Does your skid steer ever feel like it’s fighting the ground instead of conquering it? We’ve all been there. You’re working hard, but your machine just isn’t performing like it should. The tires might be the silent culprit!
Choosing the perfect tires for your skid steer is more complicated than you might think. Wrong tires mean slow work, constant flats, and extra money spent on repairs. It’s frustrating when simple jobs take too long because your equipment can’t grip the terrain properly. You need reliability under heavy loads and tough conditions.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the different types of skid steer tires available. You will learn exactly what features matter for your specific job site, whether you dig in mud, move gravel, or work on concrete. By the end, you will feel confident picking the best match for your machine and budget.
Let’s dive in and explore how the right rubber beneath your machine can transform your productivity.
Top Skid Steer Tires Recommendations
- Four (4) HOESESHOE 12-16.5 / 12x16.5 14Ply Brand newly manufactured! not retread Skid Steer Loader Tires. Fits most skid steer machines including Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Doosan, John Deere, Komatsu, Cat, JCB, GEHL, New Holland, Thomas, Volvo, Yanmar, Takeuchi, etc.
- 14 Ply Rating Heavy Duty G Load (Max Load 6780 Pounds @90 psi)
- Tire Size (Inflated): 32.5" oval diameter; 12.3" section width, 24/32" tread depth, Rim Diameter: 16.5", Rim Standard Width: 9.75"
- Durable tread pattern for super stability and super traction
- Rim-Guard Designed to protect your tires sidewall & Wheels; Deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting.
- Horseshoe deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting, Brand new, not retreads 10-16.5 / 10x16.5 14Ply Skid steer loader tires Fits most skid steer machines including Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Doosan, John Deere, Komatsu, Cat, JCB, GEHL, New Holland, Thomas, Volvo, Yanmar, Takeuchi, etc.
- 14 Ply Rating Heavy Duty G Load (Max Load 5520 Pounds @90 psi)
- Tire Size (Inflated): 30.43" oval diameter, 10.39" section width, 24/32" tread depth, Rim Diameter: 16.5", Rim Standard Width: 8.25"
- Durable tread pattern for super stability and super traction
- Rim Guard Designed to protect your tires sidewall & Wheels; Deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting.
- Horseshoe Brand new, not retread Skid Steer Loader Tires 10x16.5 Fits most skid steer machines including Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Doosan, John Deere, Komatsu, Cat, JCB, GEHL, New Holland, Thomas, Volvo, Yanmar, Takeuchi, etc.
- 14 Ply Rating Heavy Duty G Load (Max Load 5230 Pounds @75 psi)
- Tire Size: 30.43" oval diameter, 10.39" section width, 24/32" tread depth, Rim Diameter: 16.5", Rim Standard Width: 8.25"
- Durable tread pattern for super stability and super traction
- Rim Guard Designed to protect your tires sidewall & Wheels; Deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting.
- Horseshoe Brand new, not retread Skid Steer Loader Tires 12x16.5 Fits most skid steer machines including Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Doosan, John Deere, Komatsu, Cat, JCB, GEHL, New Holland, Thomas, Volvo, Yanmar, Takeuchi, etc.
- 14 Ply Rating Heavy Duty G Load (Max Load 6780 Pounds @90 psi)
- Tire Size: 32.72" oval diameter, 12.10" section width, 24/32" tread depth, Rim Diameter: 16.5", Rim Standard Width: 9.75"
- Durable tread pattern for super stability and super traction
- Rim Guard Designed to protect your tires sidewall & Wheels; Deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting.
- HORSESHOE 4-Packs 10-16.5 / 10x16.5 16PR Skid Steer Tires Mounted to 16.5x8.25 - 4" offset - 8 hole x8" Bolt Lug-Pattern Wheels/Rims Orange for Bobcat, New Holland, etc., replacement on Left Side and Right Side of Machines (*Please Note: This 4-Packs Listing Item Include 2 Left Side Tires on Wheels/Rims Assemblies Plus 2 Right Side Tires on Wheels/Rims Assemblies) ;
- FEATURES: 16 Ply Rating Super Heavy Duty H Load (LRH Max Load 5570 Pounds @115 psi Cold), Off-The Road & Not For Highway Service, Compatiable fits many skid steer machines including: Bobcat models 742, 743, 751, 753, 763, 773, 7753, S130, S150, S160, S175, S185, S205, S450, S510, S530, S570, R-Series S62, S64, etc.,; New Holland models LX565, LX585, LX665, L160, LS160, L170, LS170, L213, L215, L218, L220, etc.,; John Deere models 6675, 7775, etc., and will also fit many other machines (please inquire if interested).
- TIRE SIZE: 30.67" oval diameter, 9.81" section width, 23/32" tread depth (18/32nds deep in center - 28/32nds deep towards the outside); RIM SIZE: 16.5" diameter, 8.25" rim standard width, Wheel is an 8 lug X 8" bolt pattern and takes a 10-16.5 tire size, Rim Bolt holes are 3" apart center to center and 8" across center to center; Disk center pilot hole (Bore) is 6"; Tire with Rim-Guade- extra thickee wall and Wheel/Rim with Brass Valve Stem & Stem Protector.
