Skid Steer Tire Buying Guide

Every work site’s needs are different, and so it goes for the usefulness of different types of tires for your skid steer loader. To increase performance, it’s best to select tires based on the working environment. You can start with selecting a tread pattern that fits the terrain, as this will create a base for safe and efficient operation. 

Choose By Worksite

Most worksites fall into three categories: off-road, hard surface, and a mixture of the two. Off-road work tends to require more traction from the tread, while hard surfaces need more durability. Without the right tread pattern, surface contact can create unnecessary wear. 

For Hard Surfaces

Hard surfaces are best tackled with a non-directional tread pattern that features a higher lug-to-void ratio. That means more rubber on the tread pattern, which increases overall durability.

For Loose Terrain

For traction on looser terrain, you want a tire with deep treads and a strong sidewall to handle the extra debris. This means higher ply and more void. For terrain like sand, you’ll want something with less tread that can be run at a low PSI, while muddy ground is easy to tackle with aggressive tread and auto-cleaning patterns.

For Mixed Terrain

Mixed terrain can be an issue since finding the right tire might lean more toward either of the extremes we’ve already covered. Generally, choose the tire that fits for the majority of your work. If you do work on mixed terrain, focus on the aspects that you deal with most; if traction is your main concern, look for deep treads — and if you mostly operate on hard surfaces, go for that high lug-to-void ratio. If you’re facing a real toss-up, it might be a good idea to select multiple sets of tires that can be changed out should the worksite demand it.

For more tips on shopping for skid steer parts & equipment—as well as browse helpful machinery components and accessories—be sure to visit us here at Bobcat of Rolla! Our location in Rolla, MO offers a convenient on-site parts department where you can purchase all of your important heavy-equipment parts & accessories, and we’re proud to serve the nearby city of St. Louis, MO.