Fellowes Beswick AutoMax™

Fellowes & Beswick AutoMax Shredders: Effortless, Secure Document Destruction for South Africa 

The Fellowes Beswick AutoMax is an auto-feed shredder series that shreds stacks of documents automatically, without manual feeding.

AutoMax models handle between 80 and 600 sheets per load and deliver cross-cut or micro-cut security, making them suited to offices that process high volumes of confidential documents regularly. DigiShred stocks the full AutoMax range and supplies businesses across South Africa.

Key facts:

1. Auto-feed capacity ranges from 80 sheets (desktop) to 600 sheets (departmental)
2. Security levels: P-4 cross-cut and P-5 micro-cut options available
3. 100% Jam Proof technology prevents paper jams during auto-feed cycles
4. SafeSense stops the shredder automatically if hands approach the feed opening
5. Suitable for POPIA-compliant document disposal in business environments

 

If you need…	Choose	Why
Hands-free shredding for a small office	AutoMax 150C or 200C	150 to 200 sheet auto-feed, P-4 cross-cut
High-security micro-cut for sensitive data	AutoMax 200M or 600M	P-5 micro-cut, ideal for financial and legal use
Quiet operation in an open-plan office	AutoMax 450C SilentShred	Under 56dB during operation
High-volume departmental shredding	AutoMax 550C or 600M	Up to 600 sheets auto-fed, continuous duty cycle

 

What is a Fellowes Beswick AutoMax shredder?

A Fellowes Beswick AutoMax shredder is an auto-feed document shredder that accepts a loaded stack of paper and shreds it unattended, without the user feeding sheets one at a time. The AutoMax range covers desktop, small office, and departmental models with cross-cut and micro-cut cutting options.

AutoMax shredders suit offices where staff spend significant time manually feeding a shredder. Load the stack into the auto-feed compartment, close the door, and the machine shreds the entire stack while you continue working. Manual feed slots are also available on every model for individual sheets, credit cards, CDs, and stapled documents.

The AutoMax series sits within the broader Fellowes Beswick range alongside:

Browse the full Fellowes Beswick range

Browse the Fellowes Beswick Powershred range

 

What AutoMax models does DigiShred stock?

DigiShred stocks the full Fellowes Beswick AutoMax range, from compact desktop units to high-volume departmental shredders. Each model delivers auto-feed shredding with Jam Proof technology and SafeSense protection as standard.

Current AutoMax models available through DigiShred:

1. AutoMax 80M Mini-Cut: 80 sheet auto-feed, P-4, compact desktop size
2. AutoMax 90M Mini-Cut: 90 sheet auto-feed, P-4, home office and small desk use
3. AutoMax 100M Micro-Cut: 100 sheet auto-feed, P-5, micro-cut for higher security needs
4. AutoMax 150C Cross-Cut: 150 sheet auto-feed, P-4, small office deskside use
5. AutoMax 200C Cross-Cut: 200 sheet auto-feed, P-4, 77L bin, small to medium office
6. AutoMax 200M Micro-Cut: 200 sheet auto-feed, P-5, micro-cut for sensitive documents
7. AutoMax 350C Cross-Cut: 350 sheet auto-feed, P-4, 83L bin, medium office
8. AutoMax 450C Cross-Cut SilentShred: 450 sheet auto-feed, P-4, under 56dB operation
9. AutoMax 550C Cross-Cut: 550 sheet auto-feed, P-4, 132L bin, large office
10. AutoMax 600M Micro-Cut: 600 sheet auto-feed, P-5, micro-cut, departmental use

 

Browse the AutoMax Medium Office sub-category

 

What are the security levels available in the AutoMax range?

AutoMax shredders are available in P-4 cross-cut and P-5 micro-cut security levels, as defined by the DIN 66399 international shredder security standard. P-4 cross-cut is sufficient for general business documents, while P-5 micro-cut is recommended for highly confidential information.

