Buying the Best Skid Steer Tires in 2021 – What are the Options?
What are the best skid steer tires on the market in 2021? That’s exactly what we will look into today.
We have taken, 5 sets of top-quality tires and put them through their paces. This we hope will give you all the information you need before going out and spending your hard-earned money on new treads.
For our top picks, head to the results below. For a comprehensive review of each of the showcased skid steer tires and a dedicated buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Our Top Picks
TOP VALUE SET: Set of 4 New ZEEMAX Heavy Duty Tires
- 4 New ZEEMAX Heavy Duty 10-16.5 Skid Steer Tires for Bobcat w/ Rim Guard
- 30.4" oval diameter, 10.4" section width, 23/32" tread depth, max load: 4750lbs@75psi
- Heavy duty 12 Ply with Rim Guard to protect your wheels, Durable tread pattern for super stability
- Deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting. Brand new, not retreads
- G2/L2 tread pattern
The New Zeemax Heavy Duty Skid Tires are a great option for the price. These are durable and efficient tires that can assist in many ways from terracing, landscaping, and light farming.
These will not only last long but will also help you in cutting unnecessary costs that usually result from puncture repair.
Highly recommended and our top-rated set for 2021.
BEST PREMIUM: Carlisle Ultra Guard Industrial Tire
- Tire only, Rim not included
- Tire Only
- The Ultra Guard is a severe service skid steer tire with open shoulder design and super rugged heavy duty construction for tough conditions
- Abrasion resistant tread compound
- Deep tread depth and heavy ply ratings make this tire a must have for extreme environments
The Carlisle Ultra Guard Industrial Tire is one of the best solutions if you wish to avoid any flat tires and unnecessary punctures.
They are tough, well designed, and extremely durable. If your skid steer is used in difficult environments, you may well want to check this tire out.
An excellent choice if your budget stretches to the premium end.
Skid Steer Tire Reviews
Skid steer tires enable the vehicle to lift heavy loads while at the same time giving important adhesion on the terrain beneath the wheels.
So much so, it is possible to purchase specific tires designed for different environs; hard surfaces, muddy or soft soil, turf, gravel, and snow for example.
This has to be taken into consideration when buying a new set of skid steer tires. Other factors such as build quality (tube or solid), performance, size, and of course cost are all important.
Flat proof tires with deeper treads are quite effective when it comes to durability and cutting the cost of unnecessary repairs. Solid tires are generally more expensive but provide greater longevity.
Below are a selection of top-rated best skid tires on the market today.
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1. TOP VALUE SET: Set of 4 New ZEEMAX Heavy Duty 10-16.5/10PR G2 Skid Steer Tires for Bobcat w/Rim Guard
The Zeemax Heavy-Duty Tires are a sturdy solution to your needs. Featuring rim guards that protect your wheel, these tires have deep treads and patterns on them that help with stability and as well as durability.
The tires are the perfect solution for light farming, landscaping and can also be applied in muddy terrain. The approximate tire size is 10-16.5 and it also has a ply rating of 10.
The overall diameter of each of these sets is approximately 30.4” and its section width is 10.4”. Furthermore, the tread depth is 23/32”.
Essentially, these deep treads in the wheels are designed to resist burrowing out and or any wearing. They have an ideal G2 pattern with stepped shoulder lugs and a natural rubber compound.
- They have reinforced sidewalls that help with damage protection hence an assurance of long-lasting.
- They have a rim guard that protects your tires and is usually pressed together.
- The skid tires have a durable tread pattern for super stability and also to increase traction
- The presence of the treads in the wheels helps to resist gouging and gashing.
- Tread is not as wide as the rim.
2. BEST PREMIUM: Carlisle Ultra Guard Industrial Tire [12-16.5]
The Carlisle Ultra Guard is an excellent choice for those looking to buy a single tire only. This is a premium option, however, as a set of 4 would cost you close to a thousand dollars.
With that comes premium quality construction mind you. The Ultra Guard is a severe service skid steer tire.
It incorporates an open shoulder design with a tried and tested, super-rugged, heavy-duty construction. In other words, it is built specifically for tough conditions.
The ply rating says it all. Carlisle Ultra Guard tires are load range F, which means they are a 12-ply tire. For a skid steer, they don’t get much tougher.
