The monochrome Brother HL-2140 and HL-2170 were introduced in December 2007. They are nearly identical, with both having print speeds of up to 23 pages per minute (ppm).

Several other models of printers and MFPs using the same print engine were introduced in 2008 worldwide, all with print speeds ranging from 18 ppm to 23 ppm. All models in the family have an OEM rated duty cycle of 10,000 pages per month.

The printers ship with a 1,000 page yield starter toner cartridge and full 12,000 page yield drum unit. OEM replacement toner cartridges are available in 1,500 and 2,600 page yield versions. All models use the same supplies set (a separate toner and drum cartridge that fits together and are installed as one unit). However, OEM SKUs differ by geographic market and page yield.

The toner cartridges are not chipped, however a flag gear must be reset (and must be positioned correctly) to clear the toner low message/indicator and allow printing to continue. Starter cartridges do not include this flag gear.

Brother HL-2170