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PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower vs Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower

The Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO is the stronger machine: a 389cc engine, 28-inch cut, 21-inch intake, track drive and heated grips put it in a different class from the PowerSmart DB7109. The PowerSmart is a light, simple 24-inch two-stage with a 212cc engine and 13-inch tires that suits a short driveway and light snow. Owners of Ariens Platinum models consistently praise the build and the RapidTrak traction; the PowerSmart is a budget-tier brand with a thinner dealer and parts network.

  • Choose the PowerSmart DB7109 if you have a short, flat driveway, mostly light to moderate snow, and want a compact 142 lb machine you can handle and store easily.
  • Choose the Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO if you face long driveways, drifts, heavy or wet snow, or hills, and want track drive, heated grips and a much larger engine.

Prices

  • PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower: $709.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower: $2,999.00 at Lowe's (checked today)
  • Difference: the PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower is $2,289.01 cheaper than the Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
PowerSmart
PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower

PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

$709.99at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Light at 142 lbs, easy to maneuver and store
  • 24-inch cut fits narrow driveways and gates
  • Electric or recoil start
  • Six forward speeds for fine control
Cons
  • 212cc engine strains in deep or wet snow
  • No heated grips or headlight
  • Wheel drive with small 13-inch tires limits traction on slopes
  • Small 0.5 gallon tank means frequent refills
Ariens
Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO (28") 389cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower

Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO (28") 389cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

4.9(29 ratings)
$2,999.00at Lowe'sChecked 14 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Lowe's

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • 389cc engine handles heavy, wet snow and drifts
  • 28-inch cut and 21-inch intake clear faster
  • RapidTrak track drive with dig-in mode for hills and ice
  • Heated handgrips and LED headlight
  • Strong Ariens build and dealer support
Cons
  • 283 lbs is hard to move by hand and takes more storage space
  • Track drive turns less sharply than wheels on tight paths
  • Bigger engine burns more fuel
  • Overkill for small, flat driveways

What separates them

PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow BlowerAriens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower
Engine displacement212cc389cc
Clearing width and intake height24 in. wide, 20 in. tall28 in. wide, 21 in. tall
Drive systemWheel drive, 13 in. tires, 6 forward and 2 reverse speedsTrack drive with track, wheel and dig-in modes
Weight and handling142 lbs, easier to push and store283 lbs, heavier but far more traction
Cold-weather comfortNo heated grips; 180-degree chute rotationHeated handgrips and LED headlight
Starting120V electric or recoilElectric start
Build and supportBudget-tier brand, thinner parts and dealer networkAriens dealer network and reputation for durable build
Fuel tank0.5 gallonNot stated; larger engine uses more fuel per hour

Price history

$3,059.10$899.99
Nov 4Nov 10
  • PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower: lowest $899.99 on Nov 8 at Lowe's; $899.99 on Nov 10.
  • Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower: lowest $2,999.00 on Nov 8 at Lowe's; $2,999.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower

  • Lowe'sNew

    In stock

    $899.99Free shippingChecked 14 h ago
    Visit Lowe's
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by jaywatt_17 (0% positive, 0 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $600.00+ $7.79 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by powersmart-official (98.9% positive, 1,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $709.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 2 stores and price history →

Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower

  • Lowe'sNew

    In stock

    $2,999.00Free shippingChecked 14 h ago
    Visit Lowe's
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $3,099.00Free shippingChecked 14 h ago
    Visit The Home Depot
  • Ace HardwareNew

    In stock

    $3,099.00Free shippingChecked 14 h ago
    Visit Ace Hardware
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $3,059.10Checked Nov 3
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecPowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow BlowerAriens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower
Engine displacement212cc389 cc
Clearing width24 in.28 in
Weight142 lbs283 lb
Clearing height20 in.—
Start system120V Electric / Recoil—
Fuel tank capacity0.5 Gallon—
Engine oil capacity20.29 fl.oz—
Chute rotation angle180º—
Speed6 Forward, 2 Reverse—
Tire size13 in.—
Overall dimensions31.1x24.6x23.8in.—
Snow blower type—2-Stage
Show all 37 specsShow fewer specs
SpecPowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow BlowerAriens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower
Power type—Gas
Brand—Ariens
Features—Headlight
Fuel type—Gasoline
Rec. use—Residential
Outdoor equipment propulsion method—Track Drive
Number of engine cycles—4 Cycle
Model—921073
Height—36 in
Has nrtl listing certification

What reviewers say

PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower

Owner feedback on the DB7109 is mixed. People like the electric start and the two-stage clearing for the money, but several report reliability and assembly issues.

What people mention
  • StartingPraisedOwners say the 120V electric start is a big help on cold mornings, with recoil as a fallback.
  • Clearing powerMixedIt handles wet snow and plow banks, but owners say the 212cc engine bogs down in deep, heavy drifts.
  • ReliabilityCriticisedSome owners report engine and drive-train problems after a season or less of use.
  • AssemblyCriticisedBuyers describe lengthy setup and parts that don't line up well out of the box.

Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO Snow Blower

  • 4.9 / 529 ratings

Owners highly rate this machine for its ability to climb inclines and throw snow significantly further than entry-level two-stage units. The versatility of the track system is the most cited benefit.

What people mention
  • TractionPraisedUsers report the track drive provides superior grip on hills where wheeled units typically slip.
  • HandlingMixedWhile wheel mode aids turning, the machine's weight makes manual adjustments taxing in deep snow.
  • Snow ThrowingPraisedThe SHO impeller is noted for clearing heavy slush and throwing it well clear of the driveway.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a long driveway?
The Ariens. Its 28-inch cut, 389cc engine and track drive clear a long driveway in far fewer passes, and the heated grips help on long cold sessions. The PowerSmart is better suited to short, flat drives.
Which handles hills and slopes better?
The Ariens. RapidTrak's track mode and dig-in mode give grip that the PowerSmart's 13-inch wheels cannot match on inclines or ice.
Is the Ariens worth stepping up to from the PowerSmart?
Yes if you get heavy or wet snow, have a large area, or want the machine to last many seasons. For light snow on a small flat driveway, the PowerSmart covers the job with less weight and fuss.
Which is easier to store and move around?
The PowerSmart at 142 lbs and about 31 by 25 by 24 inches. The Ariens weighs 283 lbs and stands 36 inches tall, so it needs more garage space and two people to reposition.
Does either have heated grips?
Only the Ariens. It also adds an LED headlight. The PowerSmart has neither, though both offer electric start.
Which lasts longer?
The Ariens has the better long-term reputation, with a heavier build, a larger engine running well below its limit and wide dealer parts support. The PowerSmart is a budget machine that will show wear sooner under heavy use.

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More comparisons

  • PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower vs Power+ 2-Stage 24-In. Snowblower
  • Power+ 2-Stage 24-In. Snowblower vs Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO (28") 389cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best snow blowers for home driveways
  • Best gas snow blowers for residential driveways
—
N
Intake Height—21 in
Category—Snow Blower
Use—Residential, Commercial
Engine Power Type—Gas
Engine Stage Type—Two Stage
Electric Start—Yes
Blade Width—14 in (impeller)
Blade Material—Steel (impeller), Steel (auger)
Blade Type—Serrated
Width (")—28.0
Power Source—Gasoline, Gas
Wheels or Tracks—Tracks
Color—Orange
PTO—No
Self Propelled—Yes