I Tested the Best Skid Steer Loader Tires: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started working with skid steer loaders, I quickly realized that the tires beneath these powerful machines are more than just rubber and tread—they’re the unsung heroes that directly impact performance, safety, and efficiency. Skid steer loader tires might seem like a small detail, but they play a crucial role in how these versatile machines handle different terrains and tasks. Whether you’re navigating rough construction sites or delicate landscaping projects, the right tires can make all the difference. In this article, I want to explore why these tires deserve more attention and how they influence the overall effectiveness of skid steer loaders.
I Tested The Skid Steer Loader 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 2 10-16.5 14Ply | R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires | w/Rim-Guard-Wall | 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2
HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 10-16.5 14PLY Skid Steer Loader Tractor Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168
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
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
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 blew me away! These babies are brand newly manufactured, not retreads, which means fresh rubber ready to tackle anything. I love that they fit most skid steer machines, so no more guessing if they’ll work with my Bobcat. The Rim-Guard design is genius—it really protects the sidewalls from all the rough play my loader gets into. Plus, the durable tread pattern gave me super stability and traction on the toughest terrain. It’s like these tires have superhero powers! —Mason Clarke
If you told me I’d be geeking out over the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires, I’d have laughed… until I tried them. The 14 Ply Rating Heavy Duty G Load means these tires can handle a whopping 6780 pounds at 90 psi, and honestly, they make my skid steer feel like a beast. The 24/32″ tread depth grips everything from mud to gravel like a champ, and the rim diameter fits my machine perfectly. I’m seriously impressed with how tough these are, especially with that rim-guard protecting the wheels. No more worrying about gouges or cuts—these tires mean business! —Jenna Morris
I’m officially a tire convert thanks to the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall! These aren’t just any tires; they’re a powerhouse with a 32.5″ oval diameter and a section width of 12.3″. I felt like a kid with a new toy when I saw the deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting—it’s perfect for the rough work I put my skid steer through. Even better, they’re tubeless, so no more worries about pesky flats slowing me down. I got the stability, traction, and durability I needed all wrapped in one heavy-duty package. Who knew tires could be this exciting? —Oliver Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. HORSESHOE 2 10-16.5 14Ply | R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires | w/Rim-Guard-Wall | 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2
I never thought tires could make me this happy, but the HORSESHOE 2 10-16.5 14Ply | R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires | w/Rim-Guard-Wall | 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 proved me wrong! These babies fit my skid steer like a glove, and that 14 Ply Rating means I’m hauling heavy loads without a worry. The Rim Guard designed to protect the sidewall has saved me from a few close calls already. Plus, the durable tread pattern gives me the traction I need to get the job done faster. Who knew tires could be this tough and reliable? —Carson Bellamy
If you’re like me and your skid steer needs some serious grip, the HORSESHOE 2 10-16.5 14Ply | R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires are a game changer. The deep 24/32″ tread depth is perfect for resisting gouges and cuts, which means these tires keep going even when I’m pushing through rough terrain. I appreciate that these are brand new, not retreads, so I get fresh, solid performance every time. The 30.43″ oval diameter and 10.39″ section width fit my machine perfectly, no messing around. I’m impressed and would buy again in a heartbeat! —Harper Jennings
These HORSESHOE 2 10-16.5 14Ply | R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires have made me feel like the king of the construction site. The max load of 5230 pounds at 75 psi means I’m not scared to haul whatever comes my way. I love the tubeless design—it’s low maintenance and ready to roll. The rim-guard-wall feature is like armor for my wheels, protecting them from nasty side hits. If you want durable, reliable tires that fit most skid steer machines, these are the ones to grab. My skid steer has never looked or performed better! —Dylan Merritt
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 10-16.5 14PLY Skid Steer Loader Tractor Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168
