The Brother TN420 and TN450 toner cartridge series, released in 2010, offers a high-yield solution for consistent performance and long-lasting prints. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Brother TN450, including its features, compatible printers, installation steps, and FAQs. Whether you’re a frequent printer user or looking to maximize cartridge lifespan, this guide will help you get the most out of your Brother TN450 toner.
- Overview of TN450 Toner Cartridge and DR450 Drum Unit
- Compatible Printers for Brother TN450
- How to Install Brother TN450 Toner
- FAQ: Brother TN450 Toner Cartridges
Overview of TN450 Toner and DR420 Drum:
To maintain peak performance in your Brother printer, it’s essential to understand the roles of the TN420 / TN450 toner cartridge and the DR420 drum unit. These components work together to produce crisp, high-quality prints.
What is the TN450 Toner Cartridge?
The Brother TN420 is a standard-yield toner cartridge, while the TN450offers a high-yield option, perfect for users with higher print volumes. Each cartridge is filled with toner powder that produces sharp, clear text and images, ensuring consistent print quality.
- TN420 (Standard Yield): Prints approximately 1,200 pages—ideal for moderate printing needs.
- TN450 (High Yield): Prints up to 2,600 pages, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent printing.
What is the DR420 Drum Unit?
The DR420 drum unit is an essential, separate component in Brother laser printers, responsible for transferring toner onto the paper to achieve precise, high-resolution prints. With an approximate lifespan of 12,000 pages, the DR420 drum generally outlasts the toner cartridge, handling around 3-4 toner replacements before requiring a replacement.
When to Replace the TN450 Toner and DR420 Drum Unit?
Typically, the toner cartridge requires replacement more often than the drum unit:
- TN420 / TN450 Toner: Expect to replace the toner cartridge every 1-2 months with regular use or sooner if print quality begins to fade.
- DR420 Drum Unit: Generally, the drum unit lasts 6-12 months, depending on your print volume. Replace it when you start noticing print streaks or decreased print quality.
Breakdown of the TN450 Series:
| SKU | Price | Page Yield | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible Brother TN450 HY Black Toner | $19.99 | ~2,600 pages | High Yield |
| Set of 2: Compatible Brother TN450 HY Black Toners | $35.98 | ~2,600/each | High Yield |
| Set of 5: Compatible Brother TN450 HY Black Toner | $79.95 | ~2,600/each | High Yield |
| Compatible Brother DR420 Drum Unit | $39.99 | ~12,000 pages | Drum Unit |
| Original Brother TN420 SY Black Toner | $41.29 | ~1,200 pages | Standard Yield |
| Original Brother TN450 HY Black Toner | $61.49 | ~2,600 pages | High Yield |
| Original Brother DR420 Drum Unit | $91.25 | ~12,000 pages | Drum Unit |
Note: Prices mentioned in this article are subject to change without notice. For the most current pricing and availability, please visit LD Products.
Compatible Printers for Brother TN420 / TN450
The Brother TN420 and TN450 black toner cartridges and DR420 drum unit are compatible with the following printers:
- DCP-7060D
- DCP-7065DN
- IntelliFax-2840
- IntelliFAX-2940
- HL-2220
- HL-2230
- HL-2240
- HL-2240D
- HL-2270DW
- HL-2275DW
- HL-2280DW
- MFC-7240
- MFC-7360N
- MFC-7365DN
- MFC-7460DN
- MFC-7860DW
How to Install Brother TN420/TN450 Toner
Follow these steps on how to install the TN420 or TN450 toner cartridge in your Brother printer:
How to install the TN450 toner cartridge?
- Turn on the printer
- Open the front cover
- Carefully remove the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly
- Push down on the green lock lever to remove the toner cartridge from the drum unit
- Unpack the replacement toner, removing all packaging and protective coverings
- Gently rock the toner side to side to redistribute toner evenly
- Push the new toner cartridge firmly into the drum unit until it locks into place
- Slide the green tab left to right several times to clean the corona wire
- Align the arrow tab with the arrow on the drum unit (to avoid print quality issues)
- Reinstall the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly back into the printer
- Close the front cover
The process is very similar to how you would install a TN760 toner, please refer to the video tutorial below:
How to install the DR420 drum unit?
- Turn on the printer
- Open the front cover
- Carefully remove the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly
- Push down on the green lock lever to remove the toner cartridge from the drum unit
- Unpack the replacement drum, removing all packaging and protective coverings
- Insert the toner cartridge firmly back into the drum unit until it locks into place
- Reinstall the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly back into the printer
- Close the front cover
The process is very similar to how you would install a DR730 drum, please refer to the video tutorial below:
If you would like to learn more about installing toner or drum, please check out our article on How to Replace a Toner Cartridge and Drum Unit in a Brother Laser Printer.
FAQ for TN420 / TN450 Toners
Q1: What is the difference between TN420 and TN450 toners?
The TN450 is a high-yield cartridge with a page yield of up to 2,600 pages, while the TN420 is a standard-yield cartridge, printing up to 1,200 pages. The TN450 is more economical for frequent or high-volume printing.
Q2: Which Brother printers use the TN420 / TN450 toner cartridges?
The Brother TN420 and TN450 toner cartridge is compatible with various Brother printers, such as the HL-2270DW, MFC-7860DW, and IntelliFax-2840. A complete list of compatible models is provided above.
Q3: Do I need both the TN450 and DR420 for my printer to work?
Yes, both are essential for proper printer function. The TN450 supplies toner for printing, while the DR420 drum unit transfers the toner onto the paper.
The Brother TN450 toner cartridge, combined with the DR420 drum unit, offers a high-yield, reliable solution for consistent print quality across a range of Brother printers. With a page yield of up to 2,600 pages for the TN450 and a lifespan of about 12,000 pages for the DR420, this pairing is ideal for both moderate and high-volume users. Easy to install and maintain, the TN450 and DR420 work together to deliver sharp, professional prints, making them an economical and popular choice for home and office environments. For competitive pricing and a lifetime guarantee, visit LD Products.
