Ariens Professional ST28DLE (28") 420cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

This is the second Ariens snow thrower I've owned. I had the first one for 31 years and it is still earning its keep as a hand me down. I found myself needing a snow blower that would throw snow further than the old one as my driveway changed from 900 sq feet to 6000 sq feet. When I started looking for a new blower I checked out products from several manufactures, Cub, Toro, MTD, Husqvarna and Ariens. The Ariens is a great blend of function, features and POWER. I also found the metal housings to be much more ridged than the others.

I went with the Pro 28 because I wanted a machine that had the big 420CC motor (you can never have too much power) and the cast iron gear housings like my old one, plus, one that was small enough to do sidewalks. The Pro 28 has not disappointed. I would definitely buy this model again.

This is the second Ariens snow thrower I've owned. I had the first one for 31 years and it is still earning its keep as a hand me down. I found myself needing a snow blower that would throw snow further than the old one as my driveway changed from 900 sq feet to 6000 sq feet. When I started looking for a new blower I checked out products from several manufactures, Cub, Toro, MTD, Husqvarna and Ariens. The Ariens is a great blend of function, features and POWER. I also found the metal housings to be much more ridged than the others.

I went with the Pro 28 because I wanted a... more

The Ariens Snowblower is absolutely incredible with power to spare and clears 10" inches of snow in my 2500 sq. foot paved driveway in one hour flat. The only problem was during shipping this heavy machine, it had damage which I could not tell right upon inspection off the truck however ten days later when I finally got to assembling it I noticed then the muffler was caved down, the mufflers cover and choke switch was broken. So right then and there I called Snow Blowers Direct, had explained it all but they did not want to know nothing about it. They said I should of saw it when I inspected it off the truck. I thought I saved when purchasing it online but in the end it cost me $195.00 to order the new replacement parts directly from the Briggs and Stratton Company. I am taking it as a lesson learned.

The Ariens Snowblower is absolutely incredible with power to spare and clears 10" inches of snow in my 2500 sq. foot paved driveway in one hour flat. The only problem was during shipping this heavy machine, it had damage which I could not tell right upon inspection off the truck however ten days later when I finally got to assembling it I noticed then the muffler was caved down, the mufflers cover and choke switch was broken. So right then and there I called Snow Blowers Direct, had explained it all but they did not want to know nothing about it. They said I should of saw it when I insp... more

I received my Ariens Professional ST28DLE just before the really big snow storm. Unfortunately, it came without a snow chute so it had to sit out the big storm in the garage. Snow Blowers Direct has really good customer service and they were able to ship out a chute in just a couple of days. I was able to use the new machine a couple of times on lesser snows and it works GREAT! I'm sure there was huge demand for snow blowers last winter and it was really obvious to me that this company is very serious about making sure their customers feel like they receive value for their purchase dollars. Bring on the snow!

I received my Ariens Professional ST28DLE just before the really big snow storm. Unfortunately, it came without a snow chute so it had to sit out the big storm in the garage. Snow Blowers Direct has really good customer service and they were able to ship out a chute in just a couple of days. I was able to use the new machine a couple of times on lesser snows and it works GREAT! I'm sure there was huge demand for snow blowers last winter and it was really obvious to me that this company is very serious about making sure their customers feel like they receive value for their purchase dollars... more

Living in the northeast, the winters can bring a lot of snow and this year was no different. My old blower gave out during the first snow storm, in early January, and service wasn't available for at least one month. I have a big driveway and wasn't taking any chances during that time.

I found your site and bought a commercial grade blower which was delivered one week earlier then expected. As luck would have it, the next snow storm arrived two days later. The beast I bought handled the 20+ inch snowfall in a quarter of the time the old one did.

I am completely satisfied with my purchase. The old blower was fixed which I gave to my son. Thank you for the great service and selection.

Living in the northeast, the winters can bring a lot of snow and this year was no different. My old blower gave out during the first snow storm, in early January, and service wasn't available for at least one month. I have a big driveway and wasn't taking any chances during that time.

I found your site and bought a commercial grade blower which was delivered one week earlier then expected. As luck would have it, the next snow storm arrived two days later. The beast I bought handled the 20+ inch snowfall in a quarter of the time the old one did.

I am completely s... more

For the last 20 years or so an Ariens Snow Blower has taken care of all of my snow removal needs. This year, New England dumped the largest amount of snow in many years in New England and my old machine tried its hardest to keep up but finally broke down under the massive snow load.

A quick call to my local dealer sent the unit in to be repaired and resulted in the unpleasant news that the machine was so old that many of the key parts were no longer available. This was not a big surprise as the machine had given many years of faithful service. I asked my local dealer to supply a new machine and they were sold out, as was another local dealer.