- FITMENT: This 8-lug rim design with a 6" center bore (hole) and 8" lug pattern fits most skid steers such as Bobcat, Case, CAT, Daewoo, Gehl, John Deere, Mustang, New Holland, Kubota, Scat Trak & Thomas made most of their machines with an 8-lug rim, The main difference is the offset does vary between the different manufacturers but most of the rims do interchange (If you're not sure if these will fit your machine, please message us your machine model and we'll try to let you know).
- PATTERN: R-4 T168 Improved traction performance pattern designed with low bar angle for less slippage than conventional tread directional and self-clean out designs resulting in reduced soil disturbance and rutting, which is capable of durability promotes a secure load durability and a high load capacity standard off-road applications. This classic tread pattern suitable for the most popular use and not recommended for heavy-duty commercial applications or continuous hard surface wear.
- HORSESHOE 2-Packs 10-16.5 / 10x16.5 16PR Skid Steer Tires Mounted to 16.5x8.25 - 4" offset - 8 hole x8" Bolt Lug-Pattern Wheels/Rims Orange for Bobcat, New Holland, etc., replacement on Left Side and Right Side of Machines (*Please Note: This 2-Packs Listing Item Include 1 Left Side Tire on Wheel/Rim Assembly Plus 1 Right Side Tire on Wheel/Rim Assembly).
- FEATURES: 16 Ply Rating Super Heavy Duty H Load (LRH Max Load 5570 Pounds @115 psi Cold), Off-The Road & Not For Highway Service, Compatiable fits many skid steer machines including: Bobcat models 742, 743, 751, 753, 763, 773, 7753, S130, S150, S160, S175, S185, S205, S450, S510, S530, S570, R-Series S62, S64, etc.,; New Holland models LX565, LX585, LX665, L160, LS160, L170, LS170, L213, L215, L218, L220, etc.,; John Deere models 6675, 7775, etc., and will also fit many other machines (please inquire if interested).
- TIRE SIZE: 30.67" oval diameter, 9.81" section width, 23/32" tread depth (18/32nds deep in center - 28/32nds deep towards the outside); RIM SIZE: 16.5" diameter, 8.25" rim standard width, Wheel is an 8 lug X 8" bolt pattern and takes a 10-16.5 tire size, Rim Bolt holes are 3" apart center to center and 8" across center to center; Disk center pilot hole (Bore) is 6"; Tire with Rim-Guade- extra thicker wall and Wheel/Rim with Brass Valve Stem & Stem Protector.
- FITMENT: This 8-lug rim design with a 6" center bore (hole) and 8" lug pattern fits most skid steers such as Bobcat, Case, CAT, Daewoo, Gehl, John Deere, Mustang, New Holland, Kubota, Scat Trak & Thomas made most of their machines with an 8-lug rim, The main difference is the offset does vary between the different manufacturers but most of the rims do interchange (If you're not sure if these will fit your machine, please message us your machine model and we'll try to let you know).
- PATTERN: R-4 T168 Improved traction performance pattern designed with low bar angle for less slippage than conventional tread directional and self-clean out designs resulting in reduced soil disturbance and rutting, which is capable of durability promotes a secure load durability and a high load capacity standard off-road applications. This classic tread pattern suitable for the most popular use and not recommended for heavy-duty commercial applications or continuous hard surface wear.
- Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires mounted on 8 lug Wheels for Bobcat & more - 12X16.5 - 14 PLY. Ready to put on your machine & go!
- FITMENT. Fits Bobcat 825, 843, 853, 863, 873, S205, S220, S250, S300, R-Series S76, S66, and will also fit many other machines.
- 8 on 8" BOLT PATTERN. This 8-lug rim design with a 6" center hole and 8" lug pattern fits most skid steers. Bobcat, Case, CAT, Daewoo, Gehl, John Deere, Mustang, New Holland, Kubota, Volvo, Takeuchi, Scat Trak & Thomas made most of their machines with an 8-lug rim. The main difference is offsets vary between manufacturers but most of the rims do interchange. Rim offsets are 4.13" from valve stem side with 6.5" backspacing, plus the tire will add around 1/2".
- Bias Ply Tubeless all-season offroad equipment air / pnuematic Tires. These are air-filled pneumatic tires that we can have foam filled for an additional amount if needed. Please inquire if interested.
- TIRE FEATURES. The Forerunner SKS-1 has been designed for standard off-road applications. These are economy tires and not recommended for heavy duty commercial applications or continuous hard surface wear.
