Husqvarna ST 227 vs Ariens Deluxe 28
Quick take: The Husqvarna ST 227 costs $350 less; the Ariens Deluxe 28 clears a wider 28" path per pass; the Ariens Deluxe 28 throws snow farther (up to 50 ft).
| Spec | Husqvarna ST 227 | Ariens Deluxe 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299 | $1,649 |
| Rating | — | 4.5★ (418) |
| Type | Two-Stage Gas | Two-Stage Gas |
| Power | 254cc Husqvarna OHV | 252cc Ariens AX |
| Clearing Width | 27" | 28" |
| Intake Height | 23" | 21" |
| Throw Distance | up to 40 ft | up to 50 ft |
| Weight | 212 lb | 233 lb |
| Starting | Push-button electric (120V plug-in) + recoil | 120V electric + recoil |
| Heated Grips | No | No |
| Drive & Handling | Friction-disc transmission with six forward speeds, one reverse, and trigger power steering — squeeze either grip trigger and the inside wheel freewheels so the 212-lb machine pirouettes at row ends. Dash-mounted remote chute rotator and deflector; the adjustable handle suits tall and short operators alike. | 6 forward/2 reverse Disc-O-Matic friction-disc drive with Auto-Turn triggerless steering and 16-inch directional snow tires. Dual-belt impeller drive, 200-degree remote chute and remote deflector from the dash. At 233 lb it's the lightest-steering big-bucket Ariens. |
| Warranty | 3-year limited; 10-year gearbox/impeller | 3-year residential |
Pros & cons
Husqvarna ST 227
- ✓Nearly Ariens Deluxe 28 capability for roughly $700 less
- ✓254cc engine keeps the 27-inch bucket moving through dense snow
- ✓Trigger power steering standard on both grips
- ✓23-inch intake eats end-of-driveway berms
- ✓Remarkably light for its width — easier on ice than heavier rivals
- ✓10-year cast-iron gearbox and impeller warranty
- ✗Heated grips were deleted from the current generation (the old ST 227P had them)
- ✗Friction-disc drive is the known wear point — the rubber ring degrades with age
- ✗Owner ratings across Husqvarna 200-series trend mid-3-stars
- ✗Plug-in 120V electric start instead of an onboard battery
- ✗Chute rotation can stiffen in icing conditions without regular lubrication
Ariens Deluxe 28
- ✓28-inch swath at $1,649 is the best width-per-dollar ratio in the Ariens catalog
- ✓Same 14-inch impeller and dual-belt drive as the SHO — 40-50 ft throws in normal snow
- ✓233 lb (lighter than the Deluxe 24's frame with more width) steers easily via Auto-Turn
- ✓21-inch intake height swallows plow berms without ramming
- ✓418 retailer reviews averaging 4.5 stars — one of the most-validated machines in the class
- ✓Cast-iron gear case with 5-year warranty, steel chute, all-steel dash
- ✗Shares the 252cc engine with the Deluxe 24 — noticeably bogs in deep wet snow at full width
- ✗Heated grips are optional this generation; they were standard on older Deluxe 28s
- ✗Auto-Turn wanders on rutted gravel until skid shoes are dialed
- ✗50 ft max throw drops fast in slop — the SHO holds distance far better for $150 more
- ✗No factory drift cutters or airless tire option at this price