This also means that the puncture resistance is extremely impressive too.
The tread compound is also highly durable. Designed for regular hard-wearing use, the tread is abrasion resistant while being extra deep at 1 1/4″.
All of this has an impact on the weight of course. Each weighs approximately 100lbs.
Mounting then can prove difficult, depending on the tools you have.
- An extremely tough tire with a 12-ply rating.
- Long-lasting, durable build quality
- Deep 1 1/4″ treads for traction and puncture resistance
- Superior Carlisle performance.
- The tire also has improved stability due to its extra weight, which gives support and stability to your skid steer loader.
- Quite heavy hence might be difficult to mount onto the machine.
- Expensive
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3. Set of Four (4) of 12-16.5 Skid Steer’s Loader Tire, with 14 PLY, and NHS SKS 400
This tire is designed with a rim guard and its final total weight is approximately 63 pounds each. It has unmounted dimensions of about 30″ high to 10″ tread width.
Hence the overall width of the tire combined with the rim guard is about 11 1/2 “.
This skid tire is a first-rated tire that is styled with deep traction treads hence it’s a perfect option for you when you want to use your machine on muddy or even dirty surfaces.
They are capable to attain perfect traction and they are long-lasting as they wear quite slowly.
- These tires have been proven to be high-quality tires
- The tires can also be used in muddy and even dirty environment
- They tend to last longer as they wear out slowly
- The thick treads on these tires ensure it has low occurrences of flat tires and punctures hence economical in regards to using it.
- It has an extra weight that adds to the stability of the skid steer loader.
- The tires are not ideally round
- Most of them have bumps on their edges hence the machine or loader tends to bounce a lot when one is at high speed.
- The traction is not that perfect.
- It’s bouncy hence uncomfortable to the operator of the machine that has these tires.
Bottom Line
This set of Four (4) of 12-16.5 Skid Steer’s Loader Tire, with 14 PLY, and NHS SKS 400 is an ideal solution for you when you want to get on the muddy surfaces without worry.
Its heavyweight gives you stability and its deep treads assure you of traction and movement at any given time.
A worthy addition to the top 5.
4. Summit’s Flat proof of 10 X 16.5 Skid steer’s Tires W/Rims of Cat Deere Bobcat GehL’s Solid
A top solution for unnecessary flat tires and punctures is found in these tires. The set comes with a perfect set of four brand-new rims and tires.
These tires are amazingly flat-proof and have been made to suit your general skid steer needs.
Essentially these versatile tires are designed to fit any brand of skid steer that allows eight-hole rims. The tires are irreversibly bonded to the rim, unlike other brands which are usually pressed onto each other.
This will guarantee you no slippage from the rim. Therefore, the tires will last longer as cases of damage will be reduced.
Due to the flat-proof nature of our tires, you won’t experience costly repairs and more so, you’ll save most of your time.
This makes the tires to be very economical when one is using them. One can accomplish many tasks and for a longer time without affecting or damaging the machine or tires.
Comfort for the operator is the key focus for these tires as they can work perfectly in any of the applications that you might want to apply.
These applications include the demolition of asphalt and concrete and even lawn work. In essence, these tires are resistant to tears and last longer due to their deep treads that also enhance the traction capabilities.
Fundamentally, the tires have two different sizes of holes that prevent the collapse of the smaller hole hence providing enough support for heavier loads.
Also, the larger holes ensure a smooth ride and increase the comfort of the rider. The outer diameter of these tires is about 31″.
- The tires are flat-proof hence easy to work within various types of terrain.
- The tires have deep treads that help in avoiding unnecessary punctures and flat tires and also increases the traction during the movement.
- The tires last longer as compared to other pneumatic tires
- No slippage from the rims as the tires are bonded strongly to the rims. Hence the tendency of failure or damage is highly reduced.
- Quite comfortable for the operator.
- Can fit any brand of skid steer machine
- Has two different sizes of holes to ensure stability and support while dealing with heavier loads.
- The rims cannot be easily be reused as they are bonded irreversibly to the tires. Hence once its damaged one has to buy a new one.
Bottom Line
The summit’s Flat proof of 10 X 16.5 Skid steer’s Tires W/Rims for Cat, Deere, Bobcat GehL’s Solid is a long-lasting skid steer tire that can serve you without unnecessary problems like punctures.
