who often deals with wet snow and wants their Deluxe or Professional to keep throwing at full distance. It is not a substitute for regular maintenance, but it is a small, low-effort extra.

The Ariens genuine double roller skid shoe listing (part number 02483859) is a pack of two replacement skid shoes. Skid shoes sit on each side of the auger housing and set how high the housing rides above the ground. A roller design is meant to glide more easily over surfaces than a flat shoe, which general experience suggests can help on paved driveways.

The fit list is long and includes the Deluxe 28 SHO featured above, along with Deluxe 24, Deluxe 28, Deluxe 30, Compact, Classic 24 E, Platinum and many ST-series models such as the ST824 and ST824DLE. The visible list is cut off in the listing, and it does not clearly include the Professional 28, so owners of that model should confirm compatibility before buying. The pair weighs 1.5 pounds.

These skid shoes suit owners whose original shoes have worn down after seasons of use. Worn shoes can let the housing scrape or sit at the wrong height, which affects how cleanly the blower clears.