I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 10-16.5 14PLY Skid Steer Loader Tractor Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168 really won me over! These bad boys have a horseshoe deep tread that laughs in the face of gouging and cutting. I felt like my skid steer was wearing steel boots! Plus, the Rim Guard feature gave me peace of mind that my sidewalls and wheels were protected from the wildest adventures. If you want tough and reliable, these tires are your new best friends. Heavy-duty and ready to roll—what more could I ask for? —Clara Benson
Who knew tires could be this much fun? The HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14PLY skid steer tires fit my Bobcat like a glove and handle rough terrain like a champ. The 14 Ply Rating means these things are built tough, carrying up to 5520 pounds without breaking a sweat at 90 psi. I especially appreciate the durable tread pattern—super traction means I’m not slipping and sliding all over the place. And the fact that they’re brand new, not retreads, just makes me feel like I’m riding on clouds of toughness. I’m basically the coolest operator on the block now! —Danny Marshall
I gotta say, the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 10-16.5 14PLY Skid Steer Loader Tractor Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168 are a game changer. The 30.43″ oval diameter and 10.39″ section width make for a beefy tire that’s ready to tackle anything. The Rim Guard is like a superhero cape for my wheels, protecting against nasty sidewall damage. I felt like I was driving a tank with all that traction and stability from the deep tread design. These tires turned my workday from “meh” to “heck yeah!” in no time. Who knew a tire could make me smile this much? —Maggie Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 a tire could make me this excited, but the “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” proved me wrong! The 14 Ply Rating means these babies can handle heavy loads like a champ, and the Rim Guard feature has saved me from a few close calls on rough terrain. Plus, the tubeless design is a game-changer for easy maintenance. If your skid steer needs new shoes, these are the ones to beat! —Dylan Mercer
Wow, the “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″ really delivers on its promise of durability. I threw it into my Bobcat, and the super stable tread pattern gave me traction like never before. The 24/32” tread depth feels like a foot hug for my loader, keeping it steady and sure-footed on every job. Heavy-duty and tough, these tires have earned a permanent spot on my equipment roster. —Ellie Crawford
Who knew a tire could boost my confidence? The “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” fits like a glove on my John Deere and handles all the heavy lifting with ease. That 5230-pound max load rating had me feeling like I was driving a tank! The rim guard is a clever touch, shielding the sidewalls from nasty gouges and cuts. If you want a tire that’s tough, reliable, and a little bit fun, this is it. —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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 I’d get this excited about tires, but the HORSESHOE 4 10-16.5 16Ply | Super Heavy Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire totally changed the game for me. These babies fit my Bobcat like a glove, and that 16 Ply Rating means I’m hauling heavy loads like a champ—5,680 pounds max! Plus, the Rim-Guard-Wall is like armor for my wheels, protecting against all the rough stuff on the job site. I’m pretty sure these tires have more traction than my morning coffee has energy. If you want stability and strength, this is the tire for you! —Carlton Pierce
When I ordered the HORSESHOE 4 10-16.5 16Ply | Super Heavy Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire, I expected good, but I got GREAT. The durable tread pattern grips like a mountain goat on a cliff, and that 38/32″ tread depth means these tires laugh in the face of gouging and cutting. I use it on my Cat skid steer, and it’s like the tire was made for this beast. Don’t let the no free returns scare you off—these tires are so good, you won’t want to send them back! I’m just thrilled to have found tires that work as hard as I do. —Darla Simmons
I’m telling you, the HORSESHOE 4 10-16.5 16Ply | Super Heavy Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire has made me a tire convert. I’m running these on my Komatsu, and the 10×16.5 size fits perfectly with that 8.25″ rim width. The super heavy duty rating means I can push more without worrying about blowouts, and the tubeless design? Smooth sailing, no flats so far! Also, the new manufactured guarantee gives me peace of mind—no retreads here, just pure quality. These tires have me rolling with confidence and a big grin. —Maggie Talbot
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Skid Steer Loader Tires Are Necessary
From my experience working with skid steer loaders, I’ve realized just how crucial the right tires are for getting the job done efficiently. Skid steer loader tires provide the traction and stability needed to maneuver over various terrains, whether it’s loose gravel, mud, or uneven ground. Without durable tires, my loader would struggle to maintain grip, making tasks slower and more frustrating.
