Ariens Platinum (24") SHO 369cc Two-Stage Snow Blower 921063
Ariens
Best for
Best two-stage
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$2,299.00
Updated May 16, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO is the machine that comes up when r/Snowblowers regulars are asked for the best two-stage that isn't a Honda. Multiple high-trust threads describe it as 'a great machine [that] will last you decades,' praise the cast-iron gearbox, dual auger belts, AutoTurn steering, and heated grips, and frame the upgrade from the Deluxe 24 as worth the extra money for serious-snow homeowners. One long-term owner on r/Snowblowers reports 14 years on a Platinum 30 with essentially no major issues.
What reviewers liked
- High-trust r/Snowblowers threads call out cast-iron gearbox, dual auger belts, and heated grips as serious-use features
- Powerful AX engine for the 24-inch bucket size — strong wet-snow throw consistently noted
- Owner reports of 10+ year service life on Platinum-series machines
- Ariens dealer network and parts availability cited as a plus in community threads
Where it falls short
- One r/Snowblowers thread specifically calls out rust/corrosion issues on the Platinum 24 SHO
- AutoTurn steering gets mixed reviews — helpful in light snow, awkward in heavy, per community threads
- Chute disassembly for service noted as difficult after a couple of seasons by an owner
- Significantly pricier than the Deluxe 24; community debate on whether the upgrade is worth it for casual users
Across the reviewers we read, the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO is the machine that comes up when r/Snowblowers regulars are asked for the best two-stage that isn't a Honda. Multiple high-trust threads describe it as 'a great machine [that] will last you decades,' praise the cast-iron gearbox, dual auger belts, AutoTurn steering, and heated grips, and frame the upgrade from the Deluxe 24 as worth the extra money for serious-snow homeowners. One long-term owner on r/Snowblowers reports 14 years on a Platinum 30 with essentially no major issues.
The consensus technical story is the 369cc (now 389cc on the updated 921074) AX engine paired with a relatively narrow 24-inch bucket, which gives it what one reviewer calls 'the most powerful bucket-width-to-engine-size ratio of any snowblower.' That translates to fast, aggressive throwing in heavy wet snow. snowblowerforum.com owner posts and the r/Snowblowers community echo that throwing performance is its strongest selling point.
The honest disagreements are real. One r/Snowblowers thread is literally titled 'a rust bucket' and complains about corrosion; another notes the chute assembly was 'a bear to get apart' after a couple of seasons. AutoTurn also draws mixed comments — great in light snow, harder to manhandle in heavy. None of these are deal-breakers, but they're consistent enough to flag.
- Highlight 1
- 369cc Engine
- Highlight 2
- Electric Start
- Highlight 3
- 24" Clearing Width
- Highlight 4
- Heated Hand Grips
The platinum SHO is a great machine and will last you decades. They're much more reliable than other brands and their dealer network is a major ...
The platinum 24 is a more powerful machine but it is substantially more money (approx $1200 more after tax) and I like that it has the heated hand grips.
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“Before You Buy An ARIENS PLATINUM 24 SHO SNOWBLOWER ...” · YouTube
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