Shredders are seen in just about every office, from small deskside models to high capacity industrial machines. Departments looking for a quality shredder to service five to ten users should check out the GBC Shredmaster GDX1813. Designed to provide medium security, long-term moderate shredding, this machine is constructed to withstand constant, daily shredding. It is also rated to run at least 10 decibels lower than its competitors. Let’s take a closer look.

Strengths:

• Automatic start and stop allows you to turn the power on and your machine will stay in “Ready” mode. As items are inserted into the feed opening, the blades automatically begin shredding and then stop when everything is processed. This reduces noise from the blades as well as saving your machine from unnecessary wear and tear. An energy saving automatic off is activated after two minutes of inactivity.
• The Jam Free technology works to prevent jams before they happen. Overfed paper triggers an indicator light to glow red, giving the user the opportunity to remove the excess items before they become clogged in the blades.
• The powerful motor is rated for continuous duty. This is extremely handy for a shared device and eliminates the need for users to idly wait until the shredder is ready.
• The cutters are equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism. This helps to ensure optimal performance at all times and prolongs the life of your machine. The cutting shafts are backed by an impressive 20 year warranty, while the rest of the device is covered by a two year warranty. GBC also offers on-site service on the majority of its office models.
• The nine inch wide opening accepts up to 18 sheets at once, excellent for a cross cutting device. The blades easily handle staples, paperclips, credit cards, and even CDs and DVDs. Small cross cut pieces remain and provide a level three security rating. This ensures that all your personal and business confidential data stays safely in pieces and out of the wrong hands.
• Paper confetti drops into a large 13 gallon waste bin. This is ample size to contain a reasonable amount of shreds without being too bulky to easily empty.

Weaknesses:

• This shredder only earns a level three security rating. While this is perfectly adequate for most offices, those with highly classified information to dispose of will need a higher security device.
• Weighing in at 76 pounds when empty, this is a fairly heavy machine. Fortunately, there are casters mounted onto the bottom for added mobility; the shredder can be rolled from one location to another. We think size won’t provide a problem for most users.
• One feature we’d like to see is segregated compartments for paper and plastic waste. This would facilitate the recycling of the paper shreds. This may or may not be an issue for you. If it is, you might want to check out the MBM Destroyit 2270 which offers this feature.

As you can see, the strengths of this machine clearly outweigh the weaknesses. And the few downsides it does have are situation based, not blinding flaws. The GDX1813 is easy to use, efficient, and gets the job done. We would recommend this excellent shredder to any medium-sized office.

The GBC Shredmaster GDX2019 is an ideal system for a medium office with moderate shredding needs. With heavy duty construction and decent capacities, this device is both reliable and functional. Automatic functions and Jam Free technology provide an easy to use, efficient machine. Here is a closer look at the GDX2019.

Strengths:

• Automated features make will make your life easier. Simply slide in a small handful of papers and the machine will begin shredding on cue. When they’re done, the blades will turn off automatically. This device will sit in “Ready” mode for a short period while not in use, then power down to a energy conserving sleep mode to save electricity. A backlit control panel keeps the user aware of the machine’s status throughout the shredding process.
• Jam Free technology works to prevent jams before they start. An accidental overfeed will cause the throat to glow red, indicating a jam is near, and turn off the blades. Removing the excess items turns the light green and the cutters will begin shredding as normal. If a jam actually happens, the automatic reverse feeds the clogged material back out to the user.
• The 9.84 inch paper entry takes in up to 20 sheets at one, including staples, paperclips, credit cards, CDs, and DVDs. Items are destroyed as fast as 8 feet per minute. The remnants fall into a large 19 gallon waste bin. The container sits in a pull-out drawer for easy removal and replacement of the shred bags. Both plastic and recyclable paper bags are available.
• The cutting shafts create small pieces only 1/16″ by 1-7/8″ in size. These particles are small enough to earn a level 3 security rating. Most office documents, including employee records and benefit information, stay perfectly safe at this level.
• GBC provides one of the top warranties in the business. This model has a two year guarantee that includes parts, labor, and even on-site service. The cutters themselves have a lifetime warranty. You can rest assured you’re getting a quality product in this shredder.

Weaknesses:

• The motor on here isn’t rated for continuous run. This means that periodically the engine will shut down for a cool down time to avoid overheating. It works to prolong the life of your machine. Offices with only moderate use may not even notice this happening. But if your business needs all day constant shredding, we suggest looking into the GLX1942.
• The lower capacities are geared for small to medium offices with a few users, not large companies. If you’re looking for a faster machine with higher capacities, check out the Shredmaster GLX3055.

Clearly the strengths of this device outweigh the weaknesses. The few downfalls can be avoided simply by purchasing the right shredder for your needs; this one is great for offices with 5-10 users needing a medium security shredder for moderate use. The GDX2019 is a durable, reliable device that will swiftly shred all your documents for many years. We think this machine is an excellent choice for your next office shredder.