- HORSESHOE Brand Newly Manufactured, Not retread Skid Steer Loader Tires Fits most skid steer machines including Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Doosan, John Deere, Komatsu, Cat, JCB, GEHL, New Holland, Thomas, Volvo, Yanmar, Takeuchi, etc.;
- 16 Ply Rating Super Heavy Duty H Load (Max Load 7005 Pounds @100 psi)
- Tire Size (Inflated): 33.07" oval diameter, 12.80" section width, 38/32" tread depth, Rim Diameter: 16.5", Rim Standard Width: 9.75"
- Durable tread pattern for super stability and super traction
- Extra Thick Rim-Guard-Wall Designed to protect your tires sidewall & Wheels; Deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting.
Choosing the Right Skid Steer Tires: Your Complete Buying Guide
Skid steer loaders are tough machines. They need tough tires to work well. Buying the right tires makes your machine last longer and work better. This guide helps you pick the perfect set.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for skid steer tires, look closely at these important parts.
- Tread Depth: This is how deep the grooves are in the tire. Deeper treads give you better grip, especially in mud or soft dirt. Shallow treads wear out faster.
- Ply Rating (Load Capacity): This tells you how much weight the tire can safely carry. Always match the ply rating to your machine’s weight and the heaviest loads you lift. Higher ply means a stronger tire.
- Sidewall Strength: The side of the tire needs to resist punctures. Strong sidewalls protect against sharp rocks and debris on the job site.
- Tire Type: Decide if you need pneumatic (air-filled) or solid tires (see materials below).
Important Materials Matter
Tires are made from different stuff. The material affects how long the tire lasts and how it performs.
Most skid steer tires use heavy-duty rubber compounds. High-quality rubber resists heat buildup and cracking. Cheaper tires use less durable rubber. This rubber wears down quickly.
Pneumatic vs. Solid Tires
You usually choose between two main types:
- Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Tires: These are like regular truck tires. They use air pressure for cushioning. They offer a smoother ride. However, they can go flat if punctured.
- Solid Tires: These tires have no air. They are filled with layers of rubber or foam. You cannot get a flat. They work best in demolition sites or places with lots of sharp metal. They provide a rougher ride.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a good tire great, and what makes one fail early?
Quality Boosters:
- Aggressive Tread Patterns: Tires with large, widely spaced lugs (the big blocks on the tread) dig into soft ground well. This improves traction significantly.
- Reinforced Carcass: The internal structure supporting the tire must be strong. Good tires have extra belts under the tread.
- Heat Resistance: If you use your skid steer for long hours or heavy hauling, the tire needs to handle heat without breaking down.
Quality Reducers:
- Under-Inflation: If you run pneumatic tires with too little air, the sidewalls flex too much. This causes overheating and rapid wear on the edges.
- Improper Use: Using turf tires on rocky construction sites ruins them fast. Matching the tire to the job is crucial.
- Cheap Fillers: Some low-quality tires use cheap materials instead of pure rubber. These break down quickly when exposed to sunlight or oil.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your daily work dictates the best tire choice. Think about where you drive most often.
If you work mainly on smooth concrete or asphalt, a tire with a tighter, less aggressive tread pattern will give you longer life. These tires handle pavement better and offer a decent ride.
For landscaping or farming, you need traction. Look for deep, open-lug tires. These bite into grass and dirt. Be careful, though; these aggressive treads damage turf easily.
Demolition crews need ultimate puncture resistance. Solid or foam-filled tires are the standard here. They might shake a little more, but downtime from flats stops completely.
Skid Steer Tire Buying Guide FAQs
Q: What is the most important thing to check before buying?
A: Check your machine’s manual for the correct size and the required load rating (ply rating). Never guess these numbers.
Q: How often should I check the air pressure on my tires?
A: Check the air pressure at least once a week, or before starting a long day of heavy work. Low pressure is a major cause of tire failure.
Q: Can I use cheaper tires to save money?
A: Sometimes, but often you pay more later. Cheap tires wear out faster. This means more downtime and more frequent replacement costs.
Q: What is the difference between R-4 and L-3 tread patterns?
A: R-4 is a common, versatile tread, good for mixed surfaces. L-3 tires have deeper, chunkier lugs, offering better traction in soft dirt or mud.
Q: Why are solid tires so much more expensive than air-filled ones?
A: Solid tires use more raw material and take longer to manufacture. They offer guaranteed uptime because they cannot puncture, which is valuable on tough jobs.
Q: What causes “cupping” on my skid steer tires?
A: Cupping happens when the tire wears unevenly in scoops or hollows. This is often caused by improper inflation or worn-out machine suspension parts.
Q: Should I buy OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires or aftermarket tires?
A: Aftermarket tires are usually fine and often offer better value. Just make sure the aftermarket brand has a good warranty and uses high-quality rubber.
Q: How long should a good set of skid steer tires last?
A: Under normal conditions, good pneumatic tires can last 2,000 to 3,000 hours. Heavy use on concrete or rock might reduce this life significantly.
Q: What is “slippage,” and why does it matter?
A: Slippage is when the tire spins without moving the machine forward. Aggressive treads reduce slippage by gripping the ground better, improving efficiency.
Q: Can I use turf tires on gravel?
A: No, you should avoid it. Turf tires have shallow treads designed not to damage grass. They offer very little grip on gravel and will puncture easily.