Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi everybody, this is my first post, I've been a lurker for a few years, and I finally have a legitimate question.... Back in 2008 I bought a new Ariens 924DLE. At the time I had a gravel driveway, and unless we got over 6" of snow I didnt bother using the snowblower, since it was better to just pack the snow into the gravel by driving over it and get  a nice "base" of snow, so the next time we got a storm I wouldnt constantly throw rocks when using the snowblower. This year we just had the driveway paved, and I plan on using the snowblower alot more. We have quite a large driveway, its really more like a parking lot...lol... the top section is about 53W' x 45'L , the center section is 70'L x 30' wide and the bottom section by the road is 45' w x 10' L... I estimated about 5700 sq. ft.... Now, I should have bought a bigger machine when I bought the 924, but I didnt, now I want to upgrade and am wondering what my best bet is.. I really like the 28" pro due to the 420cc engine size, giving me the ability to clean out the EOD without missing a beat, but would the 30" platinum be more worthwile with being 2" bigger but only using the 342cc engine....I cant go any larger than 30" due to my sidewalks, so the PRO32 is out. Thanks for any help

I would go with the Pro 28. The larger engine with the 28" bucket will most likely allow you clean faster with less bogging down than the larger bucket with the smaller engine. The 28" bucket will also be slightly more manueverable than the 30" bucket.

I foresee these new Ariens Pro Series with the 420cc engine being a big seller this season. Big honkin engine, lots of standard features and available in 3 fairly popular size buckets - tough to go wrong with that combination.

I would go with the Pro 28, just because the engine is so irresisible.

I think the Pro 28 maybe harder or almost the same to maneuver as the Platinum 30.  The Pro 28 has heavier engine and side plates, which is good, when it has so much power.  The weight keeps it planted.  Looks like you have a lot of straight sections so turning isn't too big of an issue.

FrankMA wrote:

I think over the years, a few people have expressed interest in a powerful 28", some have even repowered theirs with bigger engines.  Good to see that Ariens responded to this request.  I just was surprised they offered such a huge engine.  Roo Hah!!!!

I think the price is just right, there's a lot you get for $2000.  I can see potentials for people to modify this platform with pulleys to get more distance out of it.    There's no fun moving massive EOD piles without an option to put it on your neighbor's property. 

aa335: The Pro Track 28 is only $ 2,699.00 - 420cc's and all the goodies plus tracks!

FrankMA wrote:
No hydro, no tracks, that's my rule.  One hydro motor per side of track, trigger steering, no less.    Electric chute rotation and deflection, teflon lined chutes.  Hydraulic assist bucket height adjustment.

Thanks for the replys guys... I am really not interested in the track version, i dont feel i need it...I never had a problem with the ATC on my 924...

Does anyone feel the 342 cc is underpowered for a 30"  bucket??  Before I bought the 924 I tried out a 10/27 LE w/trigger lock, I hated it. Believe it or not I do have quite a bit of manuevering to do , and I couldnt stand the trigger lock, which is why I went with the DLE...Anyway that 10/27 had the 358 cc L-head Tecumseh and it really seemed like it works better than the 9.25 hp(318cc) with the 24" cut. The first time I used my 924 I was a little disappointed as I felt it had to work a bit harder and didnt seem to throw snow as far as the 10/27 did... I just dont want to fall into that situation again if I get the Platinum 30.

Go with your first gut decision.  You know what you want, the only factor is whether you will spend more or not.

They are $300 apart in price.  Lay that out over 10 years and you save $30 a per year, or for $30 more, you get exactly what you want.    I'm starting to sound like a car salesman. 

Oh I also forgot to mention, the 420cc engine will burn more fuel. 

Definitely the Pro 28.  I was looking at the Platinum 30 originally but decided on the 28.  For a couple hundred more you can go wrong with the Pro. Can't wait for mine to come in.

aa335 wrote:

Well, I'm looking at what will clear the snow the fastest... Yes I do like the 420cc, but will it get the job done faster?? I dont know??

ajensen383 wrote:
I'm not going to dwell into physics, mathematics, or statistics here, it's just numbers and numbers can be fudged.  Which one is faster?  Who knows?  Depends on snow condition, fitness level of the operator, and technique.  Left side of my brain says I don't care.  It's Friday ya know.

The right side of my brain knows that massive 420cc is whole lot more fun than the other wimpy engine.    There's no hurry if you're having fun.

Disclaimer:  If you listen to me, chances are you will spend money.  Chances are, you will not be dissatisfied.

Aside from an actual side by side comparison, a 420cc engine with a 28" bucket should out perform the 342cc engine with the 30" bucket all things being equal. The extra power (78cc's) combined with a lower volume of snow to process will, in all probability, get the job done quicker.

That Pro 28 is a beast. 420cc on a 28" bucket. You should be able to charge through the deepest snow. I have a 357cc motor on a 30" bucket and it does real well.
The 420cc motor is in the 13hp range isn't it? The Honda 390 is a 12-13HP motor.

My 28" Honda has a relatively small 270CC engine but have not encountered any scenario where I thought the engine was underpowered. Not sure if the size of the enigne is the key point for removing snow - I think you need a good snow blower design. Yamaha is another prime example but it is not available in the USA. A modest engine with a good design can make up.  But then again there is nothing like having biggest and baddest engine! Go for the biggest engine when you can!

MN_Runner wrote:
Every Honda engine powered OPE I have ever used seem to perform like it had 2 or so more HP than was stated.  I've never been disappointed with a Honda product although I'd love to try out a Yamaha snowblower.... 

JimmyM wrote:

The 420 cc is 15hp(21.0 ft.lbs) I believe...Basically what you have is the equivelent to the Platinum 30 (342cc- 11.5hp-16.5ft.lbs).. I know when I bought my 2008, the 30" buckets versions had the 11hp 358cc Tecumseh L head engines...

I would definately go with the ST28DLE PRO machine instead of the Platinum for the price difference...here are the reasons why...The Pro 28 machine has a full length auger shaft that runs across from one side to another. Opposed to the Platinum or Deluxe models. These models have the same commercial grade cast iron gear boxes, but they also have a support bracket attached to them from the top. This is for keeping the gearboxes from twisting...I am pretty surprised that Ariens would supply such a massive gearbox out of cast iron and yet supply a small length shaft that sticks out of the gearbox about only two inches on each side...Also, as you may already know you get the 420 cc engine from Briggs & Stratton which is a definate plus with the horsepower being 14.39 hp. This engine comes with a crankshaft balancer, cast iron cylinder sleeve and a forged crankshaft.  Here is how the HP is calculated...feet/lbs torque x rpm divided by 5252...this will give you the horsepower...ex: 21feet/lbs of torque x 3600 rpm divided by 5252 gives me a 14.39 horsepower rating for the new Ariens Pro 28...Also, with the Pro 28...the sheet metal side panels are thicker having a 12 guage thickness. You also get these massive reversible skids shoes and drift cutters that come standard with the Pro series...the other model are much lighter duty and don't come with drift cutters. The tires are more aggressive on the Pro Series which eliminates the need for chains...especially if your driveway is street level...Good luck with your purchase...By the way, the differential ATC (Hilliard Auto-Lok) is a real beauty for turning...it comes standard on both models...