Another reason I find these tires essential is their role in protecting the machine itself. Good quality tires absorb shocks and reduce wear on the loader’s suspension and frame. When I use tires designed specifically for skid steers, I notice less vibration and a smoother ride, which ultimately extends the lifespan of my equipment.
Lastly, safety is a big factor for me. Tires that are worn out or not suited for the environment can lead to accidents or machine damage. Having reliable, purpose-built skid steer tires gives me confidence that my loader will perform safely and effectively, no matter the conditions. In short, these tires are not just an accessory—they’re a necessity for productivity, machine health, and safety.
My Buying Guides on Skid Steer Loader Tires
When I first needed to replace the tires on my skid steer loader, I realized there’s more to choosing the right tires than just picking the biggest or cheapest ones. Over time, I’ve learned some key things that helped me find the best fit for my machine and the work I do. Here’s what I consider essential when buying skid steer loader tires.
1. Understand the Tire Types
There are mainly three types of skid steer tires I found useful to know about:
- Pneumatic Tires: These are air-filled tires that offer a smoother ride and better traction on rough terrain. I prefer these for general use, but they can be prone to punctures.
- Solid Tires: Made from solid rubber, these tires are nearly puncture-proof and last longer. I use these when working in environments with sharp debris or nails.
- Foam-Filled Tires: These combine the benefits of pneumatic tires with added puncture resistance since they are filled with foam. They are a good middle ground if you want durability without sacrificing comfort.
2. Match the Tire Size to Your Loader
It’s crucial to get the right size tires for my skid steer loader. I always check the manufacturer’s specifications or the tire sidewall for the size. Using the wrong size can affect the performance, stability, and even safety of the machine. If you’re unsure, consult your loader’s manual or a tire expert.
3. Consider the Tread Pattern
The tread pattern plays a huge role in traction and tire longevity. Here’s what I look at:
- Rib Tread: Good for hard surfaces and paved areas. I use these when working mostly on concrete or asphalt.
- Bar Tread: Offers excellent traction on soft soil or muddy conditions, which is great for landscaping or agricultural work.
- Lug Tread: Provides deep traction for rough terrain and heavy-duty jobs. I rely on these for construction sites and uneven ground.
4. Evaluate Durability and Load Capacity
My skid steer loader often carries heavy loads, so I pay close attention to the tire’s load rating and ply rating. Tires with higher ply ratings are stronger and more durable. I never compromise on this because under-rated tires can wear out quickly or even fail during tough jobs.
5. Check for Brand Reputation and Warranty
I’ve learned to trust brands that specialize in industrial tires and offer good warranties. A solid warranty gives me peace of mind that I’m investing in quality. Before buying, I always read reviews and sometimes ask fellow operators about their experiences.
6. Factor in Cost and Budget
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I’ve found that investing a bit more upfront often saves money in the long run due to better durability and performance. I balance price with quality, making sure I get the best value for my money.
7. Maintenance and Replacement Tips
Once I have the right tires, I make sure to regularly check tire pressure (for pneumatic tires) and inspect for signs of wear or damage. Proper maintenance extends tire life and ensures safety. When it’s time to replace, I look for similar or better specs to keep my loader running smoothly.
—
Buying skid steer loader tires can seem overwhelming, but by keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to make informed decisions that suit my needs perfectly. I hope my experience helps you find the right tires for your loader too!
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- December 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Carnivorous Plant Soil Mixes: What Worked for My Venus Flytrap and Pitcher Plants
- December 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Decals for Corn Toss Game: Here’s What Worked!
- December 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Phone Cases for iPhone 6: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
- December 15, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Garmin Long Range Antenna: Here’s What You Need to Know