A Taylor forklift – instantly recognizable by its iconic "Big Red" color – is an American-made heavy-duty workhorse built for the most demanding industrial applications. Manufactured by Taylor Machine Works in Louisville, Mississippi, a Taylor forklift has been a symbol of power, durability, and innovation since 1927.
A Legacy of American Manufacturing
Taylor Machine Works is one of the only privately held manufacturers of industrial lift trucks operating in America today. Founded by W.A. Taylor, Sr. as a small automotive repair business, the company introduced its first forklift, the "Yardster," in the early 1950s. Today, under third and fourth-generation family leadership, a Taylor forklift is renowned worldwide for its rugged construction and ability to handle the heaviest and bulkiest materials.
The "Big Red" Product Line
The Taylor forklift lineup, known as "Big Red," covers an enormous range of capacities and applications.
Pneumatic Tire Forklifts: The core of the Taylor forklift family, with lift capacities reaching up to an astonishing 125,000 pounds.
Cushion Tire Forklifts: Designed for smooth indoor surfaces, with capacities extending to 85,000 lbs.
Container Handlers & Reach Stackers: Specialized Taylor forklift machines for ports and intermodal yards, capable of stacking containers up to eight-high.
Log Stackers: Purpose-built Taylor forklift models for the forestry industry, capable of handling entire truckloads of logs in one bite.
Key Technologies & Features
A Taylor forklift is engineered for performance, operator comfort, and low cost of ownership.
TICS (Taylor Integrated Control System): Nearly every Taylor forklift is equipped with this system. It allows operators to adjust power output based on the job, reducing fuel consumption and machine strain. It also provides diagnostics and monitors key functions to minimize downtime.
Operator Comfort & Safety: A Taylor forklift features ergonomic cabins, responsive controls, and excellent visibility. The "Vision Plus" system enhances safety, while all-weather cabins and reduced noise/vibration keep operators comfortable. Most units include high-visibility cabins and large mirrors for confident operation.
Powertrain: A Taylor forklift is powered by robust engines, including John Deere diesel options and heavy-duty powershift transmissions.
Ease of Maintenance: A Taylor forklift is designed for serviceability, with clamshell hoods for easy access to the drivetrain and readily available genuine parts.
Specific Model Examples
The Taylor forklift family includes models for every need:
Series / Model Capacity Key Feature
GT-60 / GT-66 6,000 – 6,600 lbs Compact pneumatic tire forklift
X-Series (X-160, XH-180) 16,000 – 20,000 lbs Heavy-duty pneumatic tire
T/TH Series (T-180S to T-250S) 18,000 – 25,000 lbs Large-capacity pneumatic tire
XH-350L / T-520 35,000 – 52,000 lbs Diesel-powered heavy lifter
ZH Series (Electric) 36,000 – 100,000 lbs Zero-emission battery electric
XN-520S 52,000 lbs Pneumatic tire for heavy industry
The Future is Electric
Taylor is also a leader in zero-emission technology. The company has partnered with Proterra to power its ZLC and ZEC-series electric container handlers, ZRS-series reach stackers, and ZH-series of electric forklifts. These battery-electric Taylor forklift models range from 36,000 lbs to 100,000 lbs in capacity and are designed for ports, steel mills, and concrete plants. The Taylor ZLC-996 electric container handler can operate for 16 to 20 hours on a single charge.
Where to Buy
Taylor forklift equipment is available through an authorized dealer network across North America and worldwide, including Leavitt Machinery, H&K Equipment, RION Equipment, and Big Red Inc. Many dealers offer new, used, and refurbished Taylor forklift models, as well as parts and service support.
In short, a Taylor forklift is more than a machine – it's a nearly century-old legacy of American engineering, built to handle the toughest jobs with power, reliability, and innovation. When you need to move mountains, you can depend on "Big Red".