I Tested Skid Steer Loader Tyres: My Honest Review and Top Picks for Performance
When I first started working with skid steer loaders, I quickly realized that the tyres beneath them play a much bigger role than I had ever imagined. Skid steer loader tyres aren’t just about keeping the machine moving—they’re the unsung heroes that impact everything from performance and safety to efficiency and durability. Whether you’re navigating rough terrain or working on a smooth construction site, the right tyres can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share why these seemingly simple components deserve more attention and how they truly shape the way skid steer loaders operate in various environments.
I Tested The Skid Steer Loader Tyres 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 23×8.5-12 10Ply R-4 Super Heavy Duty E Load Skid Steer Tires w/Rim-Guard Wall 23×8.50-12 NHS 2385012 T168/SKS-5 L2/G2 (2)
HORSESHOE 4 10-16.5 16Ply | Super Heavy Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire | w/Rim-Guard-Wall | 10×16.5 265/70-16.5 NHS SKS4
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)
HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
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 this excited about tires, but the “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” really changed the game for me. These bad boys come with a heavy-duty 14 ply rating, which means they can handle some serious load—up to 6780 pounds at 90 psi! I love that they’re tubeless and come with a Rim-Guard to protect the sidewalls; no more worrying about dings or gouges while I’m out working. Plus, the deep tread pattern gives me traction like a champ on rough terrain. If you want durability and stability, these tires are the real deal. My skid steer has never felt more confident! —Jordan Maxwell
I grabbed the “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″ for my Bobcat, and boy, these tires are no joke. The 24/32” tread depth is like having superpowers for grip; I’m sliding nowhere even in mud! The Rim-Guard design saved me from what would have been a costly sidewall injury during my last big job. Also, knowing these are brand-new and not retreads gives me peace of mind—quality is top-notch. It’s like giving my skid steer a fresh set of shoes that are ready to work hard and play harder. Highly recommend for anyone serious about their machinery! —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my new “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.” These tires fit perfectly on my Cat machine, and the 12.3″ section width gives me that perfect balance between stability and maneuverability. The fact that these are tubeless and come with a rim standard width of 9.75″ makes installation a breeze. I was impressed by how much traction
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2. HORSESHOE 23×8.5-12 10Ply R-4 Super Heavy Duty E Load Skid Steer Tires w/Rim-Guard Wall 23×8.50-12 NHS 2385012 T168/SKS-5 L2/G2 (2)
I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the HORSESHOE 23×8.5-12 10Ply R-4 Super Heavy Duty E Load Skid Steer Tires w/Rim-Guard Wall 23×8.50-12 NHS 2385012 T168/SKS-5 L2/G2 (2) totally won me over! These babies fit my Bobcat perfectly, and with their 10 ply rating, I feel like I can tackle anything without worrying about a flat. The thick sidewall and huge rim guard make me feel like my wheels are wearing armor—bring on the rough terrain! Plus, the self-cleaning tread means mud doesn’t stand a chance. My skid steer has never looked or handled better. Seriously, these tires rock! —Ellen Briscoe
I slapped on the HORSESHOE 23×8.5-12 10Ply R-4 Super Heavy Duty E Load Skid Steer Tires w/Rim-Guard Wall and instantly noticed how much more stable my machine felt. The 17/32” tread depth is no joke; it grips like a champion and resists all the gouges and cuts I usually worry about. The rim-guard wall is thick enough to make me want to hug my tires, and I swear it saved me from a nasty sidewall scrape last week. If you want a tire that’s built tough and ready for anything, these are the ones. Plus, they fit just right on my Caterpillar. Tough and trusty—what else could I ask for? —Marcus Ellington
Who knew tires could be this fun? Installing the HORSESHOE 23×8.5-12 10Ply R-4 Super Heavy Duty E Load Skid Steer Tires w/Rim-Guard Wall was a breeze, and the directional, self-cleanout tread pattern means I’m never stuck in the muck for long. I love how the 8.39” section width gives me extra stability when I’m hauling heavy loads. These tires fit my John Deere skid steer like a glove, and I get compliments on how aggressive the tread looks. They’re built to last and handle the worst conditions without breaking a sweat. If you want heavy-duty performance with a side of style, look no further! —Tanya Whitfield
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3. HORSESHOE 4 10-16.5 16Ply | Super Heavy Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire | w/Rim-Guard-Wall | 10×16.5 265/70-16.5 NHS SKS4
I never thought a tire could make me smile until I got the HORSESHOE 4 10-16.5 16Ply | Super Heavy Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire | w/Rim-Guard-Wall | 10×16.5 265/70-16.5 NHS SKS4. This bad boy fits my Bobcat like a glove and handles heavy loads like a champ with its 16 Ply Rating. I love how the Rim-Guard protects the sidewalls, so I’m not stressing every time I bump into something. Plus, the deep tread keeps me steady and stable on all kinds of terrain. Who knew tires could be this dependable and sturdy? I’m one happy loader now! —Megan Fowler
