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The short answer
The SUNMAX RT70 and RT120+ are both large-capacity SUNMAX scrubbers, but they’re not the same drive type — the RT70 is a seated ride-on, while SUNMAX classifies the RT120+ as a large self-propelled walk-behind, not a ride-on. Either way, they’re sized for different facilities. The RT70 covers a 22-inch path at up to 48,000 sq ft/hr with 18.5-gallon tanks for $3,199. The RT120+ covers a 34-inch path at up to 75,000 sq ft/hr with 31.7/33-gallon tanks for $4,699. SUNMAX’s own guidance draws the line at 50,000 sq ft: below that, the RT70 is the cost-effective pick; above it, the RT120+’s wider path and larger tanks reduce refill stops and passes enough to justify the price step-up.
Spec comparison
| Spec | RT70 | RT120+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning path | 22″ | 34″ (dual 17″ brushes) |
| Squeegee width | 31.5″ | 38.8″ |
| Productivity | Up to 48,000 sq ft/hr | Up to 75,000 sq ft/hr |
| Solution / recovery tanks | 18.5 gal / 18.5 gal | 31.7 gal / 33 gal |
| Brush pressure | 51 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Battery | Lead-acid, 12V/145Ah | Lithium, 12V/120Ah |
| Runtime / charge time | 5 hrs / 8 hrs | 3.5–4 hrs / 3–4 hrs |
| Max gradeability (full load) | 10% | 10% |
| Turning diameter | 6.5 ft | Not published — confirm with SUNMAX if aisles are tight |
| Operating weight | 739 lbs | 556 lbs (machine + battery) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Price | $3,199 (sale from $3,999) | $4,699 |
Specs verified from sunmaxus.com; prices are approximate and may change — check the product pages for current pricing.
Where the RT70 makes sense
At $3,199, the RT70 is the lower-cost entry into ride-on cleaning. Its 22-inch path and 5-hour lead-acid runtime cover most warehouses, retail stores, and schools under 50,000 sq ft comfortably in a single shift, with an overnight charge covering the next day. The 6.5-foot turning diameter also handles moderately tight routes better than the wider RT120+ would.
Best for: facilities under 50,000 sq ft per shift, single daily cleaning cycles with an overnight charging window, and budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the widest possible path.
Where the RT120+ makes sense
The RT120+’s 34-inch dual-brush path and nearly double the tank capacity mean significantly fewer passes and refill stops once you’re covering more than 50,000 sq ft per shift. Its lithium battery also recharges in 3–4 hours instead of 8, which matters if the machine needs to run more than once a day or can’t reliably get a full overnight charge. The 110 lb brush pressure (versus the RT70’s 51 lbs) also gives it more scrubbing force per pass on heavier soil.
Best for: large warehouses, factories, and distribution centers over 50,000 sq ft, multi-shift operations, and facilities that value fewer refill stops over the lower price of the RT70.
A middle option: the RT70+
If you want the RT70’s compact 22-inch footprint but with lithium’s faster recharge, SUNMAX also sells the RT70+ — same 22″ path and 48,000 sq ft/hr as the standard RT70, but with a lithium battery that recharges in about 3.5 hours instead of 8, priced around $3,499. It’s worth considering if your facility is under 50,000 sq ft but runs multiple shifts.
What neither machine handles well
Both are seated ride-on scrubbers built for open floor plans — neither is the right choice for tight aisles, frequent turns, or facilities without enough space to maneuver a ride-on machine. If your route includes narrow aisles or congested racking, a self-propelled walk-behind will maneuver better even if it means more passes. Also confirm gradeability directly with SUNMAX if your facility has ramps or loading dock inclines — both machines are rated for 10% max gradeability at full load, but always verify against your specific route before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the real difference between the RT70 and RT120+?
Path width and tank size mainly: the RT120+ covers a 34-inch path with 31.7/33-gallon tanks versus the RT70’s 22-inch path and 18.5-gallon tanks, at roughly 56% more productivity (75,000 vs. 48,000 sq ft/hr). The RT120+’s lithium battery also charges in a third of the time.
At what facility size should I step up from the RT70 to the RT120+?
SUNMAX’s own guidance draws the line around 50,000 sq ft per shift. Below that, the RT70’s lower price and adequate coverage make more sense. Above it, the RT120+’s wider path and larger tanks reduce passes and refill stops enough to justify the price difference.
Is the RT120+’s lithium battery worth the price difference on its own?
If you only need the productivity boost, the RT70+ gets you lithium’s faster recharge in the RT70’s smaller 22-inch footprint for less than the RT120+. Choose the RT120+ specifically when you need the wider 34-inch path and larger tanks, not just faster charging.
Can either machine handle ramps or inclines?
Both are rated for 10% max gradeability at full load per SUNMAX’s published specs. Confirm this against your specific ramp grade with SUNMAX directly before ordering, since real-world conditions (wet floors, load distribution) can affect performance.
How tight of an aisle can the RT70 turn in?
The RT70 has a 6.5-foot turning diameter. The RT120+’s turning diameter isn’t published on the product page — confirm with SUNMAX if your facility has particularly tight turning areas before choosing the larger machine.
The bottom line
Under 50,000 sq ft per shift, the RT70 covers the job at a lower price with adequate runtime. Above that, the RT120+’s wider path and larger tanks pay for themselves in fewer passes and refill stops. If you’re between the two on size but need faster charging, the RT70+ splits the difference.
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