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
The Tennant M30 and the PowerBoss Nautilus HD are both designed for large industrial spaces, but the type of work they’re built for is very different. The M30 is suitable for more routine cleaning where the machine runs in shorter cycles. The Nautilus HD is built for facilities that require continuous operation—heavy debris, grease, and long hours on the floor. This comparison walks through the key design differences so you can see how each machine fits into real-world environments and which one aligns best with what your facility actually needs.
PowerBoss Nautilus cleaning with hot water
Engine 
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
- Kubota gasoline, LPG, or diesel
- Designed for continuous high-RPM, heavy-duty operation
- Ideal for production environments, manufacturing, and high-demand facilities
Tennant M30
- 2.0L gasoline, LPG, or diesel
- Engineered for intermittent-duty cleaning
- Pairs well with general janitorial or moderate industrial cleaning cycles
Dust Control 
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
Hydraulic vacuum fan paired with a demisting chamber — no paper filter required. Eliminates common failure points related to moisture and operator mistakes.
Tennant M30
Panel filter system with automatic filter shaker. Effective filtration but vulnerable to water exposure and user handling errors (tears, clogging, wetting).
Hot-Water Cleaning 
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
Thermal Green Technology® (TGT) heats water up to 190°F, enabling chemical-free cleaning, faster grease removal, quicker drying, and excellent performance in freezers (melts ice, dries quickly).
Tennant M30
No hot-water capability. Heavy grease removal depends on chemical detergents and extended dwell time.
Used Tennant M30 available for purchase.
Controls & Build 
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
- Mechanical controls, no computer chips or microprocessors
- Stainless-steel scrub head & squeegee → superior corrosion resistance
- Hydraulic system with Parker Hannifin hoses & Eaton pumps
Tennant M30
- ProPanel™ touchscreen and integrated electronics
- Duramer™ corrosion-resistant tanks
- Steel scrub & squeegee assemblies
Servicability & Parts 
PowerBoss Nautilus HD
Built from non-proprietary industrial components. Fast parts sourcing, lower service costs, and simpler field repairs.
Tennant M30
Uses proprietary Tennant electronics and components — may require OEM parts and Tennant-certified service.
PowerBoss Nautilus HD side panel
Quick Comparison Table
| Category | Tennant M30 | PowerBoss Nautilus HD |
|---|---|---|
| Scrub Pressure | Up to 250 lbs | Up to 400 lbs |
| Engine | 2.0L Gas/LPG/Diesel | Kubota Gas/LPG/Diesel |
| Hot-Water | No | Yes — up to 190°F |
| Dust Control | Panel filter + shaker | Hydraulic fan + demisting chamber |
| Hopper Capacity | 7 ft³ | 3.89 ft³ |
| Tanks | 75 gal | 95 gal |
| Controls | Touchscreen electronic | Mechanical controls |
| Serviceability | Proprietary parts | Common industrial parts |
Conclusion
If you need the strongest overall cleaning performance, long-term durability, and lower lifetime maintenance complexity, the PowerBoss Nautilus HD stands out as the better machine. Its higher scrub pressure, hot-water cleaning, stainless-steel components, and simplified mechanical design make it the more capable and resilient option for demanding industrial environments. The Tennant M30 has its’ strengths but it’s better suited for lighter applications.
Recommendation: For the best combination of cleaning power, durability, and long-term value, choose the Nautilus HD.