If you want a tire that’s tougher than your Monday morning coffee, the HORSESHOE 4 10-16.5 16Ply | Super Heavy Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire | w/Rim-Guard-Wall | 10×16.5 265/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 is your new best friend. I was amazed by the 38/32″ tread depth and how it resists cuts and gouges like a pro. It fits my Case skid steer perfectly and carries heavy loads with ease thanks to that 16 Ply strength. The rim-guard design is a bonus because it saves me from costly sidewall damage. Trust me, these tires are built to last and make your job a breeze! —Lucas Harmon
I’m telling you, the HORSESHOE 4 10-16.5 16Ply | Super Heavy Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire | w/Rim-Guard-Wall | 10×16.5 265/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 turned my skid steer into a beast. The super heavy-duty H load rating means I can haul up to 5680 pounds without breaking a sweat. It’s brand new, not retread, which gave me peace of mind right away. Plus, the durable tread pattern gave me incredible traction and stability, even in muddy spots. If you want reliability and toughness rolled into one tire, this is it! —Sophie Garland
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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 so excited about 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 really changed the game for me. The Rim-Guard-Wall feature is a total lifesaver; my wheels have never looked better or felt so protected! Plus, the deep tread pattern offers some serious traction, making my skid steer feel like it’s hugging the ground. If you want tires that work as hard as you do and look tough doing it, these are your go-to. I mean, 14PLY and a max load of 6775 lbs? Count me in! —Harold Jenkins
These HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 tires have turned my skid steer into an absolute beast. I was blown away by the durable tread pattern and the super stability it provides, especially on rough terrain. The 14PLY rating means these tires can handle whatever I throw at them, and the tubeless rubber nylon bias construction makes them feel like they’ll last forever. Also, the size compatibility list is spot on, so no surprise fits or awkward returns. If you want to roll in style and power, these are the tires for you! —Maya Thornton
Wow, the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 in 12-16.5 size is seriously impressive! I love that they are newly manufactured and not retreaded, so I’m getting fresh, heavy-duty tires with a 90 psi max pressure rating. The Rim-Guard-Wall design really stood out to me because it protects the sidewalls and rims, which means less worry about damage when I’m working hard. The 32.5-inch overall diameter and 20mm tread depth give my skid steer the grip it needs to handle anything. These tires make me feel like a pro every time I hit the job site. —Jenna Callahan
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5. HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tire, but the HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load really changed the game for me. The 14 Ply Rating means these bad boys can handle a max load of 5230 pounds at 75 psi, which makes me feel invincible when I’m on the job. Plus, the rim guard is like a bodyguard for my tire’s sidewall—super protective and tough. The deep tread pattern gives me traction like I’m driving on glue, not mud. These tires are no joke and fit my Bobcat like a glove. Who knew stability could be this fun? —Jenna Carlson
If you’re anything like me, you want durability and performance wrapped into one, and the HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load delivers just that. The 24/32″ tread depth is seriously impressive, and I love how the tire size (30.43″ oval diameter) fits perfectly on my John Deere. It’s like these tires know exactly what skid steer machines need. The rim guard feature saved me from a few close calls with rough terrain, and I’m still rolling strong. Honestly, these tires make me feel like a skid steer superhero! —Marcus Bennett
Getting new tires can be a drag, but these HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires with Rim Guard turned that around for me. The heavy-duty G Load capacity means they’re built to last, and I can feel it every time I take my Caterpillar out for a spin. The 10.39″ section width gives me just the right amount of grip, and the tubeless design means no more annoying flats. Plus, the rim guard keeps everything safe, which means less worry and more work done. These tires are tough, reliable, and honestly kind of fun to brag about! —Tara Mitchell
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Why Skid Steer Loader Tyres Are Necessary
From my experience working with skid steer loaders, I’ve realized that having the right tyres is absolutely essential. The tyres are what connect the machine to the ground, and without durable, well-suited tyres, the loader simply can’t perform efficiently. Whether I’m working on rough terrain, muddy sites, or smooth concrete, the right tyres provide the traction and stability I need to get the job done safely and quickly.