At this point I went online and found Snow Blowers Direct. Not only did they still have 3 of the machines I was looking at in stock, but their price was even better than what I had been given locally. I was still a bit wary, wondering who would service the unit if I bought it online, so I contacted my local dealer again who told me that if I could get the machine, get it and don't worry about warranty service because he would stand behind it no matter where I bought it, since he in fact could not supply me.

I ordered the machine and in 9 days it arrived at my doorstep. A quick assembly and test run indicated all systems go, except for a plastic nut used to hold on the drift breaker bar which had cracked, (I have not reported the damage yet). The machine has since performed excellently in subsequent snow storms and I look forward to another many years of satisfied ownership

For the last 20 years or so an Ariens Snow Blower has taken care of all of my snow removal needs. This year, New England dumped the largest amount of snow in many years in New England and my old machine tried its hardest to keep up but finally broke down under the massive snow load.

A quick call to my local dealer sent the unit in to be repaired and resulted in the unpleasant news that the machine was so old that many of the key parts were no longer available. This was not a big surprise as the machine had given many years of faithful service. I asked my local dealer to sup... more

To start off, this is my 3rd snowblower. My first one is an electric Black and Decker - used it for one season and gave it away. Then I got a 24" 5.5hp 2 stage from Sears 5 years ago (about $600). It works fine, only problem is with wet snow, always got jammed and stuck. Both blowers are for use at my house. So, I am not a newb. Now I have a small office building myself. I need something powerful enough to clean my 14 cars packing lot, darn long driveway and sidewalk.

Found Snow Blowers Direct with lots of helpful info and I called them up for advice. I got this ST28DLE after Dec. 2010 NY snow storm (I should buy it before that LOL). Anyway, still not too late. We got hit by another 2 storms. 8" and a 14". I cleaned up my 8000 sq ft parking lot plus 200' x 10' driveway plus 80' x 10' sidewalk in less than 2.5 hrs.

This monster blew everything away: wet, ice whatever gets in his way! Never got stuck or jammed. I am very happy about this monster!!!

Snow Blowers Direct delivered really fast, from order to receiving within 8 working days. The blower is 99% assembled when it arrives, also motor oil is filled. Just install the handles, add gas and it's ready to fire up.

I used electric start on my first start, fired up right away. The rest of the time is 1 pull to start. I put about 6 hrs of working time on this monster so far, never got jammed or stuck with wet snow. The 15.5 hp engine is a real work horse. Warmed handles are very good, 16" tires have great traction: no need for a chain. Full tank of gas runs about 2 hrs.

Highly recommended for large area

To start off, this is my 3rd snowblower. My first one is an electric Black and Decker - used it for one season and gave it away. Then I got a 24" 5.5hp 2 stage from Sears 5 years ago (about $600). It works fine, only problem is with wet snow, always got jammed and stuck. Both blowers are for use at my house. So, I am not a newb. Now I have a small office building myself. I need something powerful enough to clean my 14 cars packing lot, darn long driveway and sidewalk.

Found Snow Blowers Direct with lots of helpful info and I called them up for advice. I got this ST28DLE af... more

The first test of this machine came a few days ago when a storm deposited 9 inches of snow on this area. I was at work that night so when I arrived home that morning the snow plows had added a lot more to my driveway for me to clear.

15 minutes later my double wide fifty foot driveway was clear of snow and I hadn't even broken a sweat. Since it was my first time operating the machine it took me a few minutes to get the hang of using the controls (drive, blow, chute direction, etc.).

Since then my Ariens has been nothing but a dream. It usually starts on the first pull of the cord (a true test of any blower). Haven't bothered to use electric start because of reliable starting.

That big 342 cc engine throws snow well clear of my driveway. I helped a neighbor yesterday when his electric snowthrower couldn't handle the big drifts deposited by plows.

All in all, this machine has exceeded my expectations. Thank you.

The first test of this machine came a few days ago when a storm deposited 9 inches of snow on this area. I was at work that night so when I arrived home that morning the snow plows had added a lot more to my driveway for me to clear.

15 minutes later my double wide fifty foot driveway was clear of snow and I hadn't even broken a sweat. Since it was my first time operating the machine it took me a few minutes to get the hang of using the controls (drive, blow, chute direction, etc.).

Since then my Ariens has been nothing but a dream. It usually starts on the... more

After the winter we had 2 years ago and the prediction of the same winter this year I decided to get a bigger, badder snow blower. I have learned from past mistakes to not buy "cheap" but to buy quality. After about a month of research I decided on a model from Ariens.

I currently had a two-stage 4 hp - 20" Toro that was a nightmare on wheels. Lack of power and reliability were a problem. I wanted more power, a little wider swath and more reliability. I decided on the PRO 28 (28" -342 cc motor.) I need no bigger than 28" because it had to fit through a small gate.

I'm not a big fan of Briggs motors but it is what it came with so I order with fingers crossed. Ordering was a breeze with no shipping and no tax ...SWEET.