Understanding the two AutoMax security levels:

 

P-4 Cross-Cut (available in: 80M, 90M, 150C, 200C, 350C, 450C, 550C)

1. Cuts documents into small rectangular particles
2. Suitable for general office documents, invoices, correspondence, and HR records
3. Meets standard POPIA document destruction requirements for most business types
4. Particles measure approximately 4 x 38mm

 

P-5 Micro-Cut (available in: 100M, 200M, 600M)

1. Cuts documents into significantly smaller particles than cross-cut
2. Recommended for financial records, client data, legal documents, and medical information
3. Provides a higher level of POPIA compliance assurance for sensitive personal information
4. Particles measure approximately 2 x 12mm

 

For a full explanation of DIN security levels and which one your business needs, read the DigiShred security levels guide

 

How does AutoMax auto-feed technology work?

AutoMax auto-feed works by loading a stack of documents into a separate feed compartment that sits above or beside the shredder. Once closed, the machine draws sheets through automatically and shreds the full stack without any further input from the user.

 

How the auto-feed cycle works step by step:

1. Load up to the model’s maximum sheet count into the auto-feed compartment
2. Close the compartment door
3. The machine activates and feeds sheets through at a controlled rate
4. The AccuFeed System monitors sheet thickness and adjusts feed speed to prevent jams
5. The Jam Proof system detects overloads and reverses automatically if needed
6. Shredded particles drop into the main waste bin below
7. An LED indicator alerts when the bin needs emptying

 

The manual feed slot remains accessible during auto-feed operation for single sheets, credit cards, CDs, and stapled documents. SafeSense activates on the manual slot and stops the shredder if hands approach the feed opening.

Learn more about how to choose the right shredder for your office

 

How do AutoMax shredders compare across the range?

AutoMax models range from 80-sheet desktop units to 600-sheet departmental shredders, with cross-cut and micro-cut options at different price and capacity tiers.

The right model depends on how many users share the machine, how frequently it runs, and the security level required.

 

Model	Security Level	Auto-Feed Capacity	Bin Size	Best For
AutoMax 80M	P-4 Mini-Cut	80 sheets	23L	Home office, single user
AutoMax 90M	P-4 Mini-Cut	90 sheets	23L	Home office, light use
AutoMax 100M	P-5 Micro-Cut	100 sheets	23L	Home office, higher security
AutoMax 150C	P-4 Cross-Cut	150 sheets	34L	Small office, 1 to 3 users
AutoMax 200C	P-4 Cross-Cut	200 sheets	77L	Small office, 1 to 5 users
AutoMax 200M	P-5 Micro-Cut	200 sheets	77L	Small office, sensitive documents
AutoMax 350C	P-4 Cross-Cut	350 sheets	83L	Medium office, 5 to 10 users
AutoMax 450C	P-4 Cross-Cut	450 sheets	100L	Open-plan office, quiet operation
AutoMax 550C	P-4 Cross-Cut	550 sheets	132L	Large office, 10 to 20 users
AutoMax 600M	P-5 Micro-Cut	600 sheets	132L	Departmental, high-security use

 

Who should use a Fellowes Beswick AutoMax shredder?

AutoMax shredders suit any business or individual that generates a regular volume of confidential documents and needs to destroy them securely without spending staff time on manual shredding. They are particularly well suited to offices where compliance with POPIA document disposal requirements is a priority.

 

AutoMax shredders are commonly used by:

1. Legal practices shredding client correspondence, contracts, and case files
2. Financial services firms disposing of statements, applications, and transaction records
3. Medical practices destroying patient records and referral documents
4. HR departments shredding payroll records, employment files, and staff documentation
5. Accounting firms disposing of tax returns, audit documents, and client financials
6. Small businesses that accumulate documents weekly and need a hands-free disposal routine
7. Home office users who handle sensitive personal or business documents regularly

 

POPIA requires businesses to destroy personal information that is no longer needed. AutoMax shredders provide a practical, verifiable method of complying with this obligation by producing particles that cannot be reconstructed.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Fellowes Beswick AutoMax shredder?