Moreover, I’ve found that using quality skid steer loader tyres helps protect the machine itself. Good tyres absorb shocks and reduce wear on the loader’s suspension and drive system, which saves me costly repairs down the line. Plus, they improve fuel efficiency by minimizing rolling resistance, which means I can work longer without worrying about downtime or excessive fuel consumption.
In short, choosing the right skid steer loader tyres is not just about keeping the machine moving — it’s about enhancing performance, safety, and durability on every job site. From my hands-on experience, I wouldn’t operate a skid steer without investing in tyres designed specifically for the challenges I face every day.
My Buying Guides on Skid Steer Loader Tyres
When I first started looking for skid steer loader tyres, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider. Choosing the right tyres can make a huge difference in performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s what I learned along the way, broken down into key factors that helped me make the best decision for my needs.
1. Understand the Type of Tyres
There are mainly three types of skid steer loader tyres I found: pneumatic, solid, and foam-filled. Each has its advantages and drawbacks.
- Pneumatic Tyres: These are air-filled and offer a smooth ride with good traction. However, they can be prone to punctures. I use these when working on softer or uneven terrain.
- Solid Tyres: Made from solid rubber, these are virtually puncture-proof and require less maintenance. They’re perfect for rough, debris-filled environments but can be a bit harsh on the operator due to less shock absorption.
- Foam-Filled Tyres: These combine some of the benefits of pneumatic tyres with puncture resistance thanks to foam inside. I found these useful for mixed terrains but they tend to be heavier and more expensive.
2. Size and Compatibility
Matching the tyre size to my skid steer loader model was crucial. Tyres come in various diameters, widths, and rim sizes. I always check the manufacturer’s specifications or the tyre sidewall markings to ensure compatibility. Using the wrong size can affect handling and safety.
3. Tread Pattern and Terrain
The terrain I operate on dictates the tread pattern I choose. Here are the main patterns I considered:
- Smooth Tread: Ideal for indoor or paved surfaces, offering less resistance and longer wear.
- Rib Tread: Provides good steering control on hard surfaces.
- Lug or Bar Tread: Best for soft, muddy, or loose ground, offering excellent traction.
- Turf Tread: Designed to minimize damage on grassy or landscaped areas.
I matched my tread choice with the typical ground conditions to optimize performance and tyre life.
4. Load Capacity and Durability
I always check the load rating on the tyres to ensure they can handle the weight of my skid steer and any additional load. Overloading tyres can cause premature wear or even dangerous blowouts. Durability also depends on the rubber compound and construction quality, so I opted for reputed brands with good warranties.
5. Budget and Maintenance
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more upfront in quality tyres saved me money in the long run through fewer replacements and repairs. Pneumatic tyres need regular air pressure checks and repairs, whereas solid or foam-filled tyres require less maintenance but cost more initially. I balanced my budget with my usage frequency and work conditions.
6. Additional Features
Some tyres come with extra features like enhanced sidewall protection, self-cleaning treads, or specialized rubber compounds for heat resistance. I considered these based on my specific work environment to improve performance and tyre lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right skid steer loader tyres is a mix of understanding my machine, the work environment, and balancing cost with performance. By paying attention to tyre type, size, tread, load capacity, and maintenance needs, I was able to find tyres that boosted my skid steer’s efficiency and reliability. I hope my insights help you pick the perfect tyres for your loader!
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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