Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

[fshead]

hi
I have a request for a smaller color copier under 24inches total height.
i saw these in the warehouse i buy from and wondered is it worth selling?
saw a lot of post regarding yellow toner and coils etc but is it a functional?
thnx

[MitchD]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

I would say purchase at your own risk. We have a number of these in the field and almost all of them have needed a yellow pump replaced and PCU's are not getting yield. They are not the worst I have out, but once you replace a pump in the field you will have the same opinion

Good Luck

[copier tech]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

We've got dozens of these 305's out & I personally have not had any major issues (no toner pumps failed for me)

The only issue I have is creasing or jamming if using poor quality paper.

[Tonerbomb]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

only if you get the latest production units with the mod's they put into the new 306z................

and only place in the very low volume usage their intended for...........

[fshead]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

hi
i m not over concerned with a toner pump going,as i have had a few go on the mpc2800 and still
look to resell them.
how could you tell if they are a newer lot with mods?
is it a sn that shows it?
what would be acceptable monthly b/w volume?
thnx

[sandmanmac]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

hi
i m not over concerned with a toner pump going,as i have had a few go on the mpc2800 and still
look to resell them.

From what I've seen, this is in NO WAY similar to replacing a pump on a C2800, etc.
I've not personally had the pleasure of dealing with any C305's, but just from looking inside, and poking around a couple of them, I have no intention of buying any.

Ricoh seems to have really taken a step backwards in design in my opinion from the C300/400's, which I've had good luck with.

[KenB]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

Make sure you get ALL the firmware to current versions.

If the firmware is old, you run the risk of getting a bunch of SC899 codes. Once updated, they seem to behave better.

The SC899 tends to appear first thing in the morning just after the machine wakes up from sleep mode.

It's a lot easier (and not half as messy) to update the firmware than pouring a hot cup of coffee over the little sucker each morning.

[fshead]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

From what I've seen, this is in NO WAY similar to replacing a pump on a C2800, etc.
I've not personally had the pleasure of dealing with any C305's, but just from looking inside, and poking around a couple of them, I have no intention of buying any.

Ricoh seems to have really taken a step backwards in design in my opinion from the C300/400's, which I've had good luck with.

hi
i was only comparing the toner pump issue because i wouldnt judge a "box" on one weak point but if getting around
inside is an issue,i hear you as i have had many nightmares with the old brother machines.....
what is considered acceptable monthly volume?
thnx

[TonerMunkeh]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

Replacing a toner pump on a 305 is similar to doing one on an SPC420 or 430 but with more boards in the way. Other than the lasers, fuser, toner supply system, PDCU's that fail every five minutes and boards that blow when you look at the machine the wrong way, they're a good little box.They have their niggles which will hopefully be sorted with the 306.

[Tonerbomb]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

It's not so much the toner pumps as it is the rfid pcb that the toner cartridge connects to that gets pins damaged. It's a bit of surgery to replace this and not recommended to do in the field if possible...............

[fshead]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

Replacing a toner pump on a 305 is similar to doing one on an SPC420 or 430 but with more boards in the way. Other than the lasers, fuser, toner supply system, PDCU's that fail every five minutes and boards that blow when you look at the machine the wrong way, they're a good little box.They have their niggles which will hopefully be sorted with the 306.

im getting a not so warm cozy feeling wth this series...
is there another older multifuncional color that is short,single tray and less than 22 inches wth adf that
isnt a turd?
even if its another brand
thnx

[moonraker]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

Toner hoppers, toner supply housing, rfid pcb, PDCUs, controller pcbs that cost 000s, and recently fuser gears that turn to powder.
Other than that, not too bad a box

Have another one "calling for toner" tomorrow....oh deep joy.

[fshead]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

i just informed potential customer that this machine is a "turd" and i will look for a different machine even a different brand..
there are just way too many choices as an independent tech that keeps me from what you dealer guys got stuck
servicing due to sales people without any conscience ..
thnx

[Oze]

Re: Should i stay clear of the MPC305 series?

Also....
Pray that you never have to change a feed clutch.
The amount of tear down and reassembly just to fit a new clutch is ridiculous

[Bantams]