When the first snowflake falls, does your skid steer turn into a stubborn sled? Battling slippery driveways and icy worksites with the wrong tires can turn a quick job into a frustrating, hours-long ordeal. You need power and grip, not spinning tires and wasted fuel.
Choosing the perfect snow tires for your machine feels like guesswork. Should you go for deep lugs, specialized rubber compounds, or maybe even chains? The wrong choice means poor traction, potential damage to your property, and serious safety hazards when pushing heavy snow loads. It’s a heavy investment where the wrong decision costs you time and money all winter long.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what makes a skid steer tire perform best in freezing temperatures and deep drifts. You will learn the key features to look for so you can confidently select tires that give you unstoppable traction all season. Keep reading to turn your snow-moving challenges into smooth operations.
Top Skid Steer Tires For Snow Recommendations
- Set of 4-Heavy Duty 12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 Skid Steer Tires - 12X16.5 - 14 PLY. Good Snow Traction - Self-cleaning tread ejects dirt and stones for maximum grip. (Replacements for CAMSO SKS753)
- Heavy equipment tires for Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Doosan, John Deere, Komatsu, Cat, JCB, GEHL, New Holland, Thomas, Volvo, Yanmar, Takeuchi, etc. This is a tubeless tire weighing 103 pounds with a 6780 pound load capacity rating per tire - Max inflation pressure 90 PSI. Tire dimensions are 33 high with 12 overall tire width including rim guard - 37/32nds tread depth.
- Tires mount on size 16.5X9.75 Rims. Please note. We also have tire & wheel packages available and can mount these on different rim options if interested.
- Bias Ply Tubeless all-season offroad equipment air / pnuematic Tires.
- TIRE FEATURES. SKS-9 has been designed for off-road, all-terrain, heavy-duty applications. Self-cleaning tread design provides optimal traction in snow.
- Set of 4-Heavy Duty 10-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 Skid Steer Tires mounted on 8 lug Wheels for Bobcat & more - 10X16.5 - 12 PLY. Ready to put on your machine & go! Good Snow Traction - Self-cleaning tread ejects dirt and stones for maximum grip. (Replacements for CAMSO SKS753)
- FITMENT. Fits Bobcat 742, 743, 751, 753, 763, 773, 7753, S130, S150, S160, S175, S185, S205, S450, S510, S530, S550, S570, R-Series S62, S64; - Kubota SSV65 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" from valve stem side with 5.13" backspacing, plus the tire will add around 1/2".
- We also have these available in other rim colors, offsets, and lug configurations. Please inquire if interested in a tire & wheel setup you cannot find listed. If you're not sure if these will fit your machine, please let us know your machine model and we'll try to let you know.
- 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.
- Set of 4-Heavy Duty 12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 Skid Steer Tires mounted on 8 lug Wheels for Bobcat & more - 12X16.5 - 14 PLY. Ready to put on your machine & go! Good Snow Traction - Self-cleaning tread ejects dirt and stones for maximum grip. (Replacements for CAMSO SKS753)
- 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".
- We also have these available in other rim colors, offsets, and lug configurations. Please inquire if interested in a tire & wheel setup you cannot find listed. If you're not sure if these will fit your machine, please let us know your machine model and we'll try to let you know.
- 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.
- 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.
- Set of 4-Heavy Duty 10-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 Skid Steer Tires mounted on 8 lug Wheels for New Holland, John Deere & more- 10X16.5 - 12 PLY. Ready to put on your machine & go! Good Snow Traction - Self-cleaning tread ejects dirt and stones for maximum grip. (Replacements for CAMSO SKS753)
- FITMENT. Fits New Holland LX565, LX665, L160, LS160, L170, LS170, L213, L215, L218, L220; - John Deere 6675, 7775, 240, 315, 317 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" from valve stem side with 5.13" backspacing, plus the tire will add around 1/2".
- We also have these available in other rim colors, offsets, and lug configurations. Please inquire if interested in a tire & wheel setup you cannot find listed. If you're not sure if these will fit your machine, please let us know your machine model and we'll try to let you know.
- 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.
- 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.
- Set of 4-Heavy Duty 12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 Skid Steer Tires mounted on 8 lug Wheels for Gehl, John Deere, Mustang, Caterpillar & more- 12X16.5 - 14 PLY. Ready to put on your machine & go! Good Snow Traction - Self-cleaning tread ejects dirt and stones for maximum grip. (Replacements for CAMSO SKS753)
- FITMENT. For standard 8 lug skid steer hubs such as on Gehl, John Deere, Mustang, Caterpillar etc. (5.38" Back Spacing) Fits Gehl 4515, 4615, 4635, 4640, 4835, 4840, 5240, 5620, 5625, 5635, 5640, 6620, 6625, 6635, 6640, R220, R260, V270, V330, V400, V420 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 5.13" from valve stem side with 5.38" backspacing, plus the tire will add around 1/2".
- We also have these available in other rim colors, offsets, and lug configurations. Please inquire if interested in a tire & wheel setup you cannot find listed. If you're not sure if these will fit your machine, please let us know your machine model and we'll try to let you know.
