Posted by BrotherOwner on 9/5/12 9:35pm
Msg #433302

UPDATE RE: Dual tray printers

1st: It REALLY rubs my tush raw when, every month or so, the issue of dual tray printers comes up, and someone is always there to bash a printer they don't own, and never had, and never had any experience with.

2nd: There are two levels of printers that most of us use for this line of work, whether new, used, remanufactured, bought off ebay, craigslist, or whereever. The small business/ home office versions, such as the HP 2000 series/ Brother 5000 series, and other brands, and the ENTERPRISE level printers, such as the HP 4000 series, available to support 3 or more trays, found in your local bank, IRS office, etc.
Cost per page/consumables all vary, based on YOUR shopping ability, and your ability to choose a supplier that has QUALITY consumables.

3rd: HP and Brother HP have different ideas about how to build their printers. With HP you replace toner only, until the drum dies, then it is a relatively expensive part to replace (read teardown to replace). But it is infrequent. Brother's run a much cheaper "drum roller" that is designed to be replaced more often, and easily by the consumer. If it takes 15 seconds, you're taking too long and don't know the proceedure.

4th: BOTH will print docs for you. Both will be able to select the proper size paper from dual trays as directed by the software IF properly set up. ( DON'T rely on the manufacturers to help you set this up as they know printers, NOT PDF documents. ASK FOR ASSISTANCE HERE! )

5th: PERSONAL OPINION AHEAD!!!! BROTHER PRINTERS DO NOT JAM !!! BECAUSE, they are specifically designed by BROTHER to have a straight through paper path, that doesn't jam. I have no personal experience with HP printers, but the people I know that have HPs complain about paper jams. The paper quality CAN make a difference, as can humidity, as can other vaiables in paper, as anyone in the printing business can attest. I have settled on Hammermill Copy Plus paper as a good quality, never jams, reasonably priced, paper that usually can be bought on sale at a competative price.

6th: A Brother 5370 DWT ( Duplex/Wireless/2nd Tray) can be bought as low as $200-$250 frequently if you are patient. Staples/Buy.com/PCNation. Check online, not in store, as most stores don't stock dual trays units. Don't be afraid of Brother factory REFURBS. Best price usually, and carries MANUFACTURERS same 1 year warranty.

7th: 5370 DWT being replaced by 5470 DWT. More bells and whistles. Do you need them? 2nd tray from 5300 may not fit a 5400 machine. Check 1st.

8th: New Brother model 6180 DWT has TWO full 500 sheet trays I found online for $380 with free shipping. Bigger, stronger, faster, able to leap tall buildings, change diapers? I don't know.

9th: SEE I didn't/ don't have to BASH anyone else's printers to provide information.

Reply by RickG/CA on 9/5/12 10:38pm
Msg #433306

Only Issue with my Brother

err Printer, that's my Brother Printer..

The 5370dwt has that flippy thing that I don't always remember to get to in time and pages are pushed out and occasionaly makes a mess. Even with the flippy thing in position the printer will still spill over the landing tray. I only print maybe 1-2 packages a week, so it's still a minor annoyance. However, it's getting to be a bigger PITA.

Otherwise the printer is good for the price.

Reply by desktopfull on 9/6/12 1:07am
Msg #433312

Re: Only Issue with my Brother

Hook a large paper clip on the hole of the flip up part and it stops the pages from spilling over.

Reply by pdl/cali on 9/6/12 1:45am
Msg #433313

Re: Only Issue with my Brother

I own a Brother dual tray, and an HP as well. I only use the Brother for printing jobs, never had a problem with it. smooth and fast. I use the HP for small jobs, 20 pages or less.

Reply by JPH13/MO on 9/6/12 12:29pm
Msg #433385

I taped an index card to the end & now paper doesn;t fall n/m

Reply by Frank/NC on 9/6/12 7:29am
Msg #433319

You sound like you either own a Brother franchise or work as a sales person. People here provide as much information as they can in an effort to help others. If your tush is hurting just don't read what you don't want to read. Quite honestly, it's posting like yours that turn this professional forum into something it isn't supposed to be.

