Paper Trays for the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428 is designed with versatility and convenience in mind, and its paper handling system reflects that commitment to productivity. The printer includes multiple paper trays engineered to accommodate various paper types, sizes, and weights—making it suitable for everyday business printing as well as specialized tasks such as envelopes, labels, and card stock. Understanding the paper tray configuration and best practices for loading paper properly is essential to achieving consistent, high-quality prints while avoiding common issues such as jams or misfeeds.
Overview of the Paper Tray System
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428 typically comes with two main paper trays:
Each tray serves a distinct function. Tray 2 acts as the standard, high-capacity tray for everyday printing tasks, while Tray 1 provides a flexible solution for printing on special media types or one-time custom jobs. Together, they offer the perfect balance between capacity and adaptability for different office needs.
In addition to the input trays, the printer also includes an output bin designed to neatly collect printed pages and prevent paper from curling or falling.
Tray 1 (Multipurpose Tray)
Tray 1, also known as the multipurpose or priority feed tray, is located on the front of the printer and is primarily used for quick or one-off print jobs. It can hold up to 100 sheets of plain paper and supports a variety of media including envelopes, transparencies, postcards, and heavier stock paper up to 200 g/m².
This tray is ideal when you need to print on different media types without interrupting a large print job that’s already using Tray 2. For example, if you are printing an envelope while Tray 2 is loaded with letter-sized paper, you can simply load the envelope into Tray 1 without removing or reloading the main tray.
Supported paper sizes for Tray 1 include:
To use Tray 1 properly, always adjust the paper width and length guides snugly against the paper. This helps prevent skewing or feeding errors during printing.
Tray 2 (Main Input Tray)
Tray 2 serves as the main paper source and can hold up to 250 sheets of standard 20 lb (75 g/m²) paper. It is located beneath the main printer body and is designed for high-volume printing with minimal interruptions.
Tray 2 supports most common office paper sizes including:
This tray is perfect for continuous daily printing of reports, invoices, and other office documents. For optimal performance, make sure the tray is not overloaded. HP recommends keeping the paper stack below the fill line indicator to ensure smooth paper feeding.
If you frequently print on different media, HP also offers an optional third 550-sheet paper tray that can be purchased separately. This additional tray increases the total input capacity, making it ideal for small to medium-sized workgroups that need extended, uninterrupted print cycles.
Output Tray
The output tray or output bin of the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428 holds up to 150 sheets of printed paper. It is equipped with a paper stop extension that prevents sheets from sliding off when printing large batches. Always remove printed pages regularly to avoid paper stacking beyond capacity, which could lead to output jams or curling.
Paper Loading Guidelines
To ensure consistent and jam-free printing, follow these best practices when loading paper into any tray:
For best results, HP recommends using HP-branded paper and media that meet the printer’s specifications.
Media Type Compatibility
The M428 supports a wide range of paper types including:
The printer automatically detects the paper type in use when properly configured via the HP Smart App or the printer’s touchscreen settings, ensuring optimal toner application and print density.
Maintenance Tips
Keeping the paper trays clean and properly aligned helps maintain the printer’s long-term reliability. Regularly check for dust, paper debris, or toner residue that could interfere with feeding. If a paper jam occurs, always refer to the on-screen instructions or printer manual for safe removal procedures. Never pull jammed paper forcefully, as it could damage internal rollers.
Conclusion
The paper trays of the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428 are a perfect example of HP’s thoughtful engineering—offering flexibility, durability, and convenience in a compact form. Whether you’re handling a quick print task or running high-volume jobs, the combination of Tray 1 and Tray 2 ensures that your printer is always ready for any media type or workload. With proper setup and care, these trays will keep your workflow efficient, smooth, and reliable for years to come.