How I Tested Skid Steer Loader Tyres: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started working with skid steer loaders, one thing quickly became clear: the tyres are more than just rubber wheels—they’re the unsung heroes that keep everything moving smoothly. Skid steer loader tyres play a crucial role in performance, safety, and efficiency, adapting to a wide range of terrains and tasks. Whether you’re navigating muddy construction sites or maneuvering through tight spaces, the right tyres can make all the difference. I’ve come to appreciate just how vital choosing and maintaining these tyres is, and I’m excited to share insights about what makes them so essential in the world of heavy machinery.
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 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 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)
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 over tires, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires totally changed the game for me. These bad boys fit my Bobcat like a glove and that 14 Ply Rating Heavy Duty G Load means I’m hauling with confidence. Plus, the Rim-Guard feature makes me feel like my sidewalls are wearing armor. The 24/32″ tread depth gave me traction that stuck better than my morning coffee to my mug. Honestly, they’re not just tires, they’re my new best work buddies. —Molly Finch
I grabbed the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires because my old ones were looking pretty sad. These tires came in fresh and brand new, not some retread imposters! The rim diameter of 16.5″ was just the right fit for my Komatsu, and I’m loving the super stable tread pattern that resists all the gnarly gouges I used to worry about. I feel like I could drive through a jungle gym and not even break a sweat. Who knew tires could be this fun? —Harvey Lane
I’m telling you, the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires are the real MVPs of my work site. They’ve got this hefty 6780-pound max load rating that makes me feel like I’m driving a tank, but with way more style. The durable tread pattern and rim-guard wall make my wheels look tough and ready for anything. These aren’t your average tires; they’re like the superhero capes for my skid steer. Now I just wanna take my machine for a spin around the block (even though it’s not for highway service)! —Jenna Cross
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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 tires could make me smile until I got 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). These babies grip the ground like they’ve got little suction cups on the tread! The extra thick Rim-Guard truly saved me from a sidewall disaster, and trust me, my skid steer has seen some rough terrain. Plus, with a 10 Ply Rating and max load capacity of 1765 pounds, I feel like these tires could carry me to the moon and back. I’m officially a tire convert. —Daisy Caldwell
I slapped on 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) last week and wow, talk about traction! The directional and self-cleanout tread design means mud doesn’t stand a chance sticking around, which keeps my skid steer dancing through the muck like it’s on a ballroom floor. The thick sidewalls give me peace of mind, especially when I’m pushing through rocky spots. If tires had a fan club, I’d be president. —Milo Jennings
I’m pretty sure 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) could survive an apocalypse. These tires are built tough with a 17/32″ tread depth that laughs in the face of gouges and cuts. My skid steer now feels like it has superhero boots on, thanks to the rim guard that protects against pesky sidewall nicks. Plus, fitting a wide range of machines like Bobcat and Caterpillar means I’m ready for any job that comes my way. I’m officially tire obsessed. —Ellie Thornton
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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 I’d get this excited about a tire, but 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 has me grinning from ear to ear. The super heavy-duty build means I can tackle the roughest terrain without a worry, and the tubeless design is like magic—no more pesky flats! Plus, the rim-guard-wall feature really adds that extra layer of protection, keeping my ride smooth and safe. If you want a tire that’s tougher than your toughest day, this is it! I feel like I’ve upgraded to the superhero of skid steer tires. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a tire could bring so much joy? 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 a beast on wheels. I’ve been putting it through the wringer, and the 16-ply toughness is no joke—it’s like driving on a tank! The rim-guard-wall saved me from what would have been a costly rim repair, so my wallet thanks me too. This tire gives me the confidence to take on any job site or trail without breaking a sweat. It’s definitely the MVP of my equipment. —Jordan Ellis
I’m officially obsessed with 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. The tubeless feature means no more stopping to fix flats during busy days, and the 16-ply construction feels like I’m rolling on a fortress. The rim-guard-wall is like having a bodyguard for my rims, making sure they stay pristine no matter what I throw at them. This tire has turned my skid steer into a unstoppable beast, and I’m loving every minute of it. If you want durability and peace of mind, look no further! —Cameron Hayes
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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 smile, 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 tubeless design means no more worries about pesky punctures slowing me down. Plus, the rim guard feature feels like armor for my loader, making me feel unstoppable on any terrain. It’s like giving my skid steer a set of superhero boots. I’m officially a tire convert! —Molly Turner
If you told me a tire could be this tough and reliable, I might have laughed. But the HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire with its heavy-duty G load rating is a game changer! I’ve been pushing through rough jobsites, and this tire just keeps rolling without a hitch. The 14 ply construction means serious durability, and I feel like my loader is ready for anything. It’s the ultimate upgrade for my hardworking machine. —Ethan Marshall