The flat-proof tires with deep treads make these tires to be used in any environment that you want to.
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5. Set of 4 Super Guider Heavy Duty 10-16.5/10PR SKS1 Skid Steer Tires (w/Rim Guard)
This tire depicts the latest advancement in technology as it can be used in various Bobcats machinery and other models as well. It has a perfect ply rating of 10.
The measurements of the tire are approximately 10 by 16.5. The 23/32″ tread depth is designed specifically to eliminate gouging and cutting as you work. This durable tread pattern also provides superior stability.
The manufacturers have also opted for a rim guard in order to protect your skid steer wheels. Other important specifications include the 30.7″ oval diameter with a 10.3″ section width.
The total load capacity with tire levels at @75 psi is 4710lb.
- It ensures the stability of the skid steer machine due to its weight.
- The deep treads ensure it has less tendency to experience a puncture and flat tires.
- The thickness of its width ensures enough support and stability while it’s moving.
- The wide footprint increases the floatation of the machine hence comfortable
- Can be quite bouncy especially when one is moving faster.
Bottom Line
Overall, this pack of super Guider Heavy Duty 10-16.5/10PR SKS1 Skid Steer Tires is very good value for money. Strong and sturdy with a deep tread pattern and protective rim guards, these will not only look after your skid steer wheels, but they will also withstand the intense workload you will undoubtedly put upon them. Highly recommended.
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Skid Steer Tire Buyer’s Guide
What follows is an overview of the issues you should consider when buying new skid steer tires.
Solid Skid Steer Tires vs. Pneumatic Skid Steer Tires
A good question to consider is whether you should opt for solid or pneumatic tires. There are pros and cons to both as we shall see.
Solid Skid Steer Tires
The biggest benefit of solid skid steer tires is that you don’t have to worry about punctures. Furthermore, advances in engineering have seen solid tires made from superior materials these days. They are both durable and wear-resistance.
On the downside, solid tires add weight to your rig (increasing fuel consumption) and are generally, provide a less comfortable ride than pneumatic tires.
A good option to look out for is semi-pneumatic hybrids. These tires are not completely solid as they are perforated with tubular holes. As a result, they provide a more cushioned ride, without the risk of punctures.
Pneumatic Tires
As we have mentioned, pneumatic tires offer more comfort because the air inside provides more of a cushion for the driver. However, the risk of punctures and general maintenance such as air pressure checks and refills can be seen as a downside.
Essentially, which you opt for is down to personal preference. That being said, a busy job site with nails and other sharp debris on the ground, a set of solids is probably the way to go. Things can get expensive if you are changing tires or working without your skid steer for a day or more.
Other things to consider when selecting new skid steer tires
Tread depth and design
How and where you are using the skid steer has a big influence on the type of tread depth and design you should choose.
Shallow tread designs work better on asphalt roads or in places where it is imperative that you minimize the impact on the landscape, (a golf course or estate gardens for example).
A deeper tread is best for off-road, mud, dirt, and other loose surface materials. These will give you the traction you need to efficiently get the job done without running into problems.
Off-Road Treads: As the name suggests, off-road treads are designed for challenging conditions off-road. Suitable for use in mud, snow, sand, or gravel. You shouldn’t use these tires on normal roads as this will wear them out.
On-Road Treads: This type of tire tread is designed for driving on asphalt and concrete. They provide a smooth ride and will not upset more delicate landscapes when compared to off-road tires. An on-road rig will not provide the traction you need in tough conditions, however.
All-Terrain Treads: These are a good all-rounder when you need the attributes of both off and road tread designs. They have deeper grooves and more rubber for better traction in the rough, yet still, perform well on solid asphalt roads.
Rubber Quality
Premium skid tires will very often contain a higher percentage of natural rubber. This makes them stronger, and more resistant to wear. They are also better when dealing with friction heat, (the sort you get when you’re spinning for traction). Opt for superior rubber tires if you can.
Ply rating
Ply Rating is the load-carrying capacity of a tire, (which is different from the thickness of the tire, as people often confuse the two).
A higher ply rating means you can pump the tire with higher psi. This also leads to greater load tolerance. See the table below for a list of ply ratings and associated maximum load pressure.
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