Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO
#4 in Two-stageFull review
For large driveways where storms bring heavy, wet snow, the extra engine and impeller keep it throwing far. It is the pick of the Deluxe range for snowbelt homes.
Russo Power Equipment $1,799$1,799
The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO and the PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage are evenly matched, rated 3.6 and 3.5. The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO leads on throw, width and warranty. The PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage wins on value. The PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage costs $1,059.01 less ($739.99 vs $1,799).
PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage
#5 in Two-stageFull review
The value pick for a wide driveway on a budget. It clears a 26 in path for less than most 24 in machines, with fewer refinements.
Amazon $849.99 PowerSmart $739.99$739.99
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO for throw (throws snow up to 55 ft vs throws snow up to 40 ft), width (28 in clearing width vs 26 in clearing width) and warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
- Choose the PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage for value ($28.46 per inch of width ($739.99, 26 in) vs $64.25 per inch of width ($1,799, 28 in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every two-stage snow blower; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO | PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 36 $64.25 per inch of width ($1,799, 28 in) | 100 $28.46 per inch of width ($739.99, 26 in) |
| Width 20% | 75 28 in clearing width | 50 26 in clearing width |
| Throw 15% | 100 throws snow up to 55 ft | 50 throws snow up to 40 ft |
| Intake 15% | 60 21 in intake height | 40 20 in intake height |
| Warranty 20% | 50 3-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO | PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage | |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing | ||
| Stage | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Clearing width | 28 in | 26 in |
| Intake height | 21 in | 20 in |
| Throw distance | 55 ft | 40 ft |
| Chute control | Crank or lever at the handle | - |
| Power | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine or battery | 301 cc (Ariens AX 301cc) | 252 cc (PowerSmart 252cc OHV) |
| Electric start | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Drive | Self-propelled | Self-propelled |
| Heated grips | No | - |
| Headlight | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 246.7 lb | 142 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |