The Ariens Deluxe 28 gas-powered snow blower has a 28-inch clearing width with electric start and its own headlight. The Deluxe 28 is a two stage snow blower with an auger and an impeller blade. It has a one-hand interlock steering system that makes the inner wheel turn more slowly than the outer wheel for easier turning circles. This review of the Ariens Deluxe 28 attempts to answer a number of questions about its features.
What engine powers the Ariens Deluxe 28 snow blower?
The Deluxe 28 snow blower, model number 921046, has a 254cc Ariens AX engine with both a recoil and a 120-volt electric starting system. It is a self-propelled unit with six forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. Its gear case is made from cast iron.
What other features does it have?
The width of the housing is 28 inches and the height is 21 inches. It achieves a snow throwing distance of between 3 and 50 feet. Tire sizes are 16 x 4.8 inches with directional snow tread. It has auto-turn steering with a disc-o-matic drive type.
The impeller, which blows the gathered snow out of the chute, is made from steel and has 3 blades. It has a diameter of 14 inches. The 14-inch serrated auger is also made from steel. The reversible skid shoes and the scraper bar are both made from steel.
The Deluxe 28 has a remote deflector control and an ice drill chute rotator. Hand warmers and drift cutters are not standard features, but they are optional.
Does it have a headlight?
The Ariens Deluxe 28 snow blower comes standard with a halogen headlight.
How big is the Ariens Deluxe 28 snow blower?
It is 29 inches wide and 45 inches high. It has a dry weight of 250 lbs.
You might also take a look at the narrower model, the Deluxe 24, which has a 24-inch clearing width.
Will the Deluxe 28 work for a sloped gravel driveway?
You will have to adjust the skid shoes on the bottom sides of the housing to make sure that the auger does not pick up and blow out gravel, which might damage something. However, if the driveway is unevenly sloped, then the auto-turn feature might not work so well. It might slide around a bit.
Does it have heated handles?
No, it does not have heated handles as a standard feature. You can buy the heated handles and install them. You might get a different model that has heated handles, such as the Ariens Deluxe 30 snow blower with hand warmers.
How do you start the Deluxe 28 snow blower?
You have two options. You can do it the old way by pulling the pull-start. The other option is to use the electric starter. While standing behind the handlebars, on the right-hand side of the engine, on the same level as the fuel shut-off control, is a black box. It has a black plastic cap that reveals a place where you can plug in an extension cord. Push the button on the box to start the engine. You may remove the cord once the engine is running smoothly.
Is an electric start extension cord included?
No, you need to ask for an electric start extension cord (part number 02483100) to be included with your purchase. The alternative, that most people use, is to use their own extension cord. The recommended minimum is for an outdoor rated extension cord, 13 amps, with a 3-prong grounded plug.
Does it have a joystick remote control?
No, it does not have a joystick control. It has a hand crank system on the control panel for remotely turning the chute left and right. There is also a second lever that adjusts the chute deflector. This system might not be as smart as the joystick controller, but it is probably simpler and more reliable in the long run.
Is the Deluxe 28 completely assembled?
Almost. You need to attach the handlebars and chute. You also need to add oil and gasoline to the engine before it will run.
What do I think about the Ariens Deluxe 28 snow blower?
Well, it is not too difficult to put together and prepare for snow blowing. It is no trouble to start it up. Use the electric start or use the pull-start. I like the auto-turn feature. This really gives it a small turning radius. The auto-turn steering system works well for making tight turns.
It is powerful enough to blow the snow out of the way. However, it struggles with snowfalls around 18 inches deep. Like most snow blowers, it also struggles to blow away heavy, wet snow. It is often used for clearing snowfalls from driveways.
At 250 pounds, it can be heavy to use, but thankfully its wheels are self-propelled with multiple forward and reverse speeds. At low speed, it is easier to handle than at high speed. Owing to its 254cc gasoline engine, it is fairly loud. It might wake up the neighbors if you clear the snowfalls very early in the morning.
If you need a gas powered snow blower for clearing 10-inch to 16-inch snowfalls from a paved or gravel driveway, then the Ariens Deluxe 28 is worth considering. It might be available for online purchase at Amazon.