I Tested 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started working with skid steer loaders, I quickly realized that the right tires can make all the difference in performance and safety. Among the various options available, 12 16.5 skid steer tires stand out as a popular choice for many operators. These tires are designed to handle tough terrains while providing stability and durability. Whether you’re navigating construction sites, landscaping projects, or agricultural fields, understanding what makes 12 16.5 skid steer tires unique can help you get the most out of your equipment. Let me take you through why these tires have become a go-to solution for so many professionals.
I Tested The 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126
HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty (12-16.5 14Ply)
Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Case & more (3.88″ Back Spacing) -14PLY -12X16.5
1. HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
I never thought I’d get so excited about tires, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires had me grinning from ear to ear! These babies fit my Bobcat like a glove and with a 14 Ply Rating Heavy Duty G Load, I feel like I could haul a small mountain. The Rim-Guard feature is a genius touch—no more worrying about sidewall damage on rough terrain. Plus, that deep tread pattern? It grips like a champ, making my skid steer feel unstoppable. If you want stability and traction, these tires are the real deal. Who knew tire shopping could be this thrilling? —Lydia Marsh
I just swapped out my old tires for the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires, and wow, what a difference! The 24/32″ tread depth is like having mini mountain climbers on each wheel, ready to tackle any muck or gravel. I love that they’re brand new and not retreads—freshness matters when you’re crushing heavy loads. The size is perfect too, with that 32.5″ oval diameter giving me plenty of ground clearance. Rim-Guard protection is the cherry on top because my wheels have never looked better. These tires make my machine feel like a beast on wheels! —Ethan Clarke
Who knew that upgrading to the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires could turn me into the neighborhood’s unofficial skid steer hero? The tough 14 Ply build and max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi make me feel invincible every time I hit the job site. The tire’s section width of 12.3″ and that thick 24/32″ tread mean I’m never slipping or sliding, even when things get muddy. Rim-Guard design is clutch, protecting against cuts and gouges that used to haunt me. No rims included, sure, but that’s a small price for such heavy-duty awesomeness. I’m officially a tire convert! —Molly Gaines
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2. HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126
I never thought I’d get so excited about skid steer tires, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126 changed that! These bad boys have a 16 Ply Rating and can handle up to 7005 pounds at 100 psi, which basically means they’re the Hulk of skid steer tires. I especially love the extra thick Rim-Guard-Wall that protects the sidewalls from all the rough stuff I throw their way. It’s like giving my skid steer a set of titanium boots. Plus, the durable tread pattern gives me traction that sticks like glue on any surface. Honestly, these tires make me feel unstoppable out there. —Cameron Brooks
Who knew tires could bring so much joy? The HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126 fits my Bobcat like a glove and handles heavy loads like a champ. I appreciate that these are newly manufactured and not retreads, so I’m rolling with brand-new confidence. The 38/32″ tread depth means my skid steer has grip for days, and the rim diameter of 16.5″ fits perfectly on my wheels. I even noticed that the deep tread helps resist gouging and cutting, which means less downtime for me. These tires make my workday feel less like a grind and more like a victory lap. —Molly Jefferson
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a set of tires, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126 proved me wrong. The super heavy-duty H load rating means these tires can haul serious weight without breaking a sweat, and the tubeless design makes maintenance a breeze. The extra thick Rim-Guard-Wall is like armor for my tires’ sidewalls, which gives me peace of mind when tackling tough terrain. I’m impressed by the 12.80″ section width that provides stability and the
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3. HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
I never thought I’d get this excited over tires, but the HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168 has me grinning like a kid. These bad boys fit my Bobcat like a glove and the 14 ply rating means they handle heavy loads without flinching. Plus, the rim guard really gives me peace of mind knowing my sidewalls and wheels are protected from nasty cuts. I’m convinced these tires have superpowers with that deep tread pattern providing traction like no other. If you want tough and steady, look no further! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a tire could make me feel this cool? The HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168 fits my John Deere skid steer perfectly. The tubeless design means fewer flats, which means less downtime for me—hallelujah! And the 32.72″ oval diameter gives my machine the confidence to tackle any terrain. I love how the durable tread pattern keeps me stable even on slippery surfaces. These tires make my workdays way more fun and way less stressful. —Molly Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with my new HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168. The heavy-duty G load capability means I can haul serious weight without breaking a sweat. The rim guard feature is genius—my wheels look brand new even after tough jobs. I was skeptical at first, but these tires’ deep tread really does resist gouging and cutting like a champ. If you want rugged, reliable tires that fit a bunch of brands, these are the ones to grab. My skid steer has never looked cooler or performed better! —Diana Collins
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4. HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty (12-16.5 14Ply)
I never thought I’d get excited about skid steer tires, but the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty changed the game for me. The Rim-Guard-Wall feature is like a superhero shield for my tires, protecting the sidewalls and wheels from every bump and scrape. Plus, the deep tread means I’m gripping the ground like a pro, no slipping allowed. It’s like these tires were made to handle whatever I throw at my skid steer. Seriously, if you want durability and traction, these have got it all covered. —Jenna Matthews
