An Ariens 1028 snowblower typically costs $300-$900 used, with an average asking price near $600 for a running machine in serviceable condition. The model is an older 10-horsepower, 28-inch two-stage snowblower, so condition, local demand, maintenance history, and the availability of a comparable new machine affect the price more than a current manufacturer list price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used Ariens 1028, running | $300 | $600 | $900 | Price depends on condition, attachments, and local market |
| Nonrunning or repair-needed 1028 | $100 | $250 | $400 | Assumes buyer accepts repair risk |
| Professional tune-up | $120 | $250 | $450 | More if carburetor or drivetrain work is needed |
| Comparable new 28-inch two-stage model | $1,400 | $1,700 | $2,100 | Retail price varies by model, dealer, and features |
What a Used Ariens 1028 Usually Sells For
Most buyers will encounter a used 1028 priced between $300 and $900. A machine that starts reliably, throws snow well, has intact tires and controls, and shows ordinary cosmetic wear often lands around $450-$700. A clean, recently serviced example with working electric start, tire chains, or documented repairs may be listed near or above $800, especially before winter in a snowy area.
Prices below $300 generally indicate a machine that needs diagnosis, parts, or substantial cleanup rather than a ready-to-use snowblower. A nonrunning example may be worth $100-$250 to someone who can repair small engines and verify the auger, gearbox, and transmission. A seller’s asking price is not the same as a completed sale; buyers can adjust offers for missing service records or uncertain storage history.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party sale, standard 28-inch machine, ordinary access, and no major engine or gearbox failure. For a running 1028 in average condition, about $600 is a practical starting point for comparing listings.
How Engine, Auger, and Labor Shape the Quote
For a used-machine purchase, the largest price differences come from whether the engine runs consistently and whether the snow-moving parts work under load. If a technician inspects or services the machine, labor and replacement parts can quickly change the total investment. A routine seasonal tune-up is not equivalent to rebuilding a carburetor or replacing a damaged auger gearbox, so quotes should identify the work and parts separately.
| Cost item | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection and basic labor | $75 | $125 | $200 | Shop check, diagnosis, or limited adjustment |
| Tune-up parts | $25 | $60 | $120 | Spark plug, fuel treatment, oil, and small items |
| Carburetor cleaning or repair | $80 | $160 | $300 | Price varies with removal, cleaning, and parts |
| Belts, shear pins, or scraper parts | $15 | $75 | $180 | Parts-only range; installation may add labor |
| Major auger or drivetrain repair | $250 | $500 | $900+ | Quote depends on damaged assembly and parts supply |
Repair shops commonly charge about $75-$125 per labor hour, though minimum diagnostic or pickup charges can raise the bill. For example, three labor hours at $95 per hour add $285 before parts, tax, or transport. Older-model parts availability can vary, so a shop may need to confirm fit and delivery time before offering a firm total.
Ask for a written split between diagnosis, labor, and parts before approving work on an older machine.
Which 10-Horsepower and 28-Inch Details Change Value
The 1028’s nominal 10-horsepower engine and 28-inch clearing width describe its general class, but model year and exact configuration matter. Ariens used model variations over time, and sellers may use “1028” loosely. Check the identification label and engine information rather than assuming every machine has the same electric-start system, controls, or replacement parts.
Mechanical condition creates the sharpest value shifts. A machine that starts cold, idles evenly, and keeps running after several minutes is more valuable than one demonstrated only after warming up. Test forward and reverse speeds, engage the auger and impeller, and check whether the chute rotates and controls respond. A gearbox leak, bent auger, slipping drive, or substantial rust around the housing can subtract hundreds of dollars because the repair may approach the machine’s market value.
Storage and service history also matter. A 1028 stored indoors with clean fuel and receipts may justify a higher offer than a visually polished machine that sat outside. Tire condition, chain condition, scraper-bar wear, skid shoes, and shear pins affect immediate readiness. Missing accessories typically matter less than a faulty transmission, but a damaged chute or missing controls can still add cost and inconvenience.
A test under load and a cold start tell more about value than a fresh coat of paint. If the seller cannot demonstrate operation, price the machine as a repair project until an independent inspection confirms otherwise.
Are Regional Listings and Winter Timing Worth More?
Local snow demand influences both asking prices and how quickly good machines sell. In the Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and northern New England, a functional 28-inch two-stage unit may command roughly 10%-25% more than a comparable listing in a mild-winter market. Rural buyers may value a repairable machine, while urban buyers may discount one that is difficult to transport or store.
Timing can shift the price too. Listings appearing in late fall or during an early storm often carry a seasonal premium of about 10%-20% compared with spring or summer listings, when sellers may want to clear storage space. These are market tendencies, not guaranteed discounts; a well-maintained machine can remain expensive year-round if local supply is limited.
Transportation is a separate budget item. Local pickup may cost nothing if a suitable vehicle and ramp are available, while a short-distance delivery arranged with the seller or a hauler may add $50-$150. A long-distance purchase can cost more than the seasonal price difference, particularly if the buyer cannot inspect the machine first.
