Before you specify
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can the intimus 16.86 actually shred in a day?
intimus's international datasheet gives approximately 480 kg/h for the 6 x 50 mm version; intimus North America quotes up to 1,050 lb per hour, which is the same figure. Sustained daily output depends on how quickly the operator can feed the 500 mm intake and how often bales are removed and tied, not on the cutting head. Plan on bale changeover being the rate limiter in a continuous shift, and staff accordingly.
Does it need three-phase power?
Yes. The North American configuration is 220 V, three phase, 60 Hz, with intimus specifying a 10 HP shredder motor and a 5.25 HP baler motor; the international datasheet lists 7.5 kW at 400 V / 50 Hz. There is no single-phase version. Three-phase supply, a suitable disconnect and the floor loading for a 2,769 lb machine all need to be confirmed before delivery, along with the route in — the machine is roughly 135 in long.
What is the difference between the 6 x 50 mm and 10 x 70 mm versions?
Security level and speed. The 6 x 50 mm machine is P-3 with a 300 mm2 particle and takes up to 290 sheets a pass at 80 g/m2, around 480 kg/h. The 10 x 70 mm machine is P-2 with a 700 mm2 particle and takes up to 450 sheets a pass, around 550 kg/h. Everything else — chassis, press, controls, motors — is identical. Choose 6 x 50 mm for confidential internal documents; 10 x 70 mm only for bulk paper with no confidentiality requirement.
Is the automatic oiler standard or optional?
Standard on the 16.86. intimus lists automatic lubrication among the machine's fitted features rather than as an option, which is the right decision at this duty — nobody is going to hand-oil a cutting head running 1,050 lb an hour. You do still need to keep it supplied with intimus cutting-block oil, which is ordered separately; item 96946 is the 5 litre container. Lubrication is a condition of intimus's warranty cover.
How heavy are the bales and do I need tape?
Bales weigh 60–80 kg (130–175 lb) and the press develops 80 kN, which is 9 tons, giving up to 70 percent volume reduction. Bales can be tied twice for transit stability. Strapping tape is a consumable and is not included with the machine — intimus supplies it in 300 m, 400 m and 500 m rolls under items 80804, 80662 and 80661. Order tape with the machine and keep spare rolls; a baler with no tape is a machine that stops.
Can it handle unsorted material and crumpled paper?
Yes, that is what the conveyor feed is for. intimus lists flat sheets, crumpled paper, folders, cards, badges and optical media as acceptable input, and the machine has a 500 mm intake at a 1,200 mm working height so an operator can tip from a cart. Auto-reverse handles misfeeds. Large metal items — ring binder mechanisms, lever-arch spines, clipboards — still need to come out before feeding.
How does it compare to the intimus 14.87?
The 16.86 is the bigger machine in every dimension. Both bale at 80 kN into 60–80 kg bales, but the 14.87 has a 4 kW cutting head, a 440 mm feed and 120 sheets a pass at roughly 325 kg/h, in a 32 x 106 x 64 in footprint at 914 kg. The 16.86 has 7.5 kW, a 500 mm feed, 290 sheets a pass at roughly 480 kg/h, touchscreen PLC control and a standard automatic oiler, in a 48 x 135 x 61 in footprint at 1,256 kg.