There are two main pump systems that the Taylor Company has designed for their pressurized machines. All the pressurized machines made by Taylor have either a simplified coaxial pump or a horizon pump. Below we explain the differences between the two types of pump, the use of a third peristaltic pump in some Taylor machines, & we make a side note on the technology called "flavor burst" which could potentially increase profits in for your business.

Before we begin it is important to note that this information only applies to pressurized or pump machines. Gravity fed machines do not use pumps because you pour the product mix into the hoppers which sit on top of the machines and freezing cylinders. When you pour the mix into the hoppers, gravity pulls the mix into the freezing cylinders.

Pump fed machines usually have a small cabinet or compartment at the bottom of the machine where you pour your product into large containers and place the pump's tubes into for it to pull the mix from the bottom of the machine up to the freezing cylinders at the top of the machine.

In terms of the finished product that comes out of the machine's spouts, there is no difference between the two pump styles. The only two differences are the simplicity of the design and the durability of the parts.

Simplified Taylor Pump

How Can You Tell It's A Simplified Pump?

The best way to tell the difference is to open up the machine and take a look at the mechanics inside. The simplified pump is characterized by two sets of tubes connected to metal cylinders inside the machine at the top of the cabinet below the machine.

How Does It Work & How Do I Clean It?

The instructions for operating & cleaning this pump can be found in your owner's manual. Keep in mind that each manual has a different order in which it presents necessary information to you but and information you need can always be found in the operator's manual. This manual is for the Taylor C706 which shows:

The parts & pieces in blown up view of the pump on page 9

Pump assembly on page 15

Disassembly on pages 25-26

Pump key & the pump reset button on page 13

Air & product mix pump checklist for operator to review on page 29

What Are The Differences Of Picking A Simplified Over A Horizon?

The big difference between the two is in the cleaning procedures. The simplified pump has less parts and o rings than the horizon pump making it easier to take apart, clean, and put back together. There are no issues or difficulty when cleaning this type of pump. Being that this pump is easier to clean due to the materials and assembly it carries, it makes it easier to experience wear & tear. This is because the simplified pump has more O rings and plastic pieces which can usually break more easily.

Horizon Pump

How Can You Tell It's A Horizon Pump?

The best way to tell the difference is to open up the machine. The horizon pump is easily distinguishable by its use of 2 sets of tubes per barrel (used as hopper below the machine in large full standing models) as well as the circular face plates that create a semicircle shape with the tubes.

How Does It Work & How Do I Clean It?

We always recommend you check your operator's manual before doing any kind of maintenance or cleaning on your machines. The manual below we provide is for the Taylor 8756, 8752, & 8757 which shows:

Pump operation notes on page 19

Pump assembly and a blown up view of the parts and pieces on pages 24-28

Pump cleaning page 33

Pump disassembly page 34

Mix pump operator's checklist page 37

What Are The Differences Of Picking A Horizon Over A Simplified?

The horizon pump has a more intricate assembly in which it has a variety of O rings instead of plastic pieces. Since the horizon pump uses a more complicated system with rubber pieces, then it is much more complicated to disassemble, clean, and reassemble. Since it is more complicated to take apart and put back together you usually need some training (typically 3 session) from a Taylor company technician. The extensive use of O rings and other rubber parts makes the machine more reliable and less likely to mess up compared to the simplified pump (although both pumps have a very small percentage of mistakes).

Peristaltic Pump

The peristaltic pump can be found in machines such as the Taylor 8756. Though the peristaltic pump serves a different function that the horizon and simplified pumps, it is still crucial to the functioning of the machine. This pump pushes the product up to the freezing cylinders.

Side Note: Flavor Burst Technology

These are electronic touch pads along with tubes and a separate machine that holds box bags with flavors that attach to the ice cream machines to give it a burst of extra flavor. The way this works is that you have 8 different flavor options that you can choose while the machine makes a basic flavor (such as vanilla, chocolate, coconut, etc.) and the flavor burst machine infuses strips of flavor into the soft serve ice cream that pours from the spout/nozzle of the machine. The strips of flavor are visible and aren't fully mixed into the ice cream but it gives it a beautifully appetizing appearance.