If you’ve ever watched your skid steer struggle for traction in wet clay or bounce like a rodeo bull on a demolition site, you already know one thing — tires make or break the job.
I’ve seen contractors burn through a brand-new set of skid steer tires in under six months simply because they chose the wrong type. And on the flip side, I’ve seen crews double their tire life just by switching tread style. Whether you’re running a Bobcat, CAT, John Deere, or Kubota, your tires are the only thing connecting thousands of pounds of machine to the ground.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about skid steer tires — from popular sizes like 10-16.5 skid steer tires and 12-16.5 skid steer tires, to solid and airless options, costs, and real-world buying advice.
Let’s get into it.
Understanding Skid Steer Tires: Sizes, Types, and Real-World Performance
Choosing the right skid steer tires isn’t just about matching numbers on the sidewall. It’s about jobsite conditions, machine weight, surface type, and how often you’re running the machine.
Let’s break it down the practical way.
1. Why Skid Steer Tires Matter More Than You Think
Skid steers are tough machines. But they’re also tire killers.
Unlike tractors that roll smoothly, skid steers pivot by dragging tires across the ground. That constant scrubbing action:
- Accelerates tread wear
- Stresses sidewalls
- Increases heat buildup
- Causes chunking on rough surfaces
If you’re working on concrete in Phoenix, frozen ground in Minnesota, or muddy construction lots in Texas, the wrong tires won’t last long.
2. Most Common Skid Steer Tire Sizes
Here are the sizes you’ll see most often on compact and mid-size machines.
10-16.5 Skid Steer Tires
One of the most common sizes for smaller to mid-frame skid steers.
You’ll also see them listed as:
- 10×16.5 skid steer tires
- skid steer tires 10-16.5
These are popular because they balance:
- Load capacity
- Maneuverability
- Cost
- Availability
Average price (US market):
$150–$300 per tire (pneumatic)
$350–$600 per tire (solid)
12-16.5 Skid Steer Tires
Heavier-duty option for larger machines.
Also commonly searched as:
- 12×16.5 skid steer tires
- skid steer tires 12-16.5
These provide:
- Higher load rating
- Better stability
- More flotation in softer ground
Expect pricing around:
- $250–$450 per tire (pneumatic)
- $500–$900 per tire (solid)
14-17.5 Skid Steer Tires
Used on larger frame machines and heavier-duty applications.
If you’re moving pallets of block, large dirt loads, or demolition debris, 14-17.5 skid steer tires offer:
- Increased footprint
- Better weight distribution
- Stronger sidewalls
They cost more — typically $400–$800+ per tire.
3. Pneumatic vs Solid Skid Steer Tires
This is where most buyers get stuck.
Let’s keep it simple.
Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Tires
Pros:
- Smoother ride
- Better traction on dirt and mud
- Lower upfront cost
Cons:
- Flats happen
- Sidewall punctures
- Downtime costs
If you’re landscaping, grading soil, or working residential projects, pneumatic tires are usually fine.
Solid Skid Steer Tires
Also called:
- airless skid steer tires
- foam-filled or solid rubber tires
These are built for punishment.
Pros:
- No flats
- No air pressure checks
- Longer lifespan in harsh conditions
Cons:
- Rougher ride
- Higher upfront cost
- Heavier weight
If you work demolition, recycling yards, scrap metal facilities, or roofing tear-offs, solid skid steer tires are often worth the money.
I’ve personally seen contractors switch to solids after losing two days of work to jobsite nails. Once they made the change, flats stopped being a problem entirely.
4. Tread Patterns Matter More Than Brand
You can buy the best-known brand and still get poor performance if the tread is wrong.
Common tread types:
- R4 / Industrial tread – Balanced for mixed surfaces
- Block tread – Good for hard surfaces and longevity
- Bar lug tread – Excellent for mud and loose dirt
- Severe duty tread – Thicker rubber for demolition sites
If you’re mostly on concrete, go with harder compounds and block-style treads.
If you’re in wet soil or clay, deeper lugs will save you from spinning all day.
5. How Long Do Skid Steer Tires Last?
This depends heavily on:
- Surface type
- Operator habits
- Tire type
- Load weight
On average:
- Pneumatic tires: 600–1,200 hours
- Solid tires: 1,000–2,000+ hours
Running on concrete every day will cut that down fast. Spinning in place constantly will too.
Pro tip from the field:
Train operators to avoid unnecessary pivoting on rough surfaces. That alone can extend tire life by months.
6. When to Replace Skid Steer Tires
Replace them when:
- Tread depth is below 25%
- You see exposed cords
- Large chunks are missing
- Repeated air loss occurs
- Machine feels unstable
Don’t wait until cords show. By then, you’re risking wheel damage.
7. Seasonal and Regional Considerations (US Focus)
If you’re in:
- Midwest winters – Frozen ground increases cracking risk
- Southern heat (Texas, Arizona) – Heat accelerates rubber wear
- Pacific Northwest – Mud demands deeper tread
- Northeast urban areas – Concrete and debris call for solid tires
Matching tire type to region makes a huge difference.
8. Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Really Spend
Let’s be realistic.
For a full set:
- Budget pneumatic set (10-16.5 skid steer tires): $600–$1,200
- Mid-grade pneumatic (12-16.5 skid steer tires): $1,000–$1,800
- Solid tire set: $2,000–$3,500+
Add mounting costs if you’re not installing them yourself.
Sometimes paying more upfront for solids saves thousands in downtime.
9. Tips Before Buying Skid Steer Tires
Before you click “Buy Now,” check:
- Load rating matches your machine
- Rim width compatibility
- Ply rating (8-ply vs 10-ply or higher)
- Warranty details
- Manufacturing date
Never buy old stock tires that have been sitting in a warehouse for years. Rubber degrades.
10. Final Buying Advice From Experience
If you’re:
- A landscaper → Go with quality pneumatic 10×16.5 skid steer tires
- A concrete contractor → Consider severe-duty tread
- A demolition crew → Invest in solid skid steer tires
- A heavy material handler → 12-16.5 or 14-17.5 skid steer tires make more sense
Think about downtime. Think about surface. Think about operator habits.
The cheapest tire is almost never the most affordable in the long run.
FAQs
What is the most common skid steer tire size?
The most common size is 10-16.5 skid steer tires, especially on mid-size machines like Bobcat S650 or CAT 262 models.
Are solid skid steer tires worth it?
Yes, if you work in environments with frequent punctures like demolition or scrap yards. They eliminate flats completely.
How much do 12-16.5 skid steer tires cost?
Expect $250–$450 per tire for pneumatic and $500–$900 for solid options, depending on brand and ply rating.
Can I switch from 10-16.5 to 12-16.5 skid steer tires?
Only if your machine and rims support the larger size. Always check manufacturer specifications first.
How often should I check skid steer tire pressure?
Check weekly if the machine is used daily. Proper pressure improves traction and extends tire life.
