HSM 125.2cc Level 3 Cross Cut Office Paper Shredder Review
Every size office can benefit from a shared shredder, no matter how small. For a busy, mid-size office, the HSM 125.2cc is a great system. Designed for mobility and high performance, this shredder is easy to use and efficient. Here is a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of the 125.2cc.
Strengths:
- Automated features control just about every aspect of this machine. After being switched on, the motor idles in standby without consuming energy. An electronic controller starts and stops the blades as needed, sensing papers as they pass through. If a paper jam occurs, slide the switch into reverse and the cutting shafts will feed the items back out to you for quick clearing. The automatic stop kicks in when the waste container is full or removed as an added safety measure. All modes are displayed on an LED panel to keep the user aware of the status.
- The motor uses a specially adjusted, closed-tooth wheel drive for high performance and longer usage periods. The system keeps dirt out, which slows down wear and increases longevity. Thermal protection of the engine helps to prevent overheating, even during extended use.
- The wide 10 inch slot takes in up to 14 sheets at once, including stapled and paperclipped documents as well as credit cards. A separate slot accepts CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Items are shred as fast as 26 feet per minute, excellent for a cross cutting device.
- The blades tear full size documents into tiny pieces only 1/8″ by 1-1/8″ in size. These small bits offer a level three security rating. This is perfect for getting rid of old, unwanted documents. Even confidential items stay safe at this level, including bank statements and employee records.
- Paper confetti falls into a voluminous 20 gallon bin. A reusable bag sit in the container, which is housed in a pull-out cabinet for easy access for removal and replacement.
- This product is covered by a 20 year warranty on the cutters with two years on parts and labor.
Weaknesses:
- The small remnants left by the blades only provide a medium level three security. This is great for most office shredding. But companies with classified materials to destroy will need a high security device, such as this model in a level five or six version.
- HSM recommends that their cross cut shredders be oiled regularly, about every time the bag is changed. An automatic oiler would be a nice feature to see on here for this purpose. This is an extra convenience that may not be important to everyone. If it’s something you’d prefer, we recommend the MBM Destroyit 2604.
- The motor isn’t rated for continuous duty. This is somewhat surprising, since the machine itself is designed for a busy office. Some companies may not even notice the cool down periods occurring. However, if your work is stunted by waiting for your shredder to be ready, you might consider a larger model with a more powerful motor.
The HSM 125.2cc is an ideal fit in a busy office with about 5-7 users. Low to medium risk documents stay swiftly secure in the solid steel blades. Automatic features for simple operation provide a convenient device that everyone can use. We think the 125.2cc is an excellent choice for your next office shredder.
Martin Yale 5000 Cross Cut Shredder Review
For 60 years Martin Yale has been producing quality shredders and their 5000 Cross Cut is one more example of time tested craftsmanship. Built for departmental use in a medium office, this shredder can power through stacks of paper and multiple media types. A clear display and large push buttons offer simple operation. Here are some of the pros and cons.
Strengths:
- Though designed for use in a department, this machine is just under three feet tall and can be stored in a small space if needed. It does weigh a decent 89 pounds empty but the locking casters mounted on the bottom offer effortless mobility.
- A single switch powers up the machine into a ready to use, stand-by mode. A light barrier controls the automatic on/off, sensing items in the feed and turning on the blades as needed. An LED panel clearly shows your shredder’s status. It includes options for Stand-by, Paper Jam, Overheat, Receptacle Full or Removed, and Reverse. If there is a problem, this display gives you the opportunity to rapidly discern and resolve the issue.
- Up to 22 sheets of paper can enter the ten inch feed opening at once. The blades devour not only staples and paperclips but also credit cards, access entry cards, ID badges, CDs, and floppy disks. CDs and credit cards are safely taken in through a separate slot in order to minimize potential flying shards.
- The cross cutting mechanism on this shredder convert full sized documents into minute pieces, only 1/8 inch by 1-5/8 in size. These small units offer a level 3 security rating and keep personal information from getting into the wrong hands. They also fill up the bin much slower than traditional strips.
- The shreds fall into a sizable 18 gallon waste container. A wooden, dustproof cabinet houses the convenient pull-out bin. The wood acts as a noise reducer by soaking in sound waves from the motor, resulting in a quieter office for you.
Weaknesses:
- This device only offers a level 3 security rating. For most offices, this keeps information secure enough. Offices needing to dispose of highly classified material may be more interested in one of Martin Yale’s high security models.
- The ten inch feed opening can be limiting. General office documents easily slide in and this may not be a problem for you. However, if your business discards many wide or odd-shaped documents, you should consider a shredder with a wider entry slot.
- An 18 gallon shred bin is on the smaller side for a departmental shredder. Small to medium offices will likely find this to be ample storage space. But if you wish to reduce the number of trips to the trash, a larger shredder with more waste storage might work better for you.
The Martin Yale 5000 Cross Cut Shredder provides an excellent departmental shredder. Medium offices can invest in this single device for all their shredding needs. Automated functions and simple push button controls make this machine a breeze to use. The cross cutting blades render your documents into small particles and keep confidential information secure. The 5000 Cross Cut is a great choice for your next office shredder.