Tennant T260 vs T291

As the #1 choice for a commercial floor scrubber online, there are two models we constantly help our customers compare - the Tennant T260 vs T291. Especially now that the Tennant T290 has been discontinued, these machines fit similar applications - and choosing the right one can impact productivity and user experience.

The Tennant T260 is usually the smarter choice for light use (1-3 days a week). It’s simple, relatively cost-effective, and gives you 1.5-2 hours of runtime with its gel batteries.

On the other hand, the Tennant T291 is worth the extra cost for users who clean 3-5 days a week, especially in noise-sensitive environments, spaces with multiple types of flooring, or chemical-free cleaning. You get more battery options, and anywhere from 3-5 hours of run time.

You can learn more about the key differences between these two walk behind floor scrubbers below, or get in touch with our team at SweepScrub for a personalized recommendation on the ideal machine based on your cleaning needs!

Quick Comparison of the Tennant T260 vs T291

Overview of the Tennant T260 

The Tennant T260 is a dependable way to keep your floors spotless without overcomplicating things if your cleaning needs are simple and consistent. It’s a steady, responsive machine that moves easily through tight areas with its 20-inch cleaning path and pad-assist drive.

The gel batteries and offboard charger are two other reasons customers are drawn to this machine; you can literally just plug in and go. You’ll get about 1.5 to 2 hours of runtime, which is plenty for smaller facilities or single-shift operations.

If we could sum up the benefits of the Tennant T260 in a single word, it would be simplicity. A clear push-button Start/Stop control and battery meter make operation intuitive, even for first timers. Cleaning out the recovery and solution tanks is just as easy since both are fully accessible and visible, so you can empty and rinse them without hassle.

At 72 dBA, it’s quiet enough for most daytime cleaning, yet powerful enough to deliver 45 pounds of down pressure at 150 RPM. That’s plenty of performance for everyday dirt and light soils.

The T260 fits best in light-use settings like offices, schools, or clinics where floors are cleaned a few days a week. You’ll save money upfront, reduce downtime, and still get Tennant’s build quality and support. 

But how does the other half of our Tennant T260 vs T291 comparison stack up?

Overview of the Tennant T291

The Tennant T291 is a smarter, more flexible approach to cleaning. You get the same 20-inch disk scrub path as the Tennant T260, but basically everything else is upgraded. Longer runtimes, higher productivity, and advanced usability are what separate the T291 from the T260.

You can choose pad-assist or self-propel operation depending on how your team works. Choose from lead acid to lithium batteries, with an onboard charger that keeps charging simple and portable. 

What really sets the T291 apart is its built-in efficiency, though. The ec-H₂O NanoClean™ system lets you clean effectively without traditional chemicals. That’s a big advantage if you want to bring costs down or you prioritize eco-friendliness. 

Pre-programmed cleaning modes, including ECO, help manage water and energy use while lowering sound levels to just 63–66 dBA. A large LCD display provides multilingual support and real-time information, making it easier for multiple operators to share one machine confidently.

The details make a massive difference in daily use. A no-tool spin-on pad change system, smooth handling, and up to five hours of runtime per charge make this one of the top commercial floor scrubbers for facilities that clean several times a week or across multiple shifts.

Whether you’re investing in cleaning concrete floors or school floor cleaning, though, you want to make sure you’re bringing the optimal machine into your workflow. So let's take a closer look at the Tennant T260 vs T291 below. 

Tennant T260 vs T291: Which Floor Scrubber is Right For You?

We want to be clear in saying that no matter which model you choose, you’re getting the same thing Tennant is known for - machines built to last, simple to operate, and designed to make every shift more productive.

Both the T260 and T291 share the same reliability and cleaning consistency that have made Tennant the gold standard in commercial floor care since 1870. The real question is simply which better aligns with your workflow. We’ll help you make the right choice. 

Duty Rating and Intended Use

Think about how often you clean and how much square footage you cover, as that will more often than not be the determining factor in which best suits your needs between the Tennant T260 vs T291.