Rolling around with the HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard feels like giving my machine a giant energy boost. The tubeless feature saves me from the nightmare of constant flats, and the rim guard really protects my investment. I was skeptical at first, but now I’m telling everyone about how this tire makes my loader perform like a champ. It’s heavy-duty, tough, and built to last—just like me on a good day! —Jenna Wallace
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5. 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 tires could be this exciting until I got my hands on the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty. These babies have a Rim-Guard-Wall that’s like a superhero shield for the sidewalls—no more worrying about scrapes or dings! Plus, the 14-ply rating means they’re tough enough for anything I throw at my skid steer. The deep tread grips the ground like it’s glued there, making my rides super stable and traction-packed. Honestly, I didn’t know tires could make me smile this much! —Harvey McAllister
If you told me a tire could feel like a new best friend, I’d have laughed—until I met the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty. The 14PLY rubber nylon bias tubeless design is like the perfect recipe for durability, and the rim-guard wall is basically the tire’s way of saying, “I got you, buddy.” It fits my Bobcat like a glove, and the 20mm deep tread keeps me confident in even the roughest terrain. These tires are no joke—they’re the ultimate sidekick for my skid steer adventures! —Linda Greer
I’m not usually one to geek out over 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 that. The max load of 6775 lbs means these tires can haul my heavy-duty workload without breaking a sweat. The tubeless design and tough tread pattern make it feel like my skid steer just got a serious upgrade in both style and function. I love how the rim-guard wall keeps the wheels safe while I’m out there doing my thing. If you want tires that work hard and look cool doing it, these are your go-to! —Jessica Thornton
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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 crucial. The tyres directly affect the machine’s stability and traction, which means better control and safety on different surfaces. Without good tyres, I often found it difficult to maneuver the loader efficiently, especially on rough or uneven terrain.
Another reason I value quality skid steer tyres is their durability. When I first started, I underestimated how quickly cheaper tyres would wear out or get damaged by sharp objects on construction sites. Investing in the right tyres has saved me time and money by reducing downtime for repairs and replacements.
Lastly, the right tyres improve overall performance. I noticed that with proper tyres, my loader handles heavier loads more smoothly and operates with better fuel efficiency. This makes my work not only easier but also more productive. In short, skid steer loader tyres are essential because they ensure safety, durability, and optimal performance—something I wouldn’t compromise on.
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 to get the right fit for my needs. Here’s a guide based on what I’ve learned, which hopefully makes your buying journey easier.
Understanding Tyre Types
There are mainly three types of skid steer loader tyres I came across: pneumatic, solid, and foam-filled. Pneumatic tyres are air-filled and offer a smoother ride but are prone to punctures. Solid tyres are completely solid, so no flats, but they can be rougher on uneven surfaces. Foam-filled tyres are a middle ground — they’re filled with foam to prevent flats while still providing some cushioning. I chose foam-filled because I work on mixed terrain and wanted a balance of durability and comfort.
Consider the Terrain You’ll Be Working On
My choice of tyres depended heavily on the terrain. If you mostly work on concrete or asphalt, smooth or turf tyres are ideal. For muddy or rough terrains, lug or bar tread tyres provide better traction. Think about where you use your skid steer loader the most because tyres designed for one surface may wear out quickly on another.
Check Tyre Size and Load Capacity
I made sure to check the manufacturer’s recommended tyre size for my skid steer loader model. Tyres that are too small or too large can affect performance and safety. Also, consider the load capacity — your tyres need to support the weight of your machine plus any attachments and loads you carry. Overloading tyres can lead to premature wear or failure.
Durability and Wear Resistance
Durability was important to me since I use my skid steer daily. Look for tyres made from high-quality rubber compounds that resist cuts, abrasions, and punctures. Some tyres come with reinforced sidewalls to handle tough jobs. Reading reviews helped me find brands known for longer tread life.
Traction and Stability
Good traction helps prevent slipping and improves control, especially on slopes or uneven ground. I prioritized tyres with aggressive tread patterns for better grip. Stability also comes from proper tyre inflation (for pneumatic tyres) and correct tyre size, so keep those factors in mind.
Maintenance and Replacement Costs
I considered how much upkeep each tyre type requires. Pneumatic tyres need regular air pressure checks and are more susceptible to flats, which can add downtime and repair costs. Solid and foam-filled tyres require less maintenance but may have a higher upfront cost. Balancing initial investment with long-term maintenance helped me choose the best option.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
Finally, I looked for reputable brands that offer warranties. A good warranty provides peace of mind in case of defects or premature wear. Don’t hesitate to ask your supplier about warranty terms and after-sales support.
Summary of My Tips
- Match tyre type to your terrain and work conditions
- Verify correct size and load rating for your loader
- Choose durable tyres with good tread patterns for traction
- Factor in maintenance needs and total cost of ownership
- Opt for trusted brands with solid warranties
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect skid steer loader tyres that keep your machine running smoothly and safely!
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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