Choosing the right skid steer tires is essential for productivity, safety, and uptime on any job site. This guide highlights five top-rated options that balance load capacity, tread depth, and compatibility across popular brands. Each entry includes practical specs, so you can compare at a glance and select tires that fit your machine and typical terrain.
| Product | Brand | Size | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HORSESHOE NHS SKS1 | HORSESHOE | 12-16.5 | 14 | Newly manufactured; fits many brands |
| Forerunner SKS-1 On Wheels (8 lug) | Forerunner | 12-16.5 | 14 | Ready to install; wide fitment |
| Forerunner SKS-1 On Wheels (Bobcat) | Forerunner | 12-16.5 | 14 | 8-lug rims; Case, CAT, Deere compatibility |
| Forerunner SKS-9 On Wheels | Forerunner | 10-16.5 | 12 | 8-lug rims; Bobcat and similar machines |
| HORSESHOE NHS SKS4 | HORSESHOE | 12-16.5 | 16 | Super heavy duty; high load capacity |
Below are in-depth product sections to help you compare performance, compatibility, and long-term value for common skid steer applications.
HORSESHOE NHS SKS1 12-16.5 14PLY Tubeless Tire Set
The HORSESHOE NHS SKS1 set includes four 12-16.5 tires with a 14-ply rating, designed for heavy-duty skid steer use. These tubeless tires are new production, not retread, and feature a G load rating suitable for demanding tasks. They fit a wide range of skid steer brands, including Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Doosan, John Deere, Komatsu, JCB, New Holland, Volvo, and more. The inflated size measures 32.5 inches in oval diameter with a 12.3-inch width, and tread depth around 24/32 inches. Rim diameter is 16.5 inches, with a standard width of 9.75 inches. Ideal for mixed-terrain work and frequent loader cycles.
Key considerations:
– Load capacity is strong for mid- to heavy-duty jobs, reducing tire failures on rough surfaces.
– The 16.5-inch rim fits a broad set of machines; confirm rim width on your machine.
– Notretread status ensures predictable wear and performance at high loads.
Forerunner SKS-1 On Wheels (8 Lug) 12-16.5 – Ready To Go
This Set of 4 skid steer tires comes mounted on 8-lug wheels, sized 12-16.5 and rated at 14 plies. It is marketed as ready to install, with extensive fitment coverage including Case 1845/1845C/430/435/440/450/465 and many other models. The rim design uses a 6-inch center hole and an 8-inch lug pattern to accommodate a broad range of manufacturers, including Bobcat, CAT, Deere, Gehl, Kubota, Volvo, Takeuchi, and more. The setup is suitable for customers who want a turnkey wheel-and-tire package for quick deployment.
Key considerations:
– Offsets can vary between manufacturers; verify the exact rim offset for your model.
– The set is compatible with many 8-lug configurations, improving interchangeability.
– Longer tread life depends on service type and load cycles; monitor tread wear closely on rocky terrain.
Forerunner SKS-1 On Wheels (Bobcat Ready) 12-16.5 – 8 Lug
This listing provides another 12-16.5, 14-ply tire set on 8-lug wheels, specifically positioned for Bobcat and similar machines. The 8-lug rim design with a 6-inch center hole and 8-inch lug pattern ensures wide compatibility with Case, CAT, Deere, Kubota, Volvo, Takeuchi, and many other brands. The emphasis is on straightforward installation and broad interchangeability, making it a practical option for fleet managers who rotate machines or consolidate tire inventories.
Key considerations:
– Confirm your machine’s rim offset and hub configuration before purchase.
– The 14-ply design supports heavy loads but check your typical operating pressures.
– Rims and tires are designed as a cohesive unit; ensure compatibility with your current axle and fender clearances.
Forerunner SKS-9 On Wheels 10-16.5 – Heavy-Duty 12 Ply
The Forerunner SKS-9 set brings a 10-16.5 tire size with a robust 12-ply construction, designed for heavy traction and extended service life. It features the same 8-lug wheel design common in many vendor packages, suitable for Bobcat, Case, CAT, Daewoo, Gehl, John Deere, Mustang, New Holland, Kubota, Volvo, Takeuchi, Scat Trak, and Thomas machines. The fitment notes indicate broad compatibility, with the typical offset considerations across different brands. This option suits operators who demand high load capacity and resistance to chunking in challenging work environments.
Key considerations:
– The 12-ply rating delivers strong resistance to punctures on rough terrain.
– Check for rim compatibility with your current mounting hardware and counterweight setup.
– Ensure tire clearance for wider wheels does not conflict with fenders or body panels.
Forerunner SKS-6 L5 On Wheels 10-16.5 – 12 Ply
This 10-16.5 set from Forerunner features a 12-ply construction in the SKS-6 L5 series, designed for durable traction across varying conditions. The kit includes 8-lug wheels suitable for Bobcat and other brands, with the classic 6-inch center hole and 8-inch lug pattern. Fitment notes emphasize interchangeability, but highlight that offsets can differ among manufacturers, so verification is essential prior to mounting.
Key considerations:
– The L5 designation indicates a reinforced tread pattern aimed at improved wear resistance.
– Ensure the wheel offset aligns with your loader’s geometry to avoid rubbing and steering issues.
– Consider fleet-wide uniformity to simplify maintenance and parts inventory.
HORSESHOE 23×8.5-12 NHS SKS-5 2-Pack
The HORSESHOE NHS SKS-5 2-pack features 23×8.5-12 tires with a 10-ply rating for E-load service. The tires are described as brand-new, not retread, and are compatible with most skid steer machines, including Bobcat, Case, CAT, Deere, and more. A rim-guard wall helps protect rims in demanding environments, while the 12-inch rim diameter and 7-inch standard width support stable loading across a variety of machine configurations. This option is ideal for operators needing significant tread depth and rugged build for challenging terrain.
Key considerations:
– Large overall diameter affects ground clearance and travel speed; verify belt alignment and drive train clearance.
– The 10-ply E-load rating supports heavier loads but demands appropriate inflation pressures.
– Ensure compatibility with your wheel-rim size and any rim protection features on your machine.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
When choosing skid steer tires, consider these factors to optimize performance and value:
- Load rating and ply count: Higher plies and load ratings improve puncture resistance and carrying capacity but may add weight and impact ride comfort. Choose based on typical loads, terrain, and machine weight.
- Terrain and tread design: Deep-tread SKS designs excel in loose material, mud, and snow, while solid patterns perform better on hard surfaces. Match tread to your most frequent job sites.
- Rim compatibility and offset: Many tires are sold on wheels with eight-lug or standard configurations. Confirm rim diameter, lug pattern, offset, and hub bore to ensure proper fit and avoid rubbing.
- Brand and compatibility: Popular brands span HORSESHOE and Forerunner, with varying fitments across Case, Bobcat, CAT, Deere, and others. Verify fitment for your specific model and year.
- New vs. retread: Brand-new tires provide consistent performance and longer life in some cases, but retread options can offer cost efficiency. Consider total cost of ownership and service history.
- Climate and maintenance: In cold or icy conditions, tread design and compound influence traction. Regular inspections for cuts, bulges, and wear extend tire life.
- Fleet standardization: If operating multiple machine types, select tires with broad compatibility to simplify maintenance, inventory, and downtimes.
By weighing these factors against your workload, terrain, and equipment, you can select skid steer tires that maximize uptime, traction, and safety on site. The five options featured here provide a spectrum of ply ratings, tread styles, and wheel configurations to help you identify a practical, durable choice for common American trades and construction environments.