HINT: What I did was to pick the thrower up at the shipping depot and they loaded it right on my truck! No charge. I didn't want to pay the lift gate charge for curb side.

It showed up exactly when Snow Blower Direct said it would. The box was a bit banged up and there was a t-handle style nut that held the drift cutters on that was broken. I called Ariens told them what had happened and with no further questions sent me a new one.

The snow blower has to partially be put together. Really no big deal, didn't take that long once you figured out the instructions. Did all the pre-flight checks and was ready to give it the final pull to start. It literally came to life with one semi-hard pull.

WOW this thing is a beast! Too bad there was NO SNOW. It wasn't more than two weeks of agonizing, waiting till the first flakes of the white stuff started accumulating. After six inches dropped I geared up and off I went. This machine rarely bogs down even in deep snow and ice. With 6" it doesn't even change the pitch of the motor.

I can shoot snow onto my neighbors roof if I wanted to. The motor starts 99% of the time on the first pull (I don't even use the electric start). The internal transmission makes turning this beast easy but the balance is a little light in the front (we'll get to that). The tires are huge and grip well. The controls are easy to use and well thought out. The heated grips are okay not really a big fan.

CONS: As I mentioned before this model is a little light in the front end which makes it easy to turn but tends to hop down the driveway first snow (no base to slide over I guess). I think the large swath would take care of this problem by adding extra weight too. I may purchase the weight for the front to alleviate this problem on mine.

The "gas mileage" for this unit is crazy poor. I've learned that if I don't have it running at full throttle I does a little better but not by much. Its obvious that a large motor would use more gas but I didn't realize how much. The light is so-so, luckily I don't need it that much because my driveway is lit. The freight damage. The toggle switch for the heated grips is rather cheesy. Honestly thats all the cons I can come up with.

I feel better knowing that this machine is built in the good old USA and after several uses I believe that I have made the right decision buying from Snow Blowers Direct and Ariens. I think both companies have done an amazing job with their products and service. Thank you.

After the winter we had 2 years ago and the prediction of the same winter this year I decided to get a bigger, badder snow blower. I have learned from past mistakes to not buy "cheap" but to buy quality. After about a month of research I decided on a model from Ariens.

I currently had a two-stage 4 hp - 20" Toro that was a nightmare on wheels. Lack of power and reliability were a problem. I wanted more power, a little wider swath and more reliability. I decided on the PRO 28 (28" -342 cc motor.) I need no bigger than 28" because it had to fit through a ... more

I have spent 35 years with a big John Deere two-stage and compared to this Ariens the Deere is one heck of a lot easier to run.

The forwarf handle on the Ariens sticks up in the air too far to be able to maneuver in tight quarters. The gear shift has all those notches and detents, where the Deere was all a straight line.

There is also no reason to have two reverse speeds. On the old Deere when you engaged the auger it stayed engaged; on the Ariens it pops out when the other lever is let up.

That side to side chute lever on the Ariens leaves something to desire. Having two levers on a chute is a waste.

Changing the rubber drive wheel on the Ariens is quite a lot more work than the Deere. Some of the Ariens looks over designed and some of it looks under designed.

If you never had a old Deere then the Ariens is fine; but it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. So if you have a good old Deere like I do and buy a $2,000 Ariens, keep the Deere.

I have spent 35 years with a big John Deere two-stage and compared to this Ariens the Deere is one heck of a lot easier to run.

The forwarf handle on the Ariens sticks up in the air too far to be able to maneuver in tight quarters. The gear shift has all those notches and detents, where the Deere was all a straight line.

There is also no reason to have two reverse speeds. On the old Deere when you engaged the auger it stayed engaged; on the Ariens it pops out when the other lever is let up.

That side to side chute lever on the Ariens leaves somethin... more

For thirty years, I either shoveled to keep in shape or used a snow thrower to assist. When I bought my house in 2007 I realized shoveling a 175' driveway was not going to have much appeal.

I did my homework and found that Ariens model 926038 could handle anything Mother Nature throws at us. Now, I do my driveway and the sidewalks in less than 20 minutes with ease.

This machine by far is the machine for a homeowner due to its durability and relentless power. I pull to start and not once have I pulled more than twice to start in the three years I've owned this "Bear". It's started in Fall on first pull every year I've owned it.

I believe you should save up and spend the extra on the Professional series because of what is offered, compared to your typical series sold at the big stores.....

Warning: Do your homework as I did!!

For thirty years, I either shoveled to keep in shape or used a snow thrower to assist. When I bought my house in 2007 I realized shoveling a 175' driveway was not going to have much appeal.

I did my homework and found that Ariens model 926038 could handle anything Mother Nature throws at us. Now, I do my driveway and the sidewalks in less than 20 minutes with ease.

This machine by far is the machine for a homeowner due to its durability and relentless power. I pull to start and not once have I pulled more than twice to start in the three years I've owned this &q... more