Dahle 20452 Level P-2 Strip Cut High Capacity Paper Shredder

Staff Review

Dahle 20452 Level 2 Strip Cut High Capacity Paper Shredder Review

Dahle's largest shredder is designed for the very highest volume users, such as large company mail rooms or other business services. We took a look at the features of the 20452 and compiled a list of what we consider to be this machine's strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:

1. As Dahle's largest shredder, the 20452's most obvious strength is its huge capacity. With its powerful 4 Hp motor, the 20452 is capable of shredding up to 100 sheets at a time at 41 feet per minute, which all adds up to an astonishing 2 tons of paper a day. This capacity is more than enough for even the highest volume users including large corporate mail rooms, business services, and other such environments. The hopper-style feed is 17 inches wide, and really increases productivity compared to the normal type of vertical or horizontal paper feed.
2. This looks to be an extremely durable machine, made of all metal and is clearly intended to be used heavily on a daily basis if necessary. There are three very convenient workspace shelves on which you can stack your documents during the shredding process. This is a machine that is designed for constant use, and perhaps to take the place of an outside shredding service.
3. The control panel is very easy to use, and features fully automatic operation as well as a lock and key system that helps prevent accidents by keeping anyone who is not authorized to use the machine from doing so. This is a great feature for a busy work environment.
4. With such a high volume shredder, you will want a shred bin that is large enough to cut down on the number of trips you'll have to make to the recycle bin. The 20452 comes through with a 50 gallon bin that slides out on rollers for easy access and emptying. You can even purchase bin liners that will make the process that much easier.
5. The cutting heads, just like all of those featured on Dahle shredders, are milled from the finest steel from Germany. The cutting heads of the 20452 are also guaranteed for the life of the machine, and the rest of the 20452's parts are covered for two years. The heads are operated by an extremely powerful and rugged gear and chain system that pretty much eliminates the kind of slipping that can lead to paper jams.

Weaknesses:

1. In the world of shredders, there is always a balance between capacity and security. As a Level 2 security strip cut shredder, the 20452 does not offer the highest security and may thus be best used for general rather than confidential or sensitive document shredding. In order to be FACTA compliant, for instance, you will need a machine that offers a security level of 3 or higher. Dahle makes several such shredders, but none with quite the capacity of the 20452. You will have to decide what is the right balance for the needs of your business.
2. The 20452 is an extremely heavy volume, high capacity machine, and as such needs a lot of power. To operate the 20452 you will need to have 208 VAC 3 phase 20 amp service in the area in which you intend to place the machine. This is not a weakness per se, just something you should be aware of. You will also need to consider how you are going to transport and install this system in your organization. The last thing you will want to have happen is to have the shredder show up just to find out that it won't fit through your door.