HSM 386.2cc Level P-4 Cross Cut Professional Paper Shredder

Staff Review

HSM 386.2cc Level 3 Cross Cut Professional Office Paper Shredder Review

Professional shredders are often found in large departments as a shared device between many workers. One device to take note of is the HSM 386.2cc Professional Shredder. Designed with solid steel blades and a heavy duty continuous motor, this machine can stand up to the rigorous high volume shredding needed in a busy large office. Here is a closer look at the details of the 386.2cc.

Strengths:

• Automated features make using this shredder a breeze. Simply switch the machine on and it sits in a standby mode without using energy. As items are inserted, a photo cell sensor starts and stops the blades automatically for shredding only when you need it. The automatic stop is also triggered by a full shred bag, open cabinet door, or paper jam. In the case of a jam, the auto reverse sends overfed paper back out to the user for quick unclogging of the blades. An LED panel constantly shows the machine's operational status.

• The sturdy motor utilizes a closed-tooth wheel drive for high performance and extended use. The system keeps dirt out, which slows down wear and increases the life of your machine. The entire unit is fully enclosed to stop dust from spreading around your office. It also keeps the noise down, operating around 60 decibels, which is about the sound of a typical nearby conversation.

• Up to 14 sheets can enter at once through the wide 15.2 inch opening. The solid steel blades are strong enough to handle credit cards as well as staples and paperclips. Items are diced at an impressive rate of 27 feet per minute. Small particles only 1/8" by 1-1/8" remain, providing a medium level three security rating. This is adequate for general office shredding as well as confidential items, such as financial data or employee information.

• Those tiny chads fall into a spacious 31 gallon reusable shred bag. A convenient pull-out system simplifies the process of emptying the bag.

• This shredder is covered by a two year warranty on parts and labor. The cutting shafts are covered for 20 years.

Weaknesses:

• While 77 pounds is not overly heavy for office equipment, it's enough to make moving it a pain. However, there are casters on the bottom to help with mobility. Most users don't find this to be a huge problem.

• This device only offers a level three security. This is fine for most office shredding. But companies needing to destroy highly classified or top secret documents will prefer a high security device. We recommend the HSM 225.2, which comes with either a level five or six security rating.

• One last thing missing from this device is the ability to shred CDs and floppy disks. Many offices don't need this ability and won't be affected by the lack of it. If your business would like a shredder with this capability, we suggest the HSM 390.3.

As you can see, this shredder is an excellent system for office floors and large departments. It works especially well in bigger EDP departments, thanks to the extra wide feed that accepts continuous computer print-outs. Despite a few minor downsides, this is a convenient and efficient device that any office could benefit from. We would highly recommend the HSM 386.2cc for your next departmental shredder.