Tennant M30 vs PowerBoss Nautilus HD
A head-to-head look at engine design, dust control, hot-water cleaning, controls & build, and serviceability — to help you choose the right industrial floor scrubber-sweeper for your application.
Overview
Both the Tennant M30 and the PowerBoss Nautilus HD are solid contenders for heavy-duty commercial cleaning — but they were designed for different priorities. The M30 is built around intermittent duty with a familiar control package, while the Nautilus HD focuses on continuous high-RPM operation, advanced hot-water cleaning, and a low-maintenance service model.
PowerBoss Nautilus HD Side Panel
Engine 
Tennant M30
- GM engine on LP models
- Designed for intermittent duty
- Good for standard janitorial schedules and lighter industrial use
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
- Kubota engine across fuel types
- Engineered for continuous, high-RPM operation
- Better suited for heavy, sustained production environments
Dust Control 
Tennant M30
Uses a paper panel filter — effective when dry but vulnerable to water exposure and operator error (wetting, rips, or improper handling can reduce effectiveness).
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
Uses a water mist system that eliminates reliance on paper panel filters. This greatly reduces filter failures from moisture or operator mistakes and provides consistent dust control across conditions.
Hot-Water Cleaning 
Tennant M30
No hot-water capability — heavy grease and oil removal depends on chemical cleaners and dwell time.
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
Features Thermal Green Technology® (TGT), heating water up to 190°F for chemical-free cleaning that removes grease faster and leaves surfaces dryer on contact.
PowerBoss Nautilus cleaning with hot water
Controls & Build 
Tennant M30
- Electronic control boards — capable but sensitive to moisture, vibration, and pressure washing.
- Standard steel scrub and squeegee assemblies (reliable but can corrode without extra protection).
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
- More mechanical control options — simplified, robust under heavy washdown and vibration.
- Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel scrub and squeegee assemblies for longer life in demanding environments.
Servicability & Parts 
Tennant M30
Relies on some proprietary electronics and parts — repairs can be more expensive and may require Tennant-specific service or parts ordering.
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
Built with non-proprietary, commonly available industrial components, simplifying repairs and reducing parts lead times and service costs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Category | Tennant M30 | PowerBoss Nautilus HD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | GM (LP) — intermittent duty | Kubota — continuous high-RPM |
| Dust Control | Paper panel filter (water-sensitive) | Water mist system (consistent, low-risk) |
| Hot-Water | No | Yes — TGT up to 190°F |
| Controls | Electronic boards — sensitive | Mechanical options, stainless components |
| Serviceability | Proprietary parts, Tennant service | Common industrial parts — easier repairs |
Conclusion
The Tennant M30 is suitable for lighter, intermittent use and environments where downtime isn’t critical. However, for demanding industrial settings requiring continuous operation, hot-water cleaning, and simplified maintenance, the PowerBoss Nautilus HD is the clear choice. Its Kubota engine, advanced dust control, Thermal Green Technology®, corrosion-resistant assemblies, and use of common parts make it the smarter investment for long-term performance.
Recommendation: If your operation requires high-RPM performance, chemical-free cleaning, and low-maintenance operation, the PowerBoss Nautilus HD is the best option.
