Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351: Side-by-Side Floor Scrubber Comparison

The Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351 commercial floor scrubber comparison is one we walk customers through all the time, because these machines are optimized for very similar uses. But we think the differences between them are fairly clear when you put them side-by-side.

The Tennant CS16 Walk Behind Floor Scrubber has a compact 13.8” deck, pad-assist operation, and simple layout. Its solution/recovery tanks are a little bigger than the Advance SC351, yet its runtime is actually quite a bit less.

The Advance SC351 Compact Micro Scrubber takes a similarly compact footprint but can run 40 minutes longer than the Tennant CS16 in similar scenarios. It has a larger cleaning path, a rotating deck that supports forward and reverse scrubbing, and an upgraded lithium-ion battery.

We typically steer customers towards the Advance SC351 because of how much more ground it can cover and its superior battery. It also has a 3-year warranty compared to Tennant’s 1-year warranty.

Let our experts here at SweepScrub help you decide between the two machines. We carry both at the lowest prices online, backed by world-class customer service, so get a personalized recommendation today!

Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351 (At a Glance)

Benefits of the Advance SC351 Floor Scrubber

The Advance SC351 is one of the best-selling microscrubbers in our lineup, especially for businesses that clean tight spaces all day. It’s compact in size but delivers impressive run time so you get the best of both worlds. Here are the features and specs that make it so powerful:

• 14.5” cleaning path that fits easily through restroom stalls, kitchen aisles, and narrow corridors
• Lithium battery system with up to 100 minutes of runtime and onboard charging for fast turnaround between shifts
• Rotating scrub deck lets you clean well in both forward and reverse, so you don’t miss spots and have to double back for a second pass
• Single-pass cleaning leaves floors dry fast to minimize downtime further and ensure safety
• Quiet operation around 64 dBA so you can clean during the daytime without bothering anyone
• Pad-assist drive minimizes physical strain without adding complexity for operators
• Tool-free access to tanks, brushes, and squeegee simplifies daily maintenance 
• 4 cleaning modes for precision control of water flow and output based on soil level
• Compact footprint with foldable handle for storage in janitor closets and tiny utility rooms

Advance as a manufacturer has earned a reputation for reliability, too. This scrubber is built to last, delivering a strong ROI for years to come. It’s backed by an industry-leading 3-year warranty, too. It’s a little more expensive than the Tennant CS16, but we think it’s worth it!

Benefits of the Tennant CS16 Floor Scrubber

Tennant has also made a name for itself as one of the best commercial cleaning companies across the entire industry, and its CS16 Floor Scrubber sits in a very similar class as the Advance SC351 as far as size goes.

This machine makes sense for teams in need of a simple, compact scrubber to replace mopping in tight areas. It’s straightforward, easy to handle, and built for short daily cleaning routes. Key features and specs:

• 13.8” cleaning path that fits comfortably in restrooms, kitchens, and narrow walkways
• 3.9-gallon solution / 4.4-gallon recovery tanks are bigger than other machines in its class
• AGM battery system provides up to 60 minutes of runtime with onboard charging
• Pad-assist operation minimizes physical effort while keeping the machine easy to control
• Eco Mode lowers noise and extends runtime for daytime cleaning
• Compact frame and adjustable handle let you reach around fixtures and under obstacles
• Separate solution tank design isolates clean water from recovery water during operation
• Premium squeegee system for better water pickup and faster floor drying 
• Simple mechanical layout makes routine upkeep quick and predictable

It’s a little more affordable than the Advance SC351, but you get what you pay for. The Tennant CS16 is only backed by a 1-year warranty, and you get roughly 67% more runtime with the Advance SC351. That difference shows up as far as ongoing costs. 

Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351: Side-by-Side Comparison

So which of these is the right commercial walk-behind floor scrubber for your operation? Both are built for the same type of cleaning tasks - right spaces where full-size scrubbers don’t fit. There are a few things we think separate the Advance SC351 from the Tennant CS16.

Battery and Runtime

The biggest difference between the Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351 comes down to runtime, as we just touched on above. 

The Tennant CS16 can only run for 60 minutes because of its AGM battery. That might not be a deal breaker if you only clean in short bursts. It can cover 13,993 sq ft in that hour span. 

