ONYX DX15 vs Leading 15” Walk-Behind Floor Scrubbers
from ONYX
ONYX DX15 vs Leading 15” Walk-Behind Floor Scrubbers
In the compact scrubber category, 15-inch walk-behind machines are widely used in tight spaces, retail environments, healthcare facilities, and small commercial settings. While these machines are built for similar applications, differences in tank capacity, battery technology, runtime, and productivity can significantly impact real-world performance.
This comparison highlights how the ONYX DX15 performs against other leading machines in its class.
Brand | ONYX | Tennant | Karcher | Nilfisk | Viper | IPC Eagle | Clarke | Tomcat |
| Model | DX15 | T1 Lithium | BD 38/12 | SC250 | AS380/15 | CT15 | MA15 | Nano |
| Drive Type | Pad Assist | Pad Assist | Pad Assist | Pad Assist | Pad Assist | Pad Assist | Pad Assist | Pad Assist |
| Cleaning Path | 15" | 15" | 15" | 14" | 15" | 14" | 15" | 15" |
| Solution Tank | 6.5 gal | 3 gal | 3 gal | 1.6 gal | 4 gal | 4 gal | 4 gal | 5 gal |
| Recovery Tank | 6.5 gal | 4 gal | 4 gal | 1.6 gal | 4 gal | 4 gal | 4 gal | 5 gal |
| Brush Speed | 200 RPM | 230 RPM | 180 RPM | 1000 RPM | 140 RPM | 150 RPM | 150 RPM | 170 RPM |
| Head Pressure | 60 lbs | Variable | Variable | Low | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Battery Type | 24V 50Ah Lithium | Lithium | AGM/Lithium | Lithium | AGM | AGM | AGM | AGM/Lithium |
| Runtime | 2 hrs | ~1 hr | ~1.5 hr | ~1 hr | ~1.5 hr | ~1.5 hr | ~1.5 hr | ~2 hr |
| Sound Level | <63 dBA | ~68 dBA | ~66 dBA | ~67 dBA | ~69 dBA | ~68 dBA | ~68 dBA | ~67 dBA |
| Squeegee Width | 23" | 17" | 19" | 14" | 20" | 20" | 20" | 20" |
| Productivity | 16,000 sq ft/hr | 10,000 | 12,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 14,000 |
| Weight | 185 lbs | 110 lbs | 80 lbs | 55 lbs | 130 lbs | 130 lbs | 130 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Shipping Weight | 225 lbs | 150 lbs | 120 lbs | 80 lbs | 180 lbs | 180 lbs | 180 lbs | 200 lbs |
Key Differences That Matter
When comparing the DX15 to other compact scrubbers, several key advantages stand out:
Tank Capacity vs Compact Size
Many compact machines sacrifice tank size for portability. The DX15 maintains a small footprint while offering significantly larger tanks, allowing for longer cleaning cycles. DX15 compact storage square footage of 4.7 sq ft.
Lithium Battery vs Traditional Configurations
The DX15 includes a high-capacity lithium battery as standard, providing faster charging, longer lifespan, and more consistent performance compared to AGM or smaller lithium systems.
Runtime vs Productivity Limitations
With up to 2 hours of runtime and high cleaning output, the DX15 reduces interruptions and supports more efficient workflows. This is typically ample runtime for smaller spaces.
Power vs Portability
While many compact scrubbers prioritize lightweight design, the DX15 balances portability with strong cleaning performance, delivering consistent results across a wider range of surfaces.
Noise Level vs Usability
Operating at under 63 dBA, the DX15 is well-suited for daytime cleaning in occupied or noise-sensitive environments.
ONYX DX15 vs Key Competitors
ONYX DX15 vs Tennant T1 Lithium
The Tennant T1 is designed for very tight spaces and smaller cleaning tasks. The DX15 expands on this by offering significantly larger tank capacity, longer runtime, and higher productivity—making it also suitable for mid-size environments and multi-area cleaning.
ONYX DX15 vs Nilfisk SC250
The Nilfisk SC250 is optimized for spot cleaning and tight, hard-to-reach areas. The DX15, while still compact, delivers greater capacity and productivity—making it more versatile for both open spaces and tight areas.
ONYX DX15 vs Kärcher Compact Scrubbers
Kärcher compact scrubbers are widely used for small-area cleaning, often with smaller tanks and optional lithium configurations. The DX15 stands out by offering larger capacity and lithium performance as standard, improving efficiency and usability.
ONYX DX15 vs Viper AS380/15
The Viper AS380/15 provides a solid entry-level compact solution, typically with smaller tanks and AGM battery systems. The DX15 improves on this with larger capacity, lithium battery performance, longer runtime, and quieter operation.
The ONYX DX15 is ideal for environments that require both maneuverability and productivity, including:
- Retail stores
- Healthcare facilities
- Schools and universities
- Offices and small commercial spaces
Best Fit Applications
High Productivity in a Compact Design
The ONYX DX15 is engineered to bridge the gap between ultra-compact micro-scrubbers and larger walk-behind machines. With a cleaning rate of up to 16,000 sq ft per hour, it delivers strong performance while maintaining a small storage footprint.
With the handle folded, the DX15 requires only 4.7 square feet of storage space, making it ideal for facilities with limited janitorial storage.
This combination allows operators to clean efficiently without sacrificing space or usability.
Smart Power. Performance & Runtime.
- 24V 50Ah lithium battery (standard) delivers consistent ~2-hour runtime
- Fast recharge (~3.5 hours) minimizes downtime between uses
- Long battery lifespan with minimal maintenance requirements
- Balanced cleaning system with 200 RPM brush speed and 60 lbs of down pressure for effective results
Operator-Friendly Design
- Compact footprint with foldable handle for easy storage
- Highly maneuverable for tight and confined spaces
- Simple electronic controls for intuitive operation
- Minimal training required for quick onboarding of operators
Quiet, Flexible Operation
Operating at <63 dBA, the DX15 is well suited for:
- Daytime cleaning programs
- Occupied environments
- Noise-sensitive facilities like healthcare and offices
This allows for greater flexibility in scheduling and use.
Which 15” Walk Behind Floor Scrubber Is Right For You?
The ONYX DX15 stands out in the compact scrubber category by delivering:
- Larger tank capacity for extended cleaning cycles
- High-capacity lithium battery as standard
- Strong productivity within a compact footprint
- Quiet, operator-friendly performance
For facilities looking to maximize efficiency without sacrificing maneuverability, the DX15 provides a balanced and highly practical solution in the 15-inch walk-behind scrubber category.
Contact ONYX today to schedule a demo, get a quote, or view our catalogue.
