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

This review is for those of you wondering how this machine will hold up after several seasons of use. I purchased this Ariens 926 model in October 2011 so I’m now in the middle of the sixth season of usage. I’d estimate the machine now has 125 to 150 total hours of run time on it. It’s been very reliable and relatively maintenance free. I clear a 100-foot long driveway and we typically get 90 to 100 inches of snow each season. County snow plows typically leave 18 to 24 inches of hard snow pack in the end of my driveway.

Maintenance History:
• Seasonal oil and spark plug changes are easy to perform yourself. Owner’s manual instructions are detailed and easy to follow.
• Seasonal skid shoe adjustment is also easy and quick to perform.
• During season #3, the drive friction disk developed slippage which affected the ability of the drive wheel mechanism to move the machine forward properly. Repairs were done at a local Ariens dealer and cost about $100.00. This is the only repair/adjustment the machine has needed since purchased.
• The halogen bulb has blown out twice and it is awkward and difficult to access the socket to replace the bulb. I suspect that the constant vibration when running takes a toll on the life expectancy of the bulb.
• There have been no other problems with either the engine or the blower mechanisms. As this well-built machine is aging, it remains very reliable.

I have found that the engine carburetor is very sensitive to gas with a 10% ethanol content. I first encountered the problem in season #2 when I needed to keep the choke set at 50% to keep the engine running under load. The local service dealer advised running an occasional tank full of gas with Sea Foam Motor Treatment to keep the carburetor jet clean. Ever since I’ve since run my first tank of the season and also a second tank-full late in the season with Sea Foam and have not encountered the problem again.

After five seasons of usage I have no regrets in spending the extra money for this heavy duty, well built, snow blower. I almost always starts on the first pull. It’s so reliable at starting, I never use the electric starter.

If you need a machine that will reliably hold up to clearing heavy snow falls, this machine is a good choice.

This review is for those of you wondering how this machine will hold up after several seasons of use. I purchased this Ariens 926 model in October 2011 so I’m now in the middle of the sixth season of usage. I’d estimate the machine now has 125 to 150 total hours of run time on it. It’s been very reliable and relatively maintenance free. I clear a 100-foot long driveway and we typically get 90 to 100 inches of snow each season. County snow plows typically leave 18 to 24 inches of hard snow pack... more

I bought this to replace a 16 year old Ariens sno thro which served me well through many Syracuse winters. This machine is much more powerful, but also quieter. Even though it is heavy, it is balanced well and the "auto steer" system makes it much less fatiguing to operate.

The biggest snow we have had at one time so far has only been about 10" so no real test of power but the wet bank from the plow at the end of the driveway didn't even seem to cause the engine to break a sweat. I hope we get a good Syracuse 3' storm so I can really test it out.

I bought this to replace a 16 year old Ariens sno thro which served me well through many Syracuse winters. This machine is much more powerful, but also quieter. Even though it is heavy, it is balanced well and the "auto steer" system makes it much less fatiguing to operate.

The biggest snow we have had at one time so far has only been about 10" so no real test of power but the wet bank from the plow at the end of the driveway didn't even seem to cause the engine to break a... more

This machine moves the snow well. It blew wet, heavy snow about 25-30 feet with no problems. A real work horse. I am satisfied with this snow blower.

Great snow blower. Easy for start first pull. Surprisingly quite. blows snow far and puts it exactly were you want it. Cut through the bank that snow plow left like butter.

This thing is built like a tank but surprisingly easy to move around because it's well balanced. Can't wait to use it. So far I like everything about it. Its easy to put together. And I really like the motor. It has a low deep rumble almost like a motorcycle.

Also the auto-turn steering is awesome and works well. I'm a happy customer. Everything from PED to delivery to putting it together went like clockwork. Two thumbs up!!!👍🏻👍🏻

It's still summer here in Connecticut but I ordered this machine to insure that the worst winters here would not be a problem for me anymore. Good price on the snowblower. Definitely worth getting lift gate service. The driver had a box truck and backed into my driveway. He lowered the huge box onto my driveway and used his lift to set it down in my garage area.

No damage to the unit. It was well packaged. The assembly is not overly complex but the directions could be more detailed. The instructions were on top of the machine. But it was not until I got to the chute installation that I came across the actual assembly directions.

Directions that are mostly pictures with no written instructions. I found that it is best to take your time and don't rush assembly. Also tilt the machine forward onto the Augur housing. This will enable much better access to the numerous linkages that you will need to connect.

The entire assembly took 90 minutes. The Pro model has a box frame. I personally prefer that over the tubular frame that could flex during use. The machine is heavy, but seems to be well balanced. Once I use it to clear my first snowstorm I will add to my review.

It's still summer here in Connecticut but I ordered this machine to insure that the worst winters here would not be a problem for me anymore. Good price on the snowblower. Definitely worth getting lift gate service. The driver had a box truck and backed into my driveway. He lowered the huge box onto my driveway and used his lift to set it down in my garage area.

No damage to the unit. It was well packaged. The assembly is not overly complex but the directions could be more detailed. The... more