Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

[progoffice]

We've been a Kyocera/Copystar and Konica Minolta dealer for quite some time. We love the A3 Konica Minolta color machines; however, their new 8 series has not been as good to us as the previous models leading up to it. The biggest issues we have with them is premature drum wear and their lack of quality remote management support (such as KFS). We have several Kyocera A4 color machines (306ci, 356ci) in the field and other than black drum dots, they've been pretty solid. What is everyone's opinion (pros and cons) on Kyocera's A3 color machines? Are they finally competitive in this segment or is Konica still a better A3 color box?

[progoffice]

Re: Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

No opinions yet? Is this one of those things where if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all?

[Tonerkiller]

Re: Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

They are working GREAT!!!!!!!!!!
Right now I am very happy with how all the Kyocera machines are working.

[copiertec]

Re: Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

Our company has not used them since the C Alfards ('00 series) and have been using Sharp's for color, however, the latest Sharp A3 series seem to be turds (color and mono). I too am curious... it seems Kyocera has made some big leaps and bounds since the C Alfard days.

It's too bad about the 8 color series for KM, we have a few of their older color boxes out there and can always get good life out of their maintenance items... plus some, as long as you do not have to replace one of their MFP boards...ouch!

[tmaged]

Re: Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

They've been very good. Initial fuser problems & a few minor things, but all seems to have been resolved. I went to a 3552ci today & it was the the first call since installing the unit, (about 100k).

[JR2ALTA]

Re: Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

We've been a Kyocera/Copystar and Konica Minolta dealer for quite some time. We love the A3 Konica Minolta color machines; however, their new 8 series has not been as good to us as the previous models leading up to it. The biggest issues we have with them is premature drum wear and their lack of quality remote management support (such as KFS). We have several Kyocera A4 color machines (306ci, 356ci) in the field and other than black drum dots, they've been pretty solid. What is everyone's opinion (pros and cons) on Kyocera's A3 color machines? Are they finally competitive in this segment or is Konica still a better A3 color box?

Yea..but can't you still just open the front cover and swap them in 10 seconds? Not being sarcastic, I don't know that 8 series.

[progoffice]

Re: Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

Yea..but can't you still just open the front cover and swap them in 10 seconds? Not being sarcastic, I don't know that 8 series.

You can, but time is money and so are the parts. Profit margins start to shrink using the same rates as the "e" series when you have to start replacing parts due to premature drum wear.

[Vakruz]

Re: Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

I know the company i work has quite a few of these in the field now. I personally love them, they run really smooth, and are super tech friendly when coming to maintenance kits and the like. The only problem I've ran into on 2 out of maybe 30-ish of the colors i have in the field in the toner hopper assembly. The felt in back on the black and magenta bunched up and wouldnt add toner, and one gear stipped out in the back of the same part on 2 different machines. Otherwise pretty solid.

[Scott]

Re: Need opinions on Kyocera's newer A3 color machines

We have probably a 100 out and they are great so far