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 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...