HSM shredstar X17 5/32 x 1 3/8 plus separate CD cutting unit - HSM1030w

The HSM shredstar X17 is a rolling P-4 cross-cut office shredder that takes 15 sheets of 80 g/m² paper per pass and empties into a 6.9-gallon bin rated at about 325 sheets. HSM lists its particle as 5/32 x 1 3/8 in, powered by a 320 W motor, and adds a separate cutter for CDs, DVDs and cards. It suits a small department that wants P-4 protection and, above all, fewer trips to empty the bin.

shredstar X17 at a glance

• 15 sheets per pass at 80 g/m²
• 6.9-gallon (26 L) bin, about 325 sheets of particles
• P-4 particle cut, 5/32 x 1 3/8 in
• 320 W motor, 9.06 in (230 mm) throat
• Castors, LED status display and separate CD/card unit

The bigger bin is the real upgrade

The X17 shares its cabinet with the X12 and X14 but swaps their 6.1-gallon container for a 6.9-gallon one. HSM rates it at around 325 sheets of waste, roughly 35 more per fill, with no extra floor space. Two more sheets per pass is pleasant, yet in a shared office it is usually the emptying routine that wears people down. The cabinet rolls on castors to the recycling point, an inspection window shows the level, and the machine stops itself when full.

About the X17's cut size

HSM's US data prints the particle as 5/32 x 1 3/8 in, while HSM's European documentation describes the same head as 4 x 37 mm, which works out closer to 1 7/16 in long. Either figure lands under DIN 66399's 160 mm² ceiling, so the P-4 rating (with E-2, T-2, O-1 and F-1) holds. P-4 is the class most commonly written into policies for documents with names, addresses or account details. Staples and paper clips are approved.

Daily operation

The light barrier starts the cutters automatically; automatic reverse backs out a stack that is too thick; LEDs show power, overload, overheating, a full bin and an open door. Discs and plastic cards use their own slot and drop into a separate container. HSM publishes no continuous duty rating, so for big clear-outs pace the work and watch the overheat light.

HSM shredstar X17 specifications

HSM's datasheet for article 1030133 lists no warranty term.

X17 against its neighbors

• shredstar X14: 13 sheets and a 6.1-gallon bin of about 290 sheets. Cheaper if the bin is not a pain point.
• shredstar X20: same 6.9-gallon bin, 18 sheets per pass on 395 W, for heavier feeding.
• shredstar X12pro: P-5 at 2 x 15 mm in the same cabinet, 12 sheets on 550 W.

Who should pick the X17

It is a good fit for a shared office that shreds daily and wants a larger bin without a larger machine. If your volume is light, the X14 saves money; if staff routinely feed thick stacks, the X20 is worth the extra; and if P-5 is required, choose the X12pro.