- 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.
- Heavy-Duty Build: 10PR construction with reinforced sidewalls to withstand heavy loads and rough terrains.
- Deep & Large Tread Design: With a tread depth of 0.67 inches, enhanced tread pattern blocks, this skid steer loader tire provides exceptional wear and cutting resistance.
- Durable Rubber Compound: Engineered to resist punctures and wear, ensuring extended tire life.
- High Load Capacity: Supports up to 4,706 lbs, perfect for demanding applications.
- Optimal Traction: Deep, aggressive tread pattern ensures superior grip on dirt, gravel, and uneven surfaces.
Choosing the Best Skid Steer Tires for Snow: Your Essential Buying Guide
Winter weather brings big challenges for skid steer operators. Snow and ice demand the right tires to keep your machine moving safely and efficiently. Picking the wrong set can mean getting stuck or having a slow workday. This guide helps you choose the best snow tires for your machine.
Key Features to Look For in Snow Tires
When shopping for skid steer tires designed for snow, certain features make a huge difference in performance.
Aggressive Tread Pattern
The most important feature is the tread. Snow tires need deep, widely spaced lugs (the raised blocks on the tire). This aggressive pattern bites into deep snow and slush. It also helps the tire clean itself out, so packed snow doesn’t turn your tire into a slick donut.
Siping (Small Cuts)
Look for tires with many small, thin cuts across the tread blocks. These are called sipes. Siping creates extra biting edges that grip tightly onto slick ice, giving you better traction where deep treads might slip.
Sidewall Strength
Skid steers often operate near sharp objects like shovels or icy debris. A strong sidewall resists cuts and punctures. This keeps your downtime low.
Important Materials for Winter Performance
The rubber compound used in the tire matters a lot when temperatures drop.
- Cold-Weather Rubber: High-quality snow tires use special rubber compounds. These compounds stay flexible even when it is freezing outside. Stiff, hard rubber loses grip easily on cold surfaces.
- Reinforcement Materials: Strong cords, often made of nylon or steel, are built inside the tire structure. These materials provide the necessary load-carrying capacity and resist damage from heavy pushing in snowbanks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Tire Quality
Not all snow tires perform the same way. Understand what makes a tire great or just average.
What Improves Quality?
- Deeper Tread Depth: Newer tires start with deeper treads. This means you get more usable life before the traction wears away.
- Higher Ply Rating: A higher ply rating (e.g., 10-ply vs. 6-ply) generally means the tire can handle heavier loads and resist damage better.
- Ice-Specific Additives: Some premium compounds include silica, which helps the rubber maintain flexibility and grip on ice.
What Reduces Quality?
Using tires not designed for snow reduces performance significantly. All-season or turf tires have shallow treads. These tires pack up instantly with snow, turning them into useless slicks. Furthermore, using tires that are too old or have significant cracking in the sidewalls should be avoided, as they risk sudden failure under stress.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your skid steer dictates the best tire choice.
Heavy Plowing vs. Light Clearing
If you push massive snowbanks all day, you need a heavy-duty, durable tire with excellent load capacity. If you are just clearing light snow from a parking lot, a slightly lighter, more flexible tire might offer better ice grip.
Traction vs. Wear
Tires with the absolute best traction on ice often wear down faster on dry pavement during short trips between snow zones. Operators must balance extreme grip with tire longevity based on their typical work environment.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Skid Steer Snow Tires
Q: Should I use chains on my skid steer tires in the snow?
A: Chains offer the best possible ice traction. You should use them if you frequently operate on pure, hard-packed ice surfaces, even with good snow tires.
Q: Are dedicated snow tires better than ice studs?
A: Dedicated snow tires offer better overall performance in varied conditions (snow, slush, light ice). Studs are specialized for maximum grip on sheer ice but can damage pavement.
Q: How often should I check the air pressure in winter?
A: Check tire pressure weekly. Cold weather causes air pressure to drop, which reduces traction and can damage the tire sidewall.
Q: Can I use my regular construction tires in light snow?
A: Yes, in very light, fluffy snow, your standard tires might work. However, they will fail quickly in deep snow or icy conditions.
Q: What does “non-marking” mean for a tire?
A: Non-marking tires use different compounds that are less likely to leave black scuff marks on concrete or indoor floors when turning.
Q: How do I know if my current tires are worn out for snow?
A: If the tread depth is less than half of the original depth, the tire has lost most of its snow-biting ability and needs replacement for winter use.
Q: Do I need a different size tire for winter?
A: Generally, no. You should stick to the size recommended by your skid steer manufacturer for optimal machine balance and performance.
Q: Are foam-filled tires good for snow removal?
A: Foam filling prevents flats, which is great for harsh job sites. However, foam-filled tires are heavy and can sometimes be stiffer, slightly reducing the soft-surface grip compared to air-filled tires.
Q: What is the best way to clean snow tread?
A: After use, try to drive on rough pavement or use a stiff brush to knock out packed snow and ice from the deep lugs.
Q: How long do specialized skid steer snow tires usually last?
A: This varies greatly, but if used only during the winter months, a quality set can easily last three to five seasons.