Taylor Machine Works, based in Louisville, Mississippi, is a privately-held American manufacturer of industrial lift trucks, founded in 1927. Known for its "Big Red" product line, Taylor produces some of the world's most rugged, high-capacity forklifts, with lift capacities reaching up to 125,000 pounds. These machines are legendary in industries like steel, lumber, concrete, and ports.
Major Series & Models
Taylor offers a comprehensive lineup of pneumatic and cushion tire forklifts, categorized into several series.
GT Series (IC Pneumatic): The standard in industrial material handling, with capacities from 6,000 to 18,000 lbs.
GTC Series (IC Cushion): Designed for warehouses and distribution centers, with capacities from 4,000 to 5,000 lbs.
X, XH, XC & XHC Series (High-Capacity): The biggest and toughest forklifts, with capacities from 16,000 to 125,000 lbs. Specific models include:
XC-220SL: 22,000 lb capacity cushion tire forklift with a 125HP GM 5.7L LPG engine.
XE-4060: 60,000 lb capacity cushion tire forklift with a PSI 4.3L V6 LPG engine.
XN-520S: 52,000 lb capacity pneumatic tire forklift with a 225HP Cummins QSB 6.7L diesel engine.
X-360M: 36,000 lb capacity pneumatic tire forklift with a 173HP Cummins QSB 6.7L diesel engine.
GTX Series (High-Capacity Pneumatic): Engineered for the biggest lifts, with capacities from 30,000 to 125,000 lbs. Models include the GTX-550H (55,116 lb / 25 ton capacity) and the GTX-990H (99,208 lb / 45 ton capacity).
GTR Series: Heavy-duty pneumatic tire forklifts, including the GTR16-6 (16 ton capacity) and GTR25-12 (25 ton capacity).
Specialized Equipment: Taylor also manufactures log stackers, container handlers (capable of stacking loaded containers up to 6-high and empty containers up to 8-high), reach stackers, and platform trucks.
How Much Does a Taylor Forklift Cost?
Taylor forklifts are significant investments, with prices varying widely based on model, age, and condition.
Used/Auction Units:
A Taylor 180 sold at auction for $1,980.
A 2019 Taylor GT155 is listed between $37,681 and $51,594.
A 1996 Taylor GT360 (36,000 lb capacity) is priced at $78,000.
A 1995 Taylor TEC-950L is listed for $145,000.
Used Taylor forklifts can range from $155,000 to $189,869.
High-Capacity New/Used:
A 2013 Taylor TX550RC is listed at $299,900.
Rental/Purchase:
A Taylor TC400L (40,000 lb capacity) is available for approximately ¥606,610 CNY.
How Much Does a Taylor Forklift Weigh?
Given their heavy-duty construction, Taylor forklifts are exceptionally heavy.
TX-160 (16,000 lb capacity): 25,100 lbs.
TX360L (36,000 lb capacity): 22,000 lbs (operating weight).
T-250S (25,000 lb capacity): 37,650 lbs (base operating weight).
Y-24-BWO (24,000 lb capacity): 38,950 lbs.
TE-360L (36,000 lb capacity): 44,650 lbs (gross weight).
XH400L (40,000 lb capacity): 63,300 lbs (gross weight).
TE300M (30,000 lb capacity): Steer axle chassis weight is 20,000 lbs; drive axle weight is 20,000 lbs.
In short, Taylor forklifts are heavy-duty, high-capacity machines built for the most demanding industrial applications. They range from 4,000 lb capacity warehouse models to 125,000 lb behemoths for ports and steel mills, with prices from under $2,000 at auction to nearly $300,000 or more for newer, high-capacity units, and weights typically starting around 22,000 lbs and exceeding 63,000 lbs for the largest models.