Picking the right skid steer tire is a critical step for your equipment’s efficiency. The right skid steer tires can improve traction, stability, and ride comfort, while the wrong ones can cause downtime, fast wear, and lost productivity.
This guide will explain the main tire construction types and tread patterns to help you pick the fully suitable tire for your needs. Also, we will cover traction boosters to increase your efficiency. Learn now!
Skid Steer Tire Main Types: Classified by Construction
The first thing to decide is how your tire is built. Tire construction affects comfort, durability, and maintenance.
1. Pneumatic Skid Steer Tires
These are the classic air-filled tires, similar to car tires. They use compressed air to carry weight and soften the ride.
Pros:
- Great Comfort: The air absorbs bumps and shocks, reducing operator fatigue.
- Strong Traction: The flexible tire shape grips uneven ground better.
- Affordable: Usually the lowest cost option.
Cons:
- Puncture Risk: Sharp objects can cause flats.
- Regular Maintenance: You must check and maintain the correct skid steer tire PSI.
Best For: Landscaping, agriculture, and general dirt work.
2. Solid Skid Steer Tires
Solid tires are made entirely of rubber — no air inside. They’re designed for harsh environments where flats can’t be tolerated.
Pros:
- Puncture-Proof: Impossible to go flat.
- Longest Life: Often lasts 3–4 times longer than pneumatics.
- Zero Maintenance.
Cons:
- Rough Ride: No cushioning, though modern “aperture-hole” designs improve comfort.
- Higher Cost: Expensive upfront.
Best For: Demolition, scrap yards, recycling, pavement, and waste handling.
3. Foam-Filled Skid Steer Tires
Foam-filled tires start as pneumatics, then are filled with a polymer foam that hardens. The result: puncture-proof like solids, smoother like pneumatics.
Pros:
- Flat-Proof: No leaks, no downtime.
- Decent Comfort: Better shock absorption than solid tires.
Cons:
- High Price: Costly tire plus filling process.
- Heavier: Adds weight to your machine, affecting fuel use.
Best For: Rental fleets and mixed-use construction sites.
Example: FridayParts’ Foam Filled Tire Wheel Assembly 7025047 makes getting ready-to-run foam-filled tires simple and convenient.
Tire Construction Comparison Chart
| Feature | Pneumatic Tires | Solid Tires | Foam-Filled Tires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puncture Resistance | Low | Extreme | Extreme |
| Operator Comfort | Very High | Low | Medium |
| Tire Lifespan | Standard | Longest (3–4×) | Long (2–3×) |
| Upfront Cost | Low | High | Very High |
| Maintenance | Regular (Check PSI) | None | None |
| Best For | Landscaping, Agriculture | Demolition, Scrap, Pavement | Rental, Mixed Construction |
Skid Steer Tire Main Types: Classified by Tread Patterns
Once the tire type is set, pick a tread pattern that matches your main job surface.
Off-Road / Heavy-Duty Lug (R4 Tread)
The most aggressive tread with deep lugs for mud, dirt, gravel, and snow.
Example: 315/55D20 8‑Bolt R4 Tread Tire — a perfect all-terrain workhorse.
Best For: Construction, agriculture, and soft surfaces.
Hard Surface / All-Terrain
Shallower tread blocks offer a smoother ride and longer wear on pavement and concrete.
Best For: Contractors who work mainly on hard surfaces but still need limited off-road traction.
Turf / Smooth Pattern
Minimal tread to avoid damaging grass or delicate surfaces.
Example: Lawn Mower Tire 15×6.00‑6 — gentle on lawns, golf courses, and sports fields.
Best For: Landscaping and turf maintenance.
Traction Boosters
If you often face rough or slippery ground, upgrade traction with these add-ons:
- Skid Steer Tire Chains: Great for icy or snowy conditions. Chains increase grip and safety at low cost.
Example: 12×16.5 skid steer tire chains for standard tire sizes.
- Over-the-Tire (OTT) Tracks: Converts your skid steer into a semi-track loader. These install over your tires for maximum flotation and grip in deep mud, sand, or snow.
4 Simple Steps to Pick Your Tires
Ready to decide? Follow these four easy steps:
Step 1: Know Your 80% Worksite
You think about where you spend eighty percent of your time: is it muddy ground, concrete, or turf?
This one can help you to find out what kind of performance you really need.
Step 2: Choose Construction Type
Use the chart above to balance puncture resistance, comfort, and cost.
- High puncture risk → Pick solid or foam-filled.
- Mostly smooth terrain → Pneumatic tires save money and ride better.
Step 3: Understand Tire Sizes
Example: 12‑16.5 Skid Steer Tire
- 12: Tire width (in inches)
- 16.5: Rim diameter (in inches)
- PR (Ply Rating): Strength and load capacity (e.g., 10PR = strong tire).
Example: 12‑16.5/10PR Tire 1271437GT for Genie Lifts — fits many skid steers and offers robust ply strength.
Step 4: Find Your Perfect Tire
Once you know your construction type, tread, and size, shop confidently.
Explore FridayParts.com to find:
- Pneumatic, solid, and foam-filled tires
- Complete tire-wheel assemblies
- Tire repair tools
Skid Steer Tire Maintenance & Tools
Getting the right tires is only the start. Proper care keeps your skid steer running smoothly.
Maintain Correct Tire Pressure
For pneumatic tires, checking skid steer tire PSI is essential:
- Too low: Flat spots and sidewall damage.
- Too high: Harsh ride and poor traction.
Always follow the manufacturer’s PSI recommendation.
Use the Right Tools
You can save time and effort with:
- Manual Tire Bead Breaker – separates the tire and rim.
- Mount/Demount Head for Coats Tire Changer – prevents rim damage.
Summary: The Right Tire for the Right Job
Follow this guide to choose the right skid steer tire for your specific needs. Browse our collection of wheels & tires and accessories at FridayParts.com. We supply durable, OEM-quality heavy equipment parts designed for cost-effective solutions.
Can’t find what you need? Contact our experts, and we’ll help you within 24 business hours