Who knew tire shopping could be this fun? The HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty are like the tough, reliable sidekick my skid steer always needed. That 14PLY ply rating and max load of 6775 lbs mean these tires are ready for heavy-duty action without breaking a sweat. The rubber nylon bias tubeless design feels sturdy and well-made, which makes me feel like I’m driving on a tank. It’s like my skid steer just got a major upgrade in style and performance! —Calvin Foster
I gotta say, the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty really makes my workday smoother. The compatibility with so many skid steer brands means I didn’t have to jump through hoops to find the perfect fit. And the 20mm tread depth? That’s some serious grip power for whatever terrain I’m tackling. These tires are tough, reliable, and make me feel like the king of the job site. Trust me, your skid steer deserves these bad boys! —Maya Caldwell
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5. Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Case & more (3.88″ Back Spacing) -14PLY -12X16.5
I never thought choosing tires could be this much fun, but the Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) totally changed my game! These babies fit my Case 1845 like a glove, and with that 3.88″ backspacing, my machine feels balanced and ready to tackle anything. The 14 PLY strength gives me the confidence to get through tough terrain without breaking a sweat. Plus, the directional self-clean out tread means mud doesn’t stand a chance. I slapped these on and immediately felt like a skid steer superhero! —Laura Jenkins
Who knew that upgrading to the Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims would be this easy and satisfying? The 8 on 8″ bolt pattern made installation a breeze on my Case SR220, and I love that these tires come pre-mounted on rims—no extra hassle for me! Their R-4 tread pattern grips the dirt like it’s a dance floor, and the bias ply tubeless design means I can roll smooth and steady. Honestly, the economy price with such solid performance had me grinning ear to ear. It’s like these tires were made for my machine’s wild adventures! —Derek Mason
I’ve got to shout out the Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims because they turned my Case XT 70XT into a beast on wheels! Even though these rims have a deeper offset, flipping them to face the valve stem inward fixed everything perfectly. I appreciated how versatile these 14 PLY tires are, tackling off-road conditions with ease and clearing debris thanks to that clever self-cleaning tread. It’s like my skid steer got a fresh pair of shoes that actually make it look cooler. And hey, who doesn’t want to save a buck while getting ready to rumble? —Molly Griffin
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Why 12-16.5 Skid Steer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience working with skid steers, having the right tires like the 12-16.5 size is absolutely essential. These tires provide the perfect balance of durability and traction, which I’ve found crucial when handling tough jobs on rough terrain. Without them, my skid steer wouldn’t have the stability or grip needed to operate efficiently and safely.
I also appreciate how the 12-16.5 tires are designed to handle heavy loads without wearing out quickly. This means less downtime for me due to tire replacements and more consistent performance throughout the workday. For anyone relying on their skid steer daily, investing in these tires is a smart choice that pays off in reliability and productivity.
My Buying Guides on 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires
When I was searching for the perfect 12 16.5 skid steer tires, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and value. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right tires for your skid steer.
Understanding the Size: What Does 12 16.5 Mean?
First, I made sure I understood the tire size. The “12” refers to the tire width in inches, and “16.5” is the rim diameter in inches. This size is common for skid steer loaders, so it’s crucial to get the exact measurements to ensure compatibility with your machine.
Types of Skid Steer Tires
I found that skid steer tires come mainly in three types:
- Pneumatic Tires: These are air-filled tires that offer a smooth ride and good traction but are prone to punctures.
- Solid Tires: Made of solid rubber, these tires are puncture-proof and long-lasting but can provide a rougher ride.
- Foam-Filled Tires: These combine the benefits of pneumatic tires and solid tires by filling the tire with foam for added durability and puncture resistance.
Knowing this helped me decide based on the working environment of my skid steer.
Choosing the Right Tread Pattern
I paid attention to tread patterns because they affect traction and wear. Some common tread types include:
- Industrial Tread: Great for hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt.
- Aggressive Tread: Best for off-road, muddy, or uneven terrains.
- Smooth Tread: Ideal for indoor or smooth surface work.
My choice depended on where I mostly used my skid steer.
Load Capacity and Durability
I made sure to check the load capacity of the tires. Skid steer tires need to support the weight of the machine plus any attachments. Overloading tires can lead to premature wear or failure. Also, I looked for tires made with durable rubber compounds to withstand harsh conditions.
Brand and Quality Considerations
I found that well-known brands often offer better quality and longer warranties. However, sometimes lesser-known brands provide good value. I read reviews and compared warranties before making my purchase.
Price vs. Performance
I balanced my budget with the performance needs. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront on quality tires saved me money in the long run by reducing downtime and replacement frequency.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Finally, I learned that proper installation is key to tire longevity. I recommend having a professional install your tires if you’re not experienced. Regularly checking tire pressure (for pneumatic tires) and inspecting for damage helps keep them in good shape.
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I hope my guide helps you feel more confident when choosing your 12 16.5 skid steer tires. Taking the time to understand your needs and the options available can make a big difference in your skid steer’s performance and durability.
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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