Hi Mr. Freeze, Yes it’s possible. I go up and down my five front porch steps all the time. The front housing lifts a lot higher than other track drives so it will get onto that first step easily. Take it slow at first – the hydro is strong and won’t slip. The tracks are also aggressive enough so it will hold on the steps.
Be careful if there is snow on the steps.

The RapidTrak 24 will climb the steps but just remember – it does not have AutoTurn or any type of steering. It has a solid axle which will make it harder to turn – even in the wheel mode.

Hi Paul, I would be even more ecstatic w/my Ariens RapidTrak Hydro 28 – if I could climb and descend stairs to clear the porch. I just measured the slope, it’s 37 degrees, and there are 8 steps, approx 11 1/4″ deep. Do you think that is possible? (I realize skill, and common sense, are factors) [Years ago I considered going to Canada to get a smaller Yamaha] Do you think the new RapidTrak 24 is equally capable at climbing stairs, or limited by the Disc-O-Matic tranny? Again, thank you for taking the time to answer questions over the years. Best wishes for the holidays, and a Happy New Year.

Hi Mike, Thank you! Enjoy your new machine! One feature that I don’t talk about enough. The RapidTrak’s front end will raise high enough that you can (with a little practice) go up and down stairs easily.

Hello again,
Just a follow up on my previous comment. All the Ariens blowers in our area were backordered due to supply constraints but I did manage to find the RapidTrak 28 in stock. It was a lot of money but I’m glad I did because I think the wheeled unit would have been a hassle on my driveway. Now I can get everywhere on my tiered property!
I will say, for the record, that everything you’ve said about this unit is true. It is such an impressive machine! Thanks again for all the informative reviews and videos on these machines, it really made a difference for me when I was out shopping and talking to dealers. All the best to you and yours this holiday season!

Hi, A nail punch comes to a point and is usually tapered down to the point. If you try to use one on a shear pin it has a tendency to flare out the end of the bolt and makes it even harder to push out.

The starter punch is designed to start a roll pin into a hole. The little rounded bump on the end allows you to keep the punch on the roll pin without it slipping off. The shaft of the starter pin is straight so you won’t flair the roll pin.

A drift punch is a lot like the starter punch but without the bump. A straight shaft drift punch is a good choice.

A pin punch has a hole drill into the end. This allows you to drive out a roll pin without making the roll pin flair in the hole. It also works great for sheared off shear pins because it puts all the force on the outside of the bolt when you try to pound it off. Again a straight shaft drift punch is also a good choice.

Hi Paul, Thank you so much for your advice! I will definetly get a Pin Punch set. What are your thoughts on a “Starter Punch” which I read when reading up on Pin Punches. I did originally try a large nail punch, before drilling, to try and get the shear pin out – and the pin did not budge. I tried light taps to harder taps w/4 lb hammer. It seems a nail punch and starter punch are basically the same shape. You are a treasure, and I greatly appreciate the knowlege and education you provide! Thank you.

Hi Freeze, I have a pin punch that’s long enough to go all the way through the auger shaft. Instead of drilling, I use that punch to drive the shear bolt out if one gets stuck. Here is a set that’s like it. pin punchset

Hi Evan, No, I haven’t tested the Massimo but I did inspect the 2-wheeled version a couple of years ago. I’ve also never contacted the company to see if they will send you warranty parts or if you HAVE to go through a service center to get the repair done. (Many of these off-brand companies won’t just send you warranty parts because they don’t trust that you can diagnose the real issue)
You didn’t mention where you live so I can’t really help you decide if this snowblower is the best for you.
I’ve had a few Chinese manufactures send me 2-stage units over the years and all I can say is they are “average.” What I mean is they will throw snow off your driveway but they don’t have anywhere near the capacity of many of the U.S.-made units. They really let you down if you live in an area that gets heavy/wet snow. All the ones I’ve looked at are spot-welded so they don’t have the housing/frame strength as the U.S. made ones and they won’t last as long – let alone get parts for it 20 years down the road.

Guessing you have never tried this unit? I can work on it myself so I am not as worried about the service centers.