Head-to-head · Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO vs Toro Power Max 824 Snow Blower

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about heavy-duty users needing maximum power — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

4.0

1 sourceall derived$1,699as of Aug 1

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO draws praise for its powerful 306 cc engine and how much snow it throws, heavy wet snow included. Reviewers found the Auto-Turn steering system intuitive and easy to use once you spend a little time adjusting to it. Traction is good, the build is meant to last, and at around $1,699 it is a solid value. Setup is the sore spot: some users reported insufficient lubrication and misaligned components that required dealer attention. It fits buyers who want high capacity and durability, not those after premium features or a less expensive machine.

Strengths

— 306 cc engine with plenty of power for the size
— Excellent snow throwing distance and performance with heavy wet snow
— Auto-Turn steering is easy to use and makes turning simple

Watch-outs

— First gear is faster than expected, requiring adjustment time
— Chute rotation control requires reaching over the dash to operate

$1,699 · Buy at mowtownequipment.com Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Snow Blowers

Toro Power Max 824 Snow Blower

3.8

3 sources2 derived$1,299as of May 28

Top Ten Reviews put the Toro Power Max 824 OE 24-inch Snow Blower through Utah's demanding conditions and found strong performance on heavy snow removal. A powerful 252 cc engine, self-propelling mechanism, and intuitive controls carry the machine. Their review noted that while it is durable and effective, assembly takes significant time and the joystick chute control needs an adjustment period. Buyers who need reliable performance in substantial snow conditions are the fit.

Strengths

— Powerful snow-clearing capability
— 24-inch clearing width
— Self-propelling feature

Watch-outs

— Assembly took about an hour
— Joystick chute control sensitivity took some getting used to

$1,299 · Buy at toro.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO delivers the most powerful engine in the group with 306 cc, outperforming the Toro Power Max 824 and EGO models. However, it lacks the lightweight, user-friendly features of the single-stage Toro models and is not as versatile in terms of chute control compared to the Ariens Deluxe 24, which offers better maneuverability.

Toro Power Max 824 Snow Blower

The Toro Power Max 824 offers a self-propelling feature and electric start, similar to the single-stage Toro models, but lacks the intuitive Quick Stick chute control and Personal Pace system that make the SnowMaster 824 QXE more user-friendly. It also doesn't match the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO's powerful engine or throwing distance, though it's more straightforward to assemble than the Ariens model.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO	Toro Power Max 824 Snow Blower
Type	2-stage	Two-stage
Clearing Width	28 in	24 inches
Engine	306 cc	252 cc
Drive Type	Disc-O-Matic	Self-Propelled
Chute Control	In-Dash Remote Chute/Deflector Control	Quick Stick
Weight	267.5 lbs.	184 lbs
Clearing Height	21 inches	12 inches
Dimensions	45"D x 30"W x 58"H	—

← See the full ranking of best snow blowers