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Ariens Pro 28 or Platinum 30

33K views 67 replies 22 participants last post by  cuz  
#1 ·
Hello All!

Last year my wife and I moved into our first home and we were need of a snow blower. My wife's mother insisted for us to use their's as they always go to FL for the winter. I was surprised they had a snow blower in the first place as they had a small driveway. I go and pick it up and was like "man this thing is going to struggle". It's a Toro CCR 3650 6.5HP single stage snowblower. So After a season of using a single stage snowblower :blush:, I definitely need to buy bigger one to handle the size of the drive way we have.

So attached is an overhead view of my driveway with dimensions. If my math is correct it is roughly 3,000 square feet. The drive pretty much flat with just a slight slope going up to the house (I have a picture of this if need be). I just wanted to get opinions on if you think it is worth the $400 extra for the Pro 28 or should I go with the Platinum 30?

Thank you for any help!
 

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#16 ·
Thank you to all for posting! I am able to get a Ariens Pro 28 brand new and all set up for $1999 at a local power equipment shop (dealer) that is right down the street from me. For anyone in MA it is Norfolk Power Equipment.

I do have to wait a couple of weeks for to come in as they did not have any on the floor. With the weather currently about 75 degrees though I don't see any snow coming down any time soon!:smile2:
 
#17 ·
You made a good choice these are both excellent machines but the Pro 28 will get you a lot more for the extra money. Upgrades include: heavier gauge auger housing side panels that are also braced, 23.5" tall bucket, 16" auger instead of 14" a larger 420cc Briggs engine with a real gas tank and fuel cap (yes I said fuel cap the LCT Gen 3 engines have the worst fuel cap design I have ever seen and used). It also has much heavier handle bars than the Platinum, along with more robust skid shoes and a boron steel shave plate. I seriously considered this machine but it was overkill for the amount of annual snowfall we get here. Good luck with the new beast when you get it and post some pics we're a visual bunch.
 
#22 ·
I just bought a pro28 today 2018 model for $2100. Will be in in two weeks. I tried to find used ones or a used HS928, and people are just asking to much for used. So I just said the heck with it and bought new. Almost bought the Platinum 30 SHO, then dealer showed me all the difference between that and the Pro. A lot more beefier parts then what I thought, and he showed me. So for $400 more, I got the Pro.
 
#24 · (Edited)
I got the Pro 28” last year and couldn’t be happier. Nothing stops it. I debated over getting a Platinum 30” and am glad I went pro. The extra power and beefier construction more than make up for the bucket being 2 inches narrower. Season number two started Friday. We got about 6”. It’s snowing more now!
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#29 ·
I got the Pro 28” last year and couldn’t be happier. Nothing stops it. I debated over getting a Platinum 30” and am glad I went pro. The extra power and beefier construction more than make up for the hood being 2 inches narrower. Season number two started Friday. We got about 6”. It’s snowing more now!
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Nice pic! Glad to hear you have no regrets going with the Pro! Man snow season started a little early for you guys in Idaho huh? Stay warm and safe!
 
#39 ·
It's finally here!

So it has finally arrived and I am smiling from ear to ear. Can't wait to use it. Thank you again to everyone who helped me decide the best one for me! Here are some pics. Now to run to the store and get some fluid film!
 

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#60 ·
Man, I'm wrestling with this same decision. The Platinum 30 SHO vs the Pro 28...
I have a 10 yr old Deluxe 27" with an under-powered 250cc engine that I want to replace. I'm having a hard time justifying the extra $400 for the Pro, especially when I could use that money towards a Honda HS720AM single stage thrower for the small stuff.

Hmmm, $2200 for the Pro 28, or $2400 for a combo Platinum 30 SHO AND a Honda HS720 single stage. Very tough decision, but currently I'm leaning toward the combo deal. Looking forward to hearing what you guys think.

Looking back over the past 5 years here in New England, the smaller single stage would get used 3x more often than the big 2-stage.
 
#62 ·
Bumping this since I’m about ready to make a buy. Going to pick up the Honda HS720 single stage for sure very soon. That gives me a little time to decide on the Pro 28 or Platinum 30. These models are almost 100 lbs heavier than my Deluxe 27”. Does anyone think the extra weight will be a problem with maneuvering it around?

Thanks.