FAQs Skid Steer

How Do I Choose the Right Skid Steer Tire for My Machine?

To ensure you get the right skid steer tires, consider:

• The terrain in which you’ll be operating
• The strength of the tires
• Your required tire size
• Whether you prefer solid, bias-ply, or radial tires

Start your purchasing journey by looking for the tread pattern that will suit your needs. For example:

• Smooth: For hard, compacted ground and pavement
• All-Terrain: Deep, widely spaced lugs for solid grip on any surface
• Mud: Aggressive treads for traction in mud, snow, and soft earth
• Rock: Tightly-spaced large blocks and hard rubber to prevent punctures
• Turf: Wide, shallow treads to prevent tearing up grass and turf

Tire strength is measured as a ply rating. While the term stems from the days when bias-ply tires were the norm and the number of plies indicated a tire’s toughness, now the rating has nothing to do with the actual number of plies in a given tire. The higher the ply rating, the stronger the tire. Look for a rating of 10 or higher.

As for size, skid steer tires use two-number and three-number conventions. For example, a two-number tire may have a size of 10-16.5. The first number indicates a section width of 10 inches. The second number indicates a rim diameter of 16.5 inches.

For a three-number skid steer tire, use 30x10-16 as an example. The first number indicates a tire height of 30 inches, a width of 10 inches, and a rim height of 16 inches.

Pneumatic bias-ply and radial skid steer tires rely on air pressure as a shock absorber. Unfortunately, this also makes them susceptible to punctures.

For extremely heavy-duty applications on rough terrain, you may want solid tires to avoid the possibility of a blowout. However, since they have no air cushion, solid tires will serve up a harsher ride. They are also pricier than pneumatic tires.

What’s the Difference Between Radial and Bias-Ply Skid Steer Tires?

Before the invention of radial tires, bias-ply tires were the norm. They use a series of diagonal nylon or rubber plies that form a stiff carcass. This results in a tire with treads and sidewalls that operate as a single unit. It’s an inexpensive and puncture-resistant construction technique that still has its place in agricultural and construction settings.

Radial tires use a series of 90-degree plies that run from bead to bead. They are capped by steel belts that lie beneath the tread. The sidewalls and treads move independently, allowing the sidewalls to flex while the tread remains in contact with the ground.

Traction, handling, and ride comfort are far superior to bias-ply tires, though radials cost more, and their sidewalls are more prone to punctures.

Can I Use Solid Skid Steer Tires Instead of Pneumatic Tires?

Solid skid steer tires can be rough-riding because of the lack of suspension. However, the benefits of solid tires may outweigh the relatively uncomfortable ride under certain conditions. Also, manufacturers are improving the rubber compounds to improve ride quality.

Since solid tires do not rely on air pressure to maintain shape, they are essentially puncture-proof. They also generally last 3–5 times as long as pneumatic tires, which can make up for being more expensive.

How Do I Maintain My Skid Steer Tires?

To keep your skid steer tires in good shape, create a maintenance routine, including:

• Hosing down tires and wiping off excess dirt, mud, or debris after use
• Inspecting the tires for damage, wear, or cracks
• Rotating the tires once you start to notice uneven wear
• Maintaining correct air pressure
• Storing tires out of direct sunlight

How you use your skid steer affects tire longevity, too. Avoid driving your skid steer on pavement, as the tires are designed to operate on earth rather than road surfaces. Also, don’t let the bucket get too far under a load. This will cause the front tires to lift, putting more stress on the rear, leading to uneven and premature wear.

How Long Do Skid Steer Tires Last?

Typically, skid steer tires last between 800 and 1,000 hours. However, use in extreme environments can shorten life spans to 600 hours or less, while gentle use can result in tires lasting more than 1,200 hours. Consistent maintenance can increase these lifespans by hundreds of hours.

Are Your Skid Steer Tires Suitable for All Types of Terrain?

Tires4That carries skid steer tires designed for a variety of terrains. We have R3 turf tires, R1 agricultural tires, R4 asphalt/gravel tires, and more. Regardless of the terrain in which you use your skid steer, we carry a tire that’s ideally suited for that environment. View our R1 - R4 Tires.