subject: Dahle 20396 Level 3 Cross Cut High Capacity Paper Shredder Review [print this page] Intended for use in a busy mail room or other high volume setting, the Dahle 20396 offers FACTA-compliant Level 3 cross cut shredding and a very high sheet capacity. Here is a look at some of what we consider to be this machine's strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
1.) The chief strength of the 20396 is in its rather impressive shredding capacity. Rated for up to 43 sheets at a time and 22 feet per minute, the 20396's powerful 2.5 Hp motor offers you the ability to destroy between 12,000 and 28,000 sheets per day. This is one of the highest capacities that we have seen in a machine this size, and should be more than enough for even the busiest of settings including high volume mail rooms
2.) The 20396 also offers Level 3 security cross cut shredding which will bring you into compliance with all federal regulations that concern the destruction of the confidential and personal information of your employees, clients and customers. Designed to prevent consumer fraud and identity theft, failing to adhere to these regulations (known as FACTA) can lead to fines and civil liability.
3.) The paper feed of the 20396 measures a nice wide 16 inches, meaning that not only will it easily accommodate letter, legal, and almost all of the other common paper sizes, it can handle extra wide computer printouts as well.
4.) The 20396 is incredibly simple to operate. The control panel sits on the right of the machine and offers three settings: automatic on/off (electronic sensors detect when you place paper in the opening), continuous run (for large jobs), and reverse (in case of a paper jam).
5.) The 50 gallon waste bin is huge by anyone's standards, and emptying it is made much easier by the fact that it sits on rollers allowing for quick and easy removal. You can purchase shred bags to line the bin and make the job that much simpler. And speaking of making things easier, the 20396 comes with a work table/rack that you can attach to the front of the machine to place your documents on prior to shredding.
6.) As with all of Dahle's shredders, the cutting heads are among the finest in the industry. A well designed system, this unit uses shafts milled from the best German steel available that are turned using a gear and chain system that virtually eliminates any chance of slipping. This also allows the 20396 to power through a lot of potential paper jams. The cutting heads of this machine are guaranteed for the life of the machine, and the rest of its parts are under warranty for two years.
Weaknesses:
1.) The 20396 is a heavy duty machine, but at 400 lbs., it is also just plain heavy. It does come on casters so you can move it around more easily if need be, but when it arrives, you will need to make sure you have plenty of help to get it off the truck and to its final destination.
2.) At 64 decibels, it is not the quietest machine out there, and may not be ideal for a quiet office setting. If you are looking for something with fairly high capacity that runs a little quieter (cutting down on the distraction factor), you should take a look at one of Dahle's Office Shredder line.
by: Jeffrey McRitchie
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