The Many Strengths of the Formax FD 8400CC Paper Shredder

Formax makes some truly terrific paper shredders, including ones designed for use in busy offices. One of their commercial grade devices is the FD 8400CC, a product with a wealth of first rate features that makes it stand out in a flooded marketplace. Here s a rundown of this device s many, many strengths, as well as a mention of its minimal shortcomings.

Strengths:

* The 8400CC is a cross cut shredder that offers much more security than a strip cut device. The paper shreds it creates measure 1 1/5 x 5/32 and it has a Level 3 security rating.

* This machine has a shredding capacity of 20 sheets per pass (up to 30 feet of material per minute) so it s great for offices that need to shred a lot of paper quickly.

* The feed opening of the 8400CC measures 12.2 inches across, so it s great for both legal and letter sized items and paper a bit wider than 8.5 inches.

* In addition to paper, this product can destroy paper fasteners (i.e. staples) and credit cards.

* This shredder is very easy to use thank to a user friendly LED control panel. This panel will let you know how much you re trying to shred so you can get optimal results...as well as prevent paper jams.

* The 8400CC will let you know when it needs to be oiled. After the machine has been used for 4 hours, the LED panel will light up to suggest that you oil the device. There s also an optional automatic oiling system you can purchase if you d rather not oil the machine yourself.

* In addition to alerting you to its lubrication needs, the 8400CC will fill you in on a number of things including how much paper you ve shredded, how long the machine s been operating, and so on. It will also give any needed information to repair technicians.

* This product s wastebasket can hold up to 20 gallons of paper shreds and other debris. If the door leading to the basket is open, the machine will shut down so you can close it. It will also stop working if you need to empty the wastebasket.

* Although this machine will start shredding automatically when paper is inserted, there is also a manual mode you can use to shred smaller bits of paper. There s even a reverse mode that can be helpful if the machine jams up.

* Speaking of the reverse mode, if you find that the shredding capacity has gone down, you can press the reverse button for 5 seconds and the machine will clean itself for improved performance.

* This machine was designed to operate quietly so your office will remain peaceful.

* Each unit has a limited lifetime warranty on the cutting apparatus. There s one year of coverage for all of the other parts of the device.

Weaknesses:

* This is a rather large unit that will take up a substantial amount of room in your office. It weighs almost 200 pounds, so even with casters, it might be a bit challenging to move it around.

* Although a Level 3 security rating is great for everyday use, this device isn t one you should use if your company works with information that s top secret.

The Formax 8400CC is one of those rare machines that s just about perfect. It s very technologically advanced, offers great security for everyday document destruction, and it s a pleasure to use. If a commercial grade shredder is on your shopping list, this particular one would be a great choice.