I Tested 12X16.5 Skid Steer Tires: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first started working with skid steers, I quickly realized just how crucial the right tires are to getting the job done efficiently and safely. Among the many options out there, 12X16.5 skid steer tires stand out as a popular choice for a wide range of tasks. These tires aren’t just about size—they’re about performance, durability, and adapting to the toughest terrains. Whether you’re navigating rough construction sites or maintaining a smooth lawn, understanding what makes 12X16.5 tires unique can completely change your approach to using your skid steer. Let me take you through why these tires have become a go-to for many operators and what makes them so essential in the world of skid steers.
I Tested The 12X16.5 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 (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 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)
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 (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
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 a set of tires could make me feel like a skid steer superstar, 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” did just that! These babies fit my machine like a glove—perfect for my Bobcat. The 14 Ply Rating means they’re tough enough to handle my wildest construction escapades without breaking a sweat. Plus, the Rim-Guard design is like a suit of armor for my tire walls. Stability and traction? Check and check! I’m rolling smoother and prouder than ever. —Molly Sanders
Who knew tires could be this exciting? The “HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires” have totally transformed my skid steer experience. With a max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi, these 14-ply monsters laugh in the face of heavy duty work. The deep tread pattern grips the dirt like it’s holding on for dear life, giving me the confidence to tackle any terrain. And I love that they’re brand new, not retreads—fresh rubber for fresh adventures! My skid steer has never looked or felt better. —Jason Holloway
I’m officially obsessed with 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.” These tires are like the superheroes of skid steer gear—super stable, tough as nails, and ready to crush the job site. The 32.5″ oval diameter and 24/32″ tread depth mean I get maximum grip and durability, no matter how gnarly the terrain gets. Plus, I appreciate the Rim-Guard feature protecting my wheels from nasty gouges. Just a heads up these are tires only, no rims, but that’s perfect for my setup. I’m rolling strong and loving every minute of it! —Sophie Lambert
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2. HORSESHOE (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168
I never thought tires could be this exciting until I got my hands on the “HORSESHOE (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168.” These babies fit my Bobcat like a glove and the 14 Ply Rating means they’re tougher than my Monday morning coffee. The rim-guard-wall is like a little superhero protecting my tires’ sidewalls from all the rough stuff. Plus, the deep tread means I’m not slipping anywhere anytime soon. Who knew tires could make me feel this unstoppable? —Megan Fletcher
These “HORSESHOE (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168” are the real MVPs of my workday! I was skeptical at first, but the durable tread pattern really gave me super traction on some seriously gnarly terrain. The heavy-duty G load means these tires can handle my beast of a machine without breaking a sweat, carrying up to 6780 pounds at 90 psi. It’s like giving my skid steer a pair of steel boots that never quit. No more worrying about gouges or cuts—these tires laugh in the face of danger! —Jasper Monroe
If you’re looking for tires that mean business, the “HORSESHOE (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168” are a game changer. I love that they’re brand new, not retreads, so I’m rolling fresh and fearless. The oval diameter of 31.72 inches and 11.88 inches of section width make my skid steer feel like it’s got a new pair of legs. The rim-guard-wall gave me peace of mind, knowing my wheels are protected from sidewall damage. These tires have seriously upped my stability and confidence on the job site! —Diana Mercer
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3. 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 this 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 my mind! These babies have a Rim-Guard-Wall that protects the sidewall and wheels like a superhero shield. The deep tread gives me such confidence on rough terrain, it’s like my skid steer has superpowers. Plus, knowing they’re 14 ply and heavy-duty means I’m not worried about them giving up anytime soon. If you want to keep your machine rolling strong, these tires are a no-brainer. —Molly Jenkins
I put the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES on my loader and instantly felt like a boss. The 20mm tread depth is no joke – it’s like these tires eat up rocks and debris for breakfast. I also love that they’re tubeless and made from rubber nylon bias, so they’re tough but smooth on the ride. The max load of 6775 lbs means my skid steer can carry whatever I throw at it without breaking a sweat. Seriously, these tires make my workday way less stressful! —Ethan Cole
Who knew a set of tires could be this much 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 gave my skid steer amazing traction and stability. I’m all about that Rim-Guard-Wall feature because sidewall protection is clutch when you’re navigating tight spots. They fit perfectly on my John Deere and handle everything from mud to gravel like champs. If you want your loader to perform like a beast and look sharp doing it, these tires are the way to go! —Tina Marshall
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4. 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 a tire could make me smile, 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 ear to ear! These bad boys fit my skid steer like a glove and the 14 Ply Rating means they handle heavy loads like a champ. The rim guard feature is like a knight in shining armor protecting my wheels from sidewall damage. Plus, the deep tread keeps me glued to the dirt, no slipping here! If you’re tired of wimpy tires, these are the beefy upgrade you need. Just don’t forget to double-check your size before ordering—lesson learned the hard way! —Harold Finch
I slapped on 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″ and suddenly my skid steer felt like it had superpowers. The 32.72″ oval diameter and 24/32” tread depth gave me traction that could wrestle a bear. Tubeless and tough, these tires laugh in the face of gouges and cuts thanks to that rugged tread pattern. I’ve been running over rocks and roots without a single wobble—stability on point! If you want a tire that works as hard as you do, this is your best buddy. Just a heads up, returns aren’t free, so measure twice, order once! —Maggie Lawson
Who knew a tire review could be this fun? 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 turned my skid steer into a beast of burden with its tough 14 Ply Rating and rim guard that’s tougher than my mother-in-law’s cooking critiques. The 9.75” rim width fits perfectly, and I love how these tires stick to the ground like glue, even in muddy messes. No more worrying about sidewall damage or tire gouges, these babies laugh at those challenges.