However, the Advance SC351 can clean nearly 70% longer before needing to take a break. Its 100-minute runtime can help you clean more productively. It could be the difference between finishing a task in one sprint and having to break it into two separate cleaning sessions.

Tank Capacity and Refill Frequency

What it lacks in battery power, the Tennant CS16 does make up for in terms of tank capacity. Its solution and recovery tanks are 3.9 gallons of solution and 4.4 gallons respectively. 

The Advance SC351 only has 2.5-gallon solution and recovery tanks for comparison. That said, it offsets the difference with more efficient water control and forward-and-reverse cleaning that minimizes repeat passes.

Cleaning Power and Agitation

The Tennant CS16’s pad-assist agitation saves operators from excessive strain without compromising on contact with tile and sealed floors. But it only puts down 55lbs of pressure.

In contrast, the Advance SC351 applies 60lbs of down pressure. More importantly, it has a unique rotating deck for effective scrubbing in any direction. That makes a big difference under sinks, behind toilets, and in narrow corridors where turning around is impractical. 

Size and Maneuverability 

You’re choosing between the Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351 because you want a micro scrubber. So, which is the more compact, maneuverable machine? Here’s a look at dimensions side by side:

• Tennant CS16: 37.4” x 17.7” x 26.1” (79.3lbs weight without battery)
• Advance SC351: 28” x 17” x 18.5” (93lbs weight without battery)

That’s a pretty distinct advantage for Advance. It fits more seamlessly into tight storage spaces. Yet it covers more ground! It proves that size isn’t everything. 

Noise Level and Daytime Cleaning

Both of these machines can be used throughout the day without stressing too much about distracting patrons or employees. The Tennant CS16 operates at 66 dBA eco mode. The Advance SC351 is a bit quieter at just 64 dBA. It’s yet another area where the SC351 has an edge over the CS16, no matter how marginal.

Maintenance and Service Access

Daily maintenance is straightforward on both machines, so this is mostly a wash. The CS16 has minimal components and squeegee access is very simple. The SC351 has tool-free access across tanks and wear items to save even more time in your workflow, though. It’s not a big enough difference that you’ll notice it right away, but it can add up over time.

Cost Comparison

This is the one area where the Tennant CS16 has a pretty undeniable edge over the Advance SC351 - price tag. It's roughly $500 cheaper. But the extra money you pay for the SC351 can be attributed to the superior battery. 

You will have no trouble justifying the extra investment in the Advance floor scrubber because it pays for itself in terms of productivity (and labor hours saved). For what it’s worth, you get the best price on either machine here at SweepScrub, and we have hassle-free financing options.

Warranty and Brand Support 

Yet again, the Advance SC351 has an advantage in terms of warranty coverage over the Tennant CS16 at 3 years, compared to just 1 year.

Both Tennant and Advance have strong dealer networks, but the longer warranty on the SC351 could be an important decision point. Similar to pricing, you’re getting the best customer service on either machine when you shop here at SweepScrub. 

Speaking of which…

Shop Tennant and Advance at SweepScrub for the Best Pricing and Service!

Whether you’re looking for a gym floor scrubber or trying to clean restrooms smarter, where you buy matters just as much as what you buy. That’s why businesses trust SweepScrub for their cleaning equipment.

We stock the best machines from the top brands the industry has to offer, and we know them inside and out. It’s how we’re able to help our customers pick between the Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351 or any other cleaning equipment they’re comparing.

On that note, get in touch with our experts today for one-on-one support. We’ll walk you through real differences in runtime, cleaning strategy, and long-term costs so you know you’re choosing the right tool for your facility.

Wrapping Up Our Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351 Comparison

Hopefully, our Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351 comparison has left you feeling clear about where each has an edge, and why the Advance SC351 is often the better fit. You get more run time, a smaller footprint, and longer warranty coverage. Truthfully, both are great machines.

Our blog has more tips on how to use a commercial floor scrubber if you’re interested. Otherwise, the only thing left to do today is choose between the Tennant CS16 vs Advance SC351. Remember, a personalized recommendation is just a click or call away.

Whether you’re engaged in school floor cleaning, commercial restroom cleaning, warehouse floor cleaning, or anything in between, our customer service team is here to help match you to the right machine. Take the next step towards elevating your cleaning efficiency today!