Brother MFC-8710DW: Legal glass with simplex batch scanning review

Legal originals have a real flatbed route

The Brother MFC-8710DW is an earlier monochrome office all-in-one with color scanning, faxing and a full Legal-size glass. Its 50-page automatic document feeder is useful for suitable one-sided batches. That combination fits an established office handling both ordinary document stacks and originals that should stay on the glass.

The deciding distinction is that its scanner does not automatically capture both sides. Automatic duplex printing is supported, including two-sided output made from one-sided originals. That output feature is different from an automatic duplex feeder. A two-sided input stack calls for another model or a deliberate manual process.

The shared table must retain its columns

Brother’s original USA/Canada guide covers MFC-8510DN, MFC-8710DW, MFC-8810DW and MFC-8910DW. In the actual scanner table, the no-duplex cell spans the first two models. The positive duplex entry belongs to the latter two. Reading a flattened web table without its merged-column alignment can give this exact printer a scanner it does not have.

The glass distinction goes the other way: MFC-8710DW positively has up to 8.5 × 14 in. of document support, whereas the smaller glass elsewhere in the family belongs to a different model. The 50-page ADF also supports suitable one-sided documents through Legal length. Use its actual original-weight and condition restrictions rather than feeding stapled, damaged or unsuitable material.

Color scanning does not make the printer a color-output machine. The toner engine and paper copies are monochrome. The five-line monochrome control display is a separate feature again, and does not prevent color originals from being captured by the scanner.

Keep the computer setup within its software support

USB, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n wireless support the listed desktop print and scan software. The original computer-requirements table separates those functions from Server systems limited to network printing. Check the exact model’s current downloads and the application options needed on the intended computer.

AirPrint is positively listed for its wireless-network arrangement, and Wi-Fi Direct is separately documented for direct wireless printing. A USB desktop scan path cannot borrow a network mobile-printing feature. Historical cloud-service names do not guarantee that those services continue to operate, and we do not add Mopria from a newer model’s specification.

The Basic User Guide describes the Secure Print key releasing stored print data after a four-digit password. Use compatible Brother software for that held-job routine; it is not a promise that every mobile app supports the same release workflow. Analog fax also requires its own suitable telephone connection, rather than merely connecting Ethernet.

Count the included paper rather than optional expansion

The normal input arrangement is a 250-sheet cassette plus 50-sheet multipurpose tray on the stated 20 lb plain-paper basis. Both support ordinary Letter, Legal and A4 pages. A separately purchased 500-sheet lower tray expands capacity, but is not included in the base configuration.

The USA automatic-print-duplex list contains Letter, Legal and Folio. A4 is supported for ordinary input but is not in that exact duplex list. Suitable envelopes use the MP tray under their actual media instructions; envelope handling does not imply automatic two-sided envelopes.

Assess an older installation realistically

The exact USA table declares up to 40 one-sided Letter pages per minute. Automatic print duplex is separately 18 sides per minute, or 9 sheets per minute. These are manufacturer figures, not our own timed results. The read surviving exact sources do not provide a numerical recommended monthly limit, so speed cannot establish that missing workload recommendation.

The original brochure lists TN720 and TN750 replacement toner around 3000 and 8000 pages under ISO/IEC 19752, with a separate DR720 drum. Check actual remaining supplies rather than treating those replacements as verified carton contents. The USA 110–120 V body measures 19.3 × 16.3 × 17.6 in. and weighs 35.9 lb. Choose this earlier reference for its actual Legal glass and simplex scanning workflow, after confirming condition, drivers and room for document access.