Assumptions: Comparable condition and configuration; regional percentages describe typical listing patterns, not fixed dealer pricing. Checking spring and summer listings can improve selection and negotiation room, especially outside high-snowfall markets.
Three Example Budgets for Buying a 1028
These examples illustrate likely total spending, not guaranteed sale prices. They assume a private-party purchase and do not include sales tax where applicable. A pre-purchase inspection can reduce uncertainty, but it may not predict every failure in an older machine.
| Scenario | Machine price | Added expense | Estimated total | What the budget covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needs repair | $175 | $250-$500 | $425-$675 | Carburetor work, tune-up, and minor wear items |
| Usable, average condition | $600 | $100-$250 | $700-$850 | Inspection, oil, plug, and small adjustments |
| Clean, ready for winter | $850 | $50-$150 | $900-$1,000 | Local pickup and limited maintenance |
A repair-needed unit is not automatically the cheapest option. If the engine, gearbox, and transmission all need work, repairs may exceed the value of a running example. Conversely, a machine with a clear, isolated fault can be economical if the buyer has tools, time, and access to parts.
Compare the expected out-the-door total with the price of a tested machine, not just the seller’s asking price.
When a New 28-Inch Snowblower Costs Less Long-Term
A current 28-inch two-stage snowblower in a similar general size class often costs about $1,400-$2,100 before delivery, accessories, or local taxes. Higher-priced versions may include stronger engines, heated handgrips, electric start, or other convenience features. Specifications vary by model, so a new machine should be compared by clearing width, intake height, drive system, warranty, and service support rather than width alone.
A new unit costs substantially more upfront than a used 1028, but may reduce the immediate risk of a major repair and include a manufacturer warranty. A properly maintained 1028 can still make financial sense if it starts reliably and needs only routine service. The comparison changes when a used machine requires $500-$900 of engine or drivetrain work, especially if parts availability or repair time is uncertain.
For a household that needs dependable snow removal immediately, the budget should include delivery, fuel, maintenance, and any needed accessories—not just the purchase price. A repairable used machine may suit a buyer comfortable with maintenance, while a new machine can offer more predictable coverage at a higher initial cost.
Assumptions: Retail estimates for a new 28-inch two-stage snowblower, before tax and optional delivery; features and warranty differ by model. When the used 1028 plus necessary repairs approaches $1,000, compare it directly with new-model quotes.
How to Lower the 1028 Price Without Missing Repairs
Compare several local listings with the same clearing width and similar operating condition. Ask sellers to demonstrate a cold start, forward and reverse drive, auger engagement, chute controls, and electric start if equipped. A short test can reveal obvious problems, but it does not replace a mechanic’s inspection. Use confirmed defects—such as a slipping belt or worn scraper bar—to negotiate rather than relying on age alone.
Buying outside peak winter demand can improve negotiating leverage, but only if storage is available and the machine can be inspected. Bring a flashlight and check the underside, housing seams, belts, tires, and visible oil or fuel leaks. Ask for the model identification and any service receipts. Avoid paying extra for cosmetic restoration when the machine’s mechanical condition is unknown.
Do not replace serviceable parts simply because they are old. Have a shop confirm whether a belt, skid shoe, or scraper bar actually needs replacement, and compare a repair quote with the machine’s likely resale value. A shop’s pickup or minimum fee may be avoidable if the buyer can safely transport the snowblower, but moving equipment without proper loading equipment can create injury or damage risks.
The best savings usually come from buying a verified runner, avoiding unnecessary repairs, and negotiating from specific defects. A price that leaves no reserve for a tune-up is risky for a machine of this age; setting aside $100-$250 for initial service is a reasonable precaution.
What to Check Before Paying for an Older Ariens
Ask how the machine was stored, when it last ran, and what work has been completed. Inspect for rust-through, cracks, loose fasteners, damaged tires, and oil or fuel leaks. Confirm the controls operate smoothly and that the chute, deflector, and drive system respond. If the seller permits, test the machine in snow or another safe operating setting rather than relying only on an unloaded demonstration.
Listen for unusual knocking, scraping, or surging, and watch for smoke that continues after startup. Check that the engine restarts after it has warmed up. Verify that the seller’s description matches the identification plate and that any included chains, cover, or spare parts are actually present. A mechanic’s pre-purchase check may cost $75-$150, depending on the shop and whether transport is required.
For a $600 asking price, a documented tune-up and sound drivetrain can support the offer. If the seller cannot demonstrate the auger or drive, or if the engine will not start, the buyer should budget as though repairs are necessary. If a major gearbox or engine problem is suspected, a parts-and-labor estimate before purchase can prevent an inexpensive listing from becoming a costly project.
Assumptions: Independent inspection pricing varies by shop, location, and whether the machine must be collected. Do not treat “runs” as proof that the transmission, auger, and safety controls are working correctly.