Head-to-head · Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO vs Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE

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

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The short answer

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is best for: users needing high-performance snow removal in heavy conditions. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

4.6

1 sourceall derived

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is a high-capacity, durable walk-behind snow blower with a powerful 306 cc engine that throws snow effectively in various conditions. Its Auto-Turn steering system makes maneuvering easy, though it takes some time to get used to. The machine offers good traction and a robust chute control mechanism. While the first gear is faster than typical models and the chute rotation requires reaching over the dash, the snow blower provides excellent value for its price point. It's best suited for users who need reliable performance in heavy or wet snow conditions.

Strengths

— Auto-Turn (automatic) steering is easy to use and makes turning simple
— High-capacity snow blower built to last with no premium gimmicks

Watch-outs

— First gear is faster than most, requiring adjustment period for users

Buy at ramersmallengine.com Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Snow Blowers

Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE

4.5

1 sourceall derived

The Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE is a single-stage snow blower designed specifically for hard surface driveways and walkways. It features poly or rubber components that prevent damage to surfaces like stained concrete and decks. It is not suitable for gravel surfaces. The unit is marketed as being 30% faster at clearing snow compared to similar width 2-stage models, though practical limits are estimated around 15 inches of snow.

Strengths

— Designed for hard surface driveways including blacktop, cement, pavers, cobblestone, patios and decks
— Claims to clear snow 30% faster than similar width 2-stage models

Watch-outs

— Limited to paved surfaces, not suitable for gravel

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 shares a 28-inch clearing width with the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 and has a 306 cc engine against the Troy-Bilt's 272cc. Both are gas two-stage machines, and the Troy-Bilt runs on a track drive. The Ariens is four inches wider than the Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE and the battery-powered EGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower, and at 267.5 lbs it weighs more than twice the Toro's 125 lbs.

Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE

The Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE is a single-stage machine, where the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890, EGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower and Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO are two-stage. Its 24-inch clearing width matches the EGO and is four inches narrower than the Troy-Bilt and the Ariens. It runs on gas where the EGO is battery powered, and it is not suitable for gravel, where the Troy-Bilt was tested on a loose-gravel driveway.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO	Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE
Model	921072	724 QXE
Clearing Width	28 in	24 in
Engine	306 cc	212 cc
Power Source	Gas	Gas
Type	Two-Stage	Single Stage
Drive	Disc-O-Matic	Personal Pace Driveway Size Up to 12 Car Driveway
Weight	267.5 lbs.	125 lbs / 56.7 kg
Voltage	—	60V
Battery	—	2.5Ah
Cutting width	—	24 in. / 61 cm
Motor type	—	4 Cycle
Dimensions	—	52 in x 25.4 in x 42.5 in

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