A Fellowes Beswick AutoMax shredder is an auto-feed shredder that accepts a stack of documents, loads them automatically, and shreds the entire stack without any manual feeding. AutoMax models are available in cross-cut and micro-cut versions and range from desktop units to departmental machines.

 

What security level do I need for POPIA compliance?

POPIA requires businesses to destroy personal information in a way that prevents reconstruction. P-4 cross-cut meets the standard for most general business documents. P-5 micro-cut is recommended for highly sensitive personal information such as financial records, medical data, or legal documents. The AutoMax range offers both options.

 

What is the difference between cross-cut and micro-cut on AutoMax shredders?

Cross-cut (P-4) slices documents into small rectangular pieces measuring approximately 4 x 38mm. Micro-cut (P-5) produces significantly smaller particles at approximately 2 x 12mm, offering a higher level of document security. Micro-cut models include the AutoMax 100M, 200M, and 600M.

 

How do I choose the right AutoMax model for my business?

Consider three factors: the number of users sharing the machine, how often you shred, and the sensitivity of your documents. Small offices with one to five users typically suit the 150C or 200C. Medium offices suit the 350C or 450C. High-volume or high-security environments suit the 550C or 600M. DigiShred can recommend the right mode.

 

How many sheets can an AutoMax shredder handle automatically?

AutoMax auto-feed capacity ranges from 80 sheets on the smaller desktop models to 600 sheets on the AutoMax 600M. The exact capacity depends on paper weight, typically measured at standard 70gsm office paper.

 

Does the AutoMax shredder work without anyone watching it?

Yes. Load the stack into the auto-feed compartment, close the door, and the machine shreds unattended. SafeSense activates on the manual feed slot and stops the shredder if hands approach the opening, but the auto-feed compartment operates independently and safely once closed.

 

What happens if the AutoMax jams?

AutoMax shredders include 100% Jam Proof technology. The AccuFeed System monitors sheet thickness during the auto-feed cycle and automatically reverses if it detects an overload, clearing the blockage without manual intervention.

 

Can AutoMax shredders handle staples, credit cards, and CDs?

Yes. All AutoMax models shred staples and credit cards through the manual feed slot without dulling the blades. Selected models also shred CDs. Check the individual product listing for media handling specifications.

 

How loud is the AutoMax 450C SilentShred?

The AutoMax 450C SilentShred operates at under 56dB during shredding. This makes it suitable for open-plan offices where noise from a standard shredder would be disruptive.

 

How often do I need to maintain an AutoMax shredder?

Oil the cutting blades every time you empty the bin, or approximately every 30 minutes of shredding time. Use Fellowes shredder oil applied to a sheet of paper and run it through the manual feed slot. Regular oiling extends cutter life and maintains shredding performance.

 

What is the bin capacity on AutoMax shredders?

Bin sizes range from 23 litres on the smaller desktop models to 132 litres on the AutoMax 550C and 600M. Larger bins reduce how often you need to empty the machine, which matters for high-volume office environments.

 

How does AutoMax compare to Kobra auto-feed shredders?

Both the Fellowes Beswick AutoMax and Kobra auto-feed ranges offer hands-free shredding with similar sheet capacities. AutoMax is known for its Jam Proof and SafeSense features. Kobra auto-feed models offer strong build quality and a competitive price point. DigiShred stocks both ranges.

 

Is the AutoMax shredder suitable for a home office?

Yes. The AutoMax 80M, 90M, and 100M are compact desktop models suited to home office use. They auto-feed up to 80 to 100 sheets and fit neatly on or beside a desk without taking up floor space.

 

Can I rent a shredder instead of buying?

Yes. DigiShred offers flexible shredder rental options. Call 087 654 8008 or email [email protected] to discuss what suits your business.