Departmental shredders are some of the big
guns of the paper shredding world. These behemoths can shred a whole
lot of paper and most of them have a lot of great features to make the
experience enjoyable. One departmental device that's pretty popular is
the Fellowes PowerShred C-380.Let's take a look at the C-380's strengths and
weaknesses.
Departmental shredders are some of the big
guns of the paper shredding world. These behemoths can shred a whole
lot of paper and most of them have a lot of great features to make the
experience enjoyable. One departmental device that's pretty popular is
the Fellowes PowerShred C-380. This product is ideal for offices in
which up to 10 users need to use it. It will shred oversized items,
such as 132-column paper, and it's easy to use. However, it lacks a
couple of key features that may prove to be a deal-breaker for some
potential buyers. Let's take a look at the C-380's strengths and
weaknesses.
Strengths:
This machine has an
incredibly powerful 1.7-horsepower motor that can run continuously. Due
to this, it can shred up to 28 sheets per pass. It's capable of
shredding up to an incredible 550 sheets in just one minute.
The
device has a very wide 15-inch feed opening that can accept oversized
paper, credit cards, and documents that still contain paper fasteners.
There is another slot you slide CD's and DVD's through.
The C-380 is a strip-cut machine with a Level 2 security rating. The strips will measure 7/32".
Each
unit has a gargantuan 31.6-gallon waste bin. You can pull the bin out
and empty it pretty easily. The door has an area in which you can stash
your accessories including shredder bags and oil. If the door is ajar
or the bin is full, the machine will shut down and let you know
immediately.
This is an automatic device that will shut
itself off after use and turn back on when it senses items in the feed
slots. There is an interlock feature to make operation somewhat safe.
(More on safety in the "Weaknesses" section.)
There are some
great anti-jam features on the C-380. One them is a jam release that
will make the device power through the misfed paper. Plus, the device
will automatically cease operation when a jam occurs.
Each
machine has casters to make moving it throughout your office a
non-taxing event. The casters are a very thoughtful addition
considering the machine weighs almost 150 pounds.
Noise won't be an issue with this machine. It has a 62-decibel rating which means it won't be a distraction.
Fellowes
often gives their products generous warranties and they have done so
again with the C-380. The machine is covered for 3 years while the
cutting head is protected for up to 7.
Weaknesses:
Unfortunately,
Fellowes didn't outfit the C-380 with their effective and popular
SafeSense feature. Why they didn't is a mystery. Thus, be sure to keep
your hands as far away from the cutting head as possible.
Although
this machine was designed for continuous use in busy offices, it lacks
an automatic oiler. This means you'll have to do the lubricating
yourself on a fairly frequent basis.
There is only one waste bin so the different types of waste (paper, plastic, etc.) won't be separated.
For all of its strengths, it's very disappointing that the PowerShred
C-380 lacks SafeSense technology and an automatic oiler. If those
features are important to you, this isn't the machine to get. However,
if their absence doesn't bother you, you may just find this shredder is
right for your department.
If you'd like to buy the Fellowes PowerShred C-380, you should really visit MyBinding.com. They have this product available at a great price and they also carry a terrific selection of other Fellowes Paper Shredders. They'll even give you free shipping on all orders over $75.00. Check it out for yourself today!