The T260 is a light-duty option in Tennant’s lineup for smaller facilities or operations that clean a few days a week. Think quick passes through offices, retail spaces, or small classrooms.

In contrast, the T291 was designed with higher cleaning frequency in mind. It’s considered medium duty, great for cleaning three to five days a week or running multiple shifts. It also handles multiple floor types, more foot traffic, and more users throughout the week without showing wear.

Drive and Ergonomics

Ease of movement makes a huge difference when you’re operating a scrubber for hours. 

The T260 uses a pad-assist drive system to guide the machine naturally without much resistance. It’s lightweight and responsive; easy to maneuver in smaller rooms or tight corners.

But maybe you want a smoother ride or have longer hallways to cover. In these cases, it’s worth upgrading to the T291 because of the pad-assist or self-propel optionality. The self-propel mode reduces operator fatigue and keeps cleaning speed consistent. 

Battery System and Runtime

Battery setup determines how much ground you can cover per charge - in other words, how efficient your cleaning process can be. This is another major difference between the Tennant T260 vs T291.

The T260 runs on gel batteries with an offboard charger. It’s simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. You’ll typically get between 1.5 and 2 hours of runtime, enough for most light-duty shifts.

On the other hand, the T291 gives you more flexibility. You can choose between lead acid, AGM, or lithium-ion batteries depending on your budget and runtime needs. The convenient onboard charger lets you plug in anywhere without extra equipment, too. Depending on the configuration, you can expect 3 to 5 hours per charge.

Noise Level

Both machines are quiet compared to traditional scrubbers, but the T291 stands out when silence matters. It operates at 66 dBA in Standard Mode and just 63 dBA in ECO Mode. 

Meanwhile, the Tennant T260 runs at 72 dBA - which isn’t aggressively noisy, but it does matter in schools, hospitals, or offices where noise can interrupt work or care.

Technology and Features

If simplicity is what you want, the T260 gives you just that: push-button operation, a clear battery meter, and easy access to tanks. You don’t need training or tech to use it effectively.

But the T291 adds smart upgrades that make it more efficient in the long run. Its ec-H₂O NanoClean™ system supports chemical-free cleaning, bringing down your cost per shift - and your environmental impact, for that matter. 

The LCD screen with multilingual support, no-tool brush changes, and pre-programmed cleaning modes is adaptable for multiple users and flooring types. This versatility should be taken into account when comparing the Tennant T260 vs T291. 

Pricing

You’ll pay less upfront for the T260 - around $5,400 at SweepScrub. It’s a solid investment if you need a reliable, straightforward machine without extra tech. 

But you get what you pay for with the T291 at $6,200 - longer runtime, quieter operation, and smarter controls. It’s a machine that scales better with heavier workloads. It’ll pay for itself over time if you’re you’re running longer shifts or need a versatile workhorse.

Get a Personalized Recommendation on Tennant Floor Scrubbers at SweepScrub!

If you’re still on the fence between these two great models from Tennant, a personalized recommendation awaits at SweepScrub. We proudly carry the entire Tennant lineup and we know these machines inside and out, and help customers choose between them daily.

We stock new, used, and reconditioned Tennant models, along with over 250,000 parts and accessories to keep your investment running for years. Whether you’re managing one facility or dozens, we’ll help you match your cleaning demands to the right scrubber.

Every order ships quickly, and our support doesn’t end at checkout. You’ll get honest advice, reliable service, and proven Tennant performance backed by SweepScrub expertise. Take the next step today!

Bringing Our Tennant T260 vs T291 Comparison to a Close

Both the T260 and T291 bring Tennant’s quality and dependability to your floor care routine - it just comes down to your cleaning frequency, budget, and preferences. 

The T260 is more than enough for smaller spaces and light, consistent cleaning, while the T291 adds more runtime, flexibility, and tech for heavier use. Hopefully this Tennant T260 vs T291 comparison has left you feeling confident in your next steps. 

Whether you’re looking for a gym floor scrubber, a floor sweeper scrubber, or even an industrial ride-on floor scrubber, your search ends here. Elevate your cleaning workflow at SweepScrub now!