Reply by BrotherOwner on 9/6/12 8:09am
Msg #433321

Re: ATT: FRANK

Now see, that's EXACTLY what I mean. None of your post was called for, useful, or helpful. Reviewing your profile I'd say our life expieriences are parallel. I have been satisfued with Brother products, including printers, fax, and MFCs for over 20 years. I do not own stock, have a relative who works for, or work in any way for/with Brother. I get no spiffs of ANY kind. I resent your insinuations. What little bird was sitting on the edge of your coffee cup and did a number in it this AM. Your Mother would be so embarassed.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 9/6/12 8:28am
Msg #433325

Re: ATT: FRANK

I find this post helpful and I'm sure newbies will too if they take the time to search instead of just asking. Even not so newbies ask this question when they are looking to buy. This is a good reference on which printer has and does what etc etc.

IMO, the HP 4000 series is the best. I miss mine terribly. I bought a refurbished one when I first started and that baby lasted over 4 years. I've never had another one like it. I now have a brother 5370 and it just doesn't compare, but it gets the job done.

Reply by bfnotary on 9/6/12 9:34am
Msg #433328

Re: ATT: FRANK

When I do get around to purchasing a new printer. I am debating between hp 4350 or the brother 5370(i think that is the one anyways). But I really think I am going to go with the HP.. No experience with either, I have a Lexmark T630 now (with 2nd tray added to it)

Reply by OR on 9/6/12 9:06am
Msg #433327

Re: HP owner in 7 years never had a paper jam. Brotherowner

Brotherowner, I'm just setting the record straght. I have had brother printer and the service sucked so bad that I never ever ever buy another one. More People come to this sight to ask for help for Brother then any other printer. I find HP's much much cheeper to run. I get the use out of my cartrage use 5 to 3. That saves me in the long run. It is the drum that has no life I think you have 100% of your facts about HP wrong. Just stick to what you know about Brothers because you know nothing about HP.

To your point
"9th: SEE I didn't/ don't have to BASH anyone else's printers to provide information."
Yes you did bash HP!! reread your post. If you did not bash HP you would have said they both were great printers. You did not.

Just my 2 cents.

Reply by BrotherOwner on 9/6/12 1:39pm
Msg #433410

Re: HP owner in 7 years never had a paper jam. Brotherowner

I'll not respond to your 1st paragraph as it speaks for itself. ( obviously I've been reading Hugh's new bestselling book on "How to win Friends and Influence Enemies" revised edition. )

RE:9th.....see my item 4th: BOTH......

I suggest you look up the meanings of BASH. Merriam -Webster could be your new friend.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bash

Reply by Barb25 on 9/6/12 9:48am
Msg #433334

Dear Brother Owner

You gave some what is probably very good information and/or solutions to people who have or will encounter problems with their Brother printers. They could have made you a hero to at least a few. The information probably would have been received much better if your first paragraph had been a little more diplomatic. You feel some people Bash the printer as you say, so you Bash the people.... And your remarks about Frank, way over the top and out of line.

Reply by NJDiva on 9/6/12 10:35am
Msg #433349

Wow, I so disagree, I really don't think brother was doing

anything but being helpful. I didn't pick up that he was bashing anyone, just saying how he was affected...lol The poor guys butt is on fire...give him a break!

I say thank you to brother for sharing his experience. I've learned a lot from him and many other techies on this site and am grateful to you all. Please continue to contribute.

I happen to own 3 brother's, 2 HP's, 2 Samsung's and an epson. I must say my first all-in-one brother lasted over 5 years of hard use and abuse.

They all have their pro's and some have their con's. Whatever, who cares. Everyone is just trying to help.

In the spirit of kindness, lets just support each other and say..."Thank you for sharing." xo

Reply by Barb25 on 9/6/12 10:52am
Msg #433355

Re: Dear Brother Owner - revised comment

I re-read your comment Att: Frank and obviously had not had my second cup of coffee. I misunderstood. what you said. So forgive me, I was, in that regard, out of line.

Reply by BrotherOwner on 9/6/12 1:22pm
Msg #433403

Re: Thank you Barb, glad you had 2nd cup. n/m

Reply by Barb25 on 9/6/12 7:41pm
Msg #433450

Re: Thank you Barb, glad you had 2nd cup.

