Ariens Deluxe 24 Vs Ariens Deluxe 28 – What’s the Better Snow Blower?

“Better” is certainly a relative word but when it comes to snow blowers, you still really need to do your homework to find the right fit for you. Ariens is a great place to start which is why today we will be comparing two Ariens snow blowers.

It’s important to make the right choice too. The last thing you need is to be stuck in the dead of winter with your car trapped in the driveway, unable to get to where you need to go.

But you also don’t want to overpay for clearing power that you really don’t need. So let’s take a close look at both of these blowers.

Ariens Deluxe 24 Vs Ariens Deluxe 28 Overview

In most respects, the Ariens Deluxe 24 and the Ariens Deluxe 28 are very similar. They are both gas-powered 2-stage snow blowers with cast iron gearboxes and steel serrated augers.

The main difference between these two blowers is size. The Ariens Deluxe 24 has a smaller clearing width than the Ariens Deluxe 28.

Other differences include size and dimensions. For example, the Ariens Deluxe 24 is 26.4 inches wide from side to side. The Ariens Deluxe 28 is 29.9 inches from side to side. And as you may have been able to guess, the Ariens Deluxe 24 is lighter than the Ariens Deluxe 28.

Quick Facts 

	Ariens Deluxe 24	Ariens Deluxe 28
Engine	254cc	254cc
Type	2-stage	2-stage
Clearing Width	24 inches	28 inches

 

Ariens Deluxe 24 Key Features

• LED Headlight – The LED headlight makes it easier and safer to clear snow in low visibility conditions.
• Auto Turn – The assisted turning mode makes it easier to maneuver through dense snowfall.
• Multiple Speeds – The Ariens Deluxe 24 has 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds.

Ariens Deluxe 28 Key Features

• 3-Blade Impeller – The impeller is made of durable steel, is 14 inches in diameter and features 3 blades.
• Adjustable Chute – The Ariens Deluxe 28 can throw snow up to 50 feet and you can control the direction of the chute up to 200 degrees.
• Electric Start – The Ariens Deluxe 28 also features a 120v electric starting system that makes it very reliable even in very cold conditions.

Performance Comparison

Both the Ariens Deluxe 24 and the Ariens Deluxe 28 have Disc-O-Matic transmissions so they push through the snow very well. Shifting in between forward speeds is also very smooth.

They can also easily handle about 18 inches of snow. We also really liked that the augers are made of steel and are serrated.

Overall both of these blowers performed very well with up to 21 inches of soft snow. When it comes to the hard stuff though, they are both reliable for about 18 inches.

The electric start is a nice touch and so is the in-dash lever that allows you to control the direction of the chute without taking your hand off the handlebar. So overall performance is very similar – of course, bearing in mind that the Ariens Deluxe 28 has a wider clearing path.

How Much Snow Can They Handle?

Despite the difference in clearing width, both of these snow blowers have the same housing height (21 inches). They can both handle up to about 21-25 inches of soft snow and about 18 inches of hard, wet or densely packed snow.

As far as the manufacturer ratings go, they are both said to be able to clear 12 pounds of snow per foot.

Throw Distance Comparison

Both the Ariens Deluxe 24 and the Ariens Deluxe 28 are rated to throw snow between 3 and 5 feet.

Noise Comparison

The Ariens Deluxe 24 and the Ariens Deluxe 28 are outfitted with Ariens AX 254cc engines so they make the same amount of noise. Neither of them are ridiculously loud – about the same noise as a small, walk-behind lawn mower.

Weight Comparison

While their official weights aren’t listed and we weren’t able to weigh them ourselves, the Ariens Deluxe 24 is definitely heavier than the Ariens Deluxe 24.

Maneuvering Comparison

Overall the Ariens Deluxe 24 was more manageable. It has a slimmer profile and weighs a bit less than the Ariens Deluxe 28.

Auger Comparison

Both of these blowers have 14 inch steel serrated augers.

Durability Comparison

We really like the fact that both of these blowers have steel impellers, steel augers and cast iron gearases. The chassis has been machined to be very durable as well. Though you’ll pay a premium for these appointments, it’s worth it if you want a long-lasting blower.

Ariens Deluxe 24 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Light
• Easy to control
• Assisted turning
• Chews up hard snow nicely
• Not too loud

Cons:

• Smaller clearing path
• 1-year commercial warranty

Overall Score: 97/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Ariens Deluxe 28 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Wide clearing path
• 2 reverse speeds
• 5-year consumer warranty
• Durable design
• Adjustable scraper bar

Cons:

• Hand Warmers aren’t standard
• More expensive than the Ariens Deluxe 24

Overall Score: 98/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Who Should Buy Each?

The Ariens Deluxe 24 would be a great choice for 2-car garage driveways while the Ariens Deluxe 28 is better for larger driveways.

Other Snow Blowers to Consider

 

Ariens Deluxe 30

The Ariens Deluxe 30 has a 30” clearing path and can throw snow up to 200 feet.

Pros:

• Wide clearing path
• LED light

Cons:

• Expensive

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Ariens Classic 24

This is a 2-stage blower with a 24” clearing path and electric start. It would be better for lighter snowfall.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Reversible skid shoes

Cons:

• Aluminum gearcase

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Ariens Professional 21 SSR

This is a single-stage blower but it still has the Ariens AX engine. It has a 21” clearing path and a recoil starting system.

Pros:

• Affordable option
• Safe for wooden decks

Cons:

• Only one forward speed

Overall Score: 93/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Final Assessment

There is much more that these blowers have in common than that which separates them. However, if you have a smaller driveway and want a more manageable blower, go with the Ariens Deluxe 24.

If you need to clear a large driveway, the Ariens Deluxe 28 would be better.