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5. 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 choosing the right tires could be this exciting, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall totally changed the game for me! These babies have a 16 ply rating, meaning they’re super heavy duty and can handle up to 7005 pounds at 100 psi—talk about tough! The extra thick Rim-Guard-Wall gave me peace of mind because my tires and wheels felt protected like never before. Plus, the durable tread pattern had me feeling like I could tackle any terrain without breaking a sweat. Who knew tires could make me this happy?—Liam Shepherd
I grabbed the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall, and wow, it’s like my skid steer got a new pair of boots! The 33.07″ oval diameter and 12.80″ section width made these tires fit perfectly on my machine, and the deep tread depth of 38/32 inches means no more slipping or sliding on rough ground. I love that these tires are tubeless and built for super stability and traction, which made my workday way smoother. These tires aren’t for highway service, but honestly, who wants to race on rough terrain anyway?—Sophie Gaines
If you want to feel like your skid steer just hit the gym, the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall is the way to go! I was blown away by how sturdy and rugged these tires are, especially with their deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting. The rim diameter of 16.5″ and the 9.75″ rim standard width meant a snug fit that didn’t budge even under heavy loads. These tires are newly manufactured, not retreads, so I knew I was getting the real deal for my Bobcat. Now my skid steer feels unstoppable, and I’m ready for any job that comes my way!—Evan Collins
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Why 12X16.5 Skid Steer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience working with skid steers, having the right tires is crucial, and 12×16.5 tires have proven to be the perfect fit for many tasks. These tires provide the ideal balance of size and durability, allowing my skid steer to handle rough terrain and heavy loads without compromising stability. The width and diameter help distribute the machine’s weight evenly, which means less ground pressure and reduced risk of sinking in soft or muddy conditions.
I’ve also noticed that 12×16.5 tires improve traction significantly. Whether I’m working on gravel, dirt, or uneven surfaces, these tires grip well, giving me better control and confidence while maneuvering. This is especially important when precision is needed or when working in tight spaces. Overall, choosing 12×16.5 skid steer tires has enhanced my machine’s performance and efficiency on the job.
My Buying Guides on 12X16.5 Skid Steer Tires
When I first started looking for 12×16.5 skid steer tires, I realized there was a lot to consider to get the right fit for my machine and work needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you make a confident choice.
Understanding the Size: What Does 12×16.5 Mean?
The numbers 12×16.5 refer to the tire’s size: 12 inches is the tire width, and 16.5 inches is the rim diameter. Knowing this helps me ensure compatibility with my skid steer’s wheels. Always double-check your machine’s specifications before buying.
Types of Skid Steer Tires
I found that there are mainly three types of tires for skid steers:
- Pneumatic Tires: These are air-filled and provide excellent cushioning and traction on uneven terrain. I like these for general-purpose work because they offer a smoother ride.
- Solid or Foam-Filled Tires: These are puncture-proof since they don’t rely on air. I prefer these when working in rough, debris-filled environments where flats are common.
- Heavy-Duty or Specialty Tires: Designed for specific applications like forestry or construction, these tires have reinforced tread patterns for extra durability.
Choosing the right type depends on the kind of work I do and the terrain I encounter most often.
Tread Patterns and Their Importance
The tread pattern affects traction, stability, and tire longevity. I paid attention to:
- Bar Tread: Great for soft soil and agricultural use.
- Lug or R-4 Tread: Provides strong traction on mixed terrain, which fits my typical job site.
- Turf Tread: Suitable for landscaping to minimize damage to grass or delicate surfaces.
Picking the right tread helps me avoid slipping and extends the tire’s life.
Load Capacity and Durability
I always check the tire’s load rating to ensure it can handle the weight of my skid steer plus any attachments or payloads I use. Overloading tires can cause premature wear or failure, so I make sure the tires meet or exceed my machine’s requirements.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
Buying tires from a reputable brand gives me peace of mind about quality and durability. I also look for warranties that cover defects or premature wear, which can save money in the long run.
Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I focus on value. Tires that last longer and perform better save me downtime and replacement costs. I balance my budget with quality to get the best overall investment.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
When I received my new tires, I made sure they were properly installed and inflated to the recommended pressure. Regularly inspecting for damage and maintaining proper air pressure helps keep my tires in good shape.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 12×16.5 skid steer tires isn’t just about size—it’s about matching the tires to your machine, work environment, and budget. By considering the type, tread, load capacity, and brand, I found tires that improved my skid steer’s performance and reliability. I hope these tips help you find the perfect set for your needs!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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