Reply by MW/VA on 9/6/12 10:55am
Msg #433357

Thanks for providing all the great info. I can only

wish I had that 6 years ago when I was clueless about "dual tray printers" and no one in the office supply biz seemed to have a clue either.
I'm happy with Brother printers. Granted, they/re built to be inexpensive, and I've found the cost of operating (toner & drums) to be very affordable. IMO they were not built for the volume we print, necessarily, but I've had very few problems with them.
There is a big prejudice in the industry. I was in one of the big box office supply stores the other day, looking for a scanner (again, they are clueless). I mentioned that I used Brother printers & a Brother multi-function. Of course, I got the saleman's view that Brother are junk & only HP makes good products. Rubbish!!!!! I haven't had good experience with the HP printers I bought when I was starting, and get great service from this old Brother HL-5240 I picked up on clearance sale a couple of years ago.

Reply by Calnotary on 9/6/12 11:34am
Msg #433367

Right now I have 3 dual tray Brother printers on one of my XP pc's The newer HL-5340dt does not curl the paper anymore, the others still do. I love my brother printers very cheap toner and very reliable. My experience with HP was not that good, HP3005 dead around 15K pages and the HP1000 I forgot the model number, I traded that one for a new all in one when Staples was giving you 50.00 dollars for buying a new laser printer. I know HP are very good printers but toner is so expensive even if you refill. My other pc has 2 Brother HL-5240 with dual trays. I am always looking for Brother printers on sale! Have a great day all of you no matter what printer you use.

Reply by BrotherOwner on 9/6/12 1:20pm
Msg #433402

Hey Cal, brand /model of paper can have an effect on the amount of curl, that is one of the reasons I have settled on Hammermill Copy Plus. ( NO, I don't own or have any affilliation with Hammermill either.)
I am currently evaluating a case of Xerox Business 4200 for similar qualities. By the way, are you aware thet copy paper comes " precurled " and should go in to any and all brands of machines, all the way up to LARGE office copy machines one way, curl up or curl down to minimize curling and other paper handling issues. Trade secret. Open a new ream, lay it flat on a table and look at it on the 8 1/2 side, you'll see an obvious curve. Try printing with paper curl up or curl down to see if it makes a difference for you. Humidity/moisture in paper makes a big difference in curl also. Fuser either takes out the curl or emphasizes it. 5200 series WAS more sensitive to curl.

Reply by BrotherOwner on 9/6/12 1:24pm
Msg #433404

Re: Follow up:6180 now with 12,000 page toner cartridge also n/m

Reply by Calnotary on 9/6/12 1:34pm
Msg #433408

Re: Follow up:6180 now with 12,000 page toner cartridge also

You can also have a 12K page toner for the HL-52xx



http://www.supermediastore.com/product/search?search=TN580x&fromHeader=true&hiddenSearch=

Reply by BrotherOwner on 9/6/12 2:03pm
Msg #433414

Re: Follow up:6180 now with 12,000 page toner cartridge also

did not see/know that. Thank you. My 5200s are back, back backups now. My units all use TN650 carts, I'll look for 12K next time I order. SMstore is my supplier of choice also. If you have need of an MFC, most of the current/recent 8000 series can use an LT-5300 tray/2nd tray.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 9/6/12 3:16pm
Msg #433423

Humidity is a HUGE paper-curling factor in FL

I keep my paper supply in a non-A/C'd room....and have learned that IF I don't want kinky paper, I must bring in the reams a day or so in advance, to allow the paper to "dry out".

Reply by BrotherOwner on 9/6/12 3:39pm
Msg #433427

Re: Humidity is a HUGE paper-curling factor in FL

Where can I find some of that "kinky" paper? lol. Seriously, for color copy photo paper, the expensive stuff, we used to store it in an airtight clear plastic box with moisture absorbing discs tossed in to help resolve the problem. In an emergency (hurry), run your dryer on Hi for 5 minutes with nothing in it, place your ream(s) standing up on the long edge on the bottom, and leave in for 5 min. or more. This will also remove moisture quickly. Try to remember NOT to turn on the dryer whiile the paper is inside! emember the game 52 Pickup?

Reply by NotaryGirl71 on 9/6/12 4:40pm
Msg #433436

Love my Lexmark E240

you can get one slightly used on ebay for $21 plus shipping...I had to replace the top part of mine recently and this is what I paid....already had the bottom tray.

Great printer for the price!

Reply by MW/VA on 9/6/12 8:21pm
Msg #433453

Wow. Thanks for the tip on the 12K page toner. I

ordered a couple of TN580X carts from SuperMediaStore.