Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Manual

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is a high-performance two-stage snow thrower featuring a 28-inch clearing width, 254cc Ariens AX engine with Auto-Turn technology, power steering, heated hand grips, LED headlights, 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds, serrated steel augers, and a durable steel construction. Designed for heavy-duty residential and commercial snow removal. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Care 7. Auger & Drive System 8. Storage & Off-Season Care 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 254cc Ariens AX Engine, Power Steering, Heated Hand Grips, LED Headlights, 28-inch Steel Auger Housing, 6 Forward/2 Reverse Speeds, Auto-Turn Technology.

Feature	Description
Clearing Width	28 inches for efficient snow removal
Engine	254cc Ariens AX Engine with Auto-Turn
Power Steering	Reduces turning effort by up to 80%
Heated Hand Grips	Adjustable temperature for comfort in cold conditions
LED Headlights	Bright illumination for early morning or evening use
Drive System	6 forward speeds, 2 reverse speeds with friction disc
Auger System	Serrated steel augers with shear pins for protection
Chute Control	360-degree rotation with crank adjustment
Deflector Control	Lever adjusts snow discharge height
Tires	20-inch x 4-inch semi-pneumatic tires with chains

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Handle Assembly: Attach upper handle to lower handle using provided bolts.
Chute Assembly: Install discharge chute and deflector; secure with pins.
Controls: Connect control cables to engine and auger engagement lever.
Add Oil & Fuel: Fill engine with SAE 5W-30 oil (20 oz). Add fresh unleaded gasoline.
Tire Pressure: Inflate tires to 15 PSI; install tire chains if included.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Starting: Set choke, turn key to ON, pull recoil starter or use electric start (if equipped).
Drive Control: Lever on right handle engages drive system; speed dial adjusts forward/reverse speed.
Auger Control: Lever on left handle engages auger rotation.
Chute Rotation: Turn crank clockwise/counterclockwise to direct snow discharge.
Deflector: Adjust lever to control snow trajectory height.
Power Steering: Engage by applying slight pressure to handlebars; system reduces turning effort.
Heated Grips: Press button on control panel to activate; indicator light shows power level.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from rotating auger. Always operate from behind handles.

Specifications

Model: Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO
Clearing Width: 28 inches
Clearing Depth: Up to 21 inches
Engine: 254cc Ariens AX Engine, 4-cycle, OHV
Starting System: Recoil & Electric Start (120V)
Drive System: 6 forward speeds, 2 reverse speeds
Tire Size: 20 x 4 inches (semi-pneumatic)
Auger Type: Serrated steel, 12-inch diameter
Chute Control: 360-degree rotation, crank adjustment
Weight: 295 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 1.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 5W-30)

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check oil level, tire pressure, shear pins, controls
Every 5 Hours	Check auger lubrication, drive system tension
Every 25 Hours	Change engine oil, check spark plug
Every 50 Hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belts
Season End	Drain fuel, lubricate all moving parts, clean machine

Tip: Always refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance requirements.

Engine Care

The 254cc Ariens AX engine requires proper care for reliable operation.

Oil Change: Drain oil when warm; refill with 20 oz SAE 5W-30.
Air Filter: Clean foam filter every 25 hours; replace if damaged.
Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum). Add fuel stabilizer for storage.
Cooling System: Keep cooling fins and engine shrouds clean of debris.

WARNING! Engine is hot during/after operation. Allow to cool before performing maintenance.

Auger & Drive System

Auger and drive systems are critical for snow removal performance.

Auger Lubrication: Grease auger shaft bearings every 5 hours of operation.
Shear Pins: Inspect before each use; replace if broken (use only Ariens shear pins).
Drive Belts: Check tension and condition every 25 hours; replace if worn.
Traction: Adjust drive control cable if machine does not move properly.
Skid Shoes: Adjust height for desired clearing depth; replace when worn.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before servicing auger or drive components.

Storage & Off-Season Care

Proper storage prevents damage and ensures ready operation next season.

Fuel System: Run engine until fuel tank is empty, or add fuel stabilizer and run for 5 minutes.
Engine: Change oil, clean air filter, remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of oil to cylinder.
Lubrication: Grease all zerks, pivot points, and auger shaft.
Cleaning: Wash machine thoroughly; dry completely to prevent rust.
Storage: Store in dry, covered area; cover machine to protect from dust.

Tip: Elevate machine on blocks to keep tires off concrete floor during storage.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Always wear appropriate clothing: eye protection, gloves, non-slip footwear.
Clear area of debris, rocks, and obstacles before operation.
Never allow children to operate snow thrower.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts and discharge chute.
Shut off engine and remove key before unclogging or performing maintenance.
Use extreme caution on slopes and uneven terrain.
Never operate machine indoors or in enclosed spaces.

DANGER! Carbon monoxide poisoning risk. Operate only in well-ventilated areas.

Warranty & Support

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO comes with a 3-year limited warranty for residential use, 1-year commercial warranty. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. For support, contact Ariens Customer Service at 1-800-678-5443 or visit www.ariens.com. Register your product online for warranty validation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, choke	Check fuel level; ensure choke is set; check spark plug connection.
Loss of power	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter	Replace fuel filter; clean or replace air filter.
Auger won't engage	Shear pins broken, control cable	Replace shear pins; adjust auger control cable tension.
Machine won't move	Drive belt, traction control	Check drive belt condition; adjust drive control cable.
Uneven snow discharge	Auger wear, skid shoe adjustment	Inspect auger paddles; adjust skid shoes evenly.
Power steering not working	Hydraulic fluid, linkage	Check fluid level; inspect steering linkage for damage.

Reset: Turn key to OFF position and wait 30 seconds before restarting.

Service: 1-800-678-5443; www.ariens.com