Equipment Tires · Buying Guide
7 Best Skid Steer Tires of 2026 for Bobcat, CAT & More
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Skid steers are hard on tires: every turn scrubs rubber sideways, and job sites are full of rebar, rock and debris. We compared seven 10-16.5 and 12-16.5 skid steer tires and wheel sets available on Amazon right now on ply rating, load capacity, tread depth and fitment, so you can match the tire to your machine and your work.
Key takeaways
- 10-16.5 is the most common size on small and mid-size skid steers; larger machines often use 12-16.5.
- Choose 12-ply for general work and 14-ply for demolition, rock and heavy loads.
- Always replace tires in matched sets so rolling diameters are equal on each side.
- Have high-pressure tires mounted by a professional or buy pre-mounted wheels.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall 10-16.5 TireHORSESHOE 10-16.5 14-Ply Skid Steer TireCheck Price
- Best Value Single TireZEEMAX HD 10-16.5 G2 12-Ply Skid Steer TireCheck Price
- Best Value Set of 4Super Guider HD 10-16.5 12-Ply (Set of 4)Check Price
- Best Pre-Mounted SetForerunner SKS-1 10-16.5 on 8-Lug Wheels (Set of 4)Check Price
- Best for 12-16.5 MachinesZEEMAX HD 12-16.5 14-Ply G2 (Set of 2)Check Price
Skid Steer Tire Comparison
Specs come from each product's Amazon listing, checked in October 2026.
| Tire | Size | Ply | Tread depth | Max load | Sold as | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14-Ply Skid Steer Tire | 10-16.5 | 14-ply | 24/32" | 5,230 lb | 1 tire | View on Amazon |
| ZEEMAX HD 10-16.5 G2 12-Ply Skid Steer Tire | 10-16.5 | 12-ply | 23/32" | 5,240 lb | 1 tire | View on Amazon |
| Super Guider HD 10-16.5 12-Ply | 10-16.5 | 12-ply | 23/32" | 4,710 lb | 4 tires | View on Amazon |
| Forerunner SKS-1 10-16.5 on 8-Lug Wheels | 10-16.5 | 12-ply | — | See listing | 4 on wheels | View on Amazon |
| ZEEMAX HD 12-16.5 14-Ply G2 | 12-16.5 | 14-ply | 23/32" | 6,315 lb | 2 tires | View on Amazon |
| Road Crew TW171 12-16.5 14-Ply Skid Steer Tire | 12-16.5 | 14-ply | — | See listing | 1 tire | View on Amazon |
| Forerunner SKS-1 10-16.5 12-Ply Tire | 10-16.5 | 12-ply | — | 4,674 lb | 1 tire | View on Amazon |
The Best Skid Steer Tires: Reviews
1. HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14-Ply Skid Steer Tire
If you run a mid-size machine on the most common 10-16.5 size, the HORSESHOE 14-ply is the toughest tire in this guide for the money, with a G load range and the deepest tread we found.
- Size10-16.5 (30.4" OD)
- Ply / load14-ply G load, 5,230 lb @ 75 psi
- Tread depth24/32"
- Rim16.5" x 8.25"
The 14-ply rating gives it a 5,230 lb maximum load at 75 psi, comfortably above typical 10-16.5 machine needs, and the 24/32-inch tread is built to resist gouging and cutting on demolition sites and rocky ground. A molded rim guard protects the sidewall and wheel edge. It fits most skid steers that use 10-16.5 tires, including Bobcat, Case, CAT, John Deere, Gehl and New Holland models. As a stiffer 14-ply tire it rides firmer than 10- or 12-ply options.
What we like
- 14-ply G load for heavy work
- Deepest tread here at 24/32"
- Rim guard protects wheels
Watch out for
- Firmer ride than 12-ply
- Tire only, needs mounting
- Heavier than lighter-ply tires
Verdict: Best for contractors who want maximum cut resistance and load capacity on 10-16.5 machines.
Check Price on Amazon2. ZEEMAX HD 10-16.5 G2 12-Ply Skid Steer Tire
ZEEMAX is one of the most-reviewed skid steer tire brands on Amazon, and its HD G2 tire is a solid, affordable replacement when you only need one or two tires.
- Size10-16.5 (30.4" OD)
- Ply / load12-ply, 5,240 lb @ 90 psi
- Tread depth23/32"
- TreadG2/L2 pattern
The G2/L2 lug pattern balances traction on dirt and gravel with stability on hard surfaces, and the 23/32-inch tread is designed to resist chunking. ZEEMAX lists full dimensions (30.4-inch diameter, 10.4-inch section width, 8.25-inch rim width) and a 5,240 lb max load at 90 psi. It also comes in 2- and 4-packs if you want to replace a full set.
What we like
- Lots of owner feedback
- Full published dimensions
- Rim guard included
Watch out for
- 12-ply, not 14-ply
- Tire only
- Rides firmly at high pressure
Verdict: Best for owners replacing one or two worn 10-16.5 tires on a budget.
Check Price on Amazon3. Super Guider HD 10-16.5 12-Ply (Set of 4)
Skid steers should run matched tires on all four corners, and Super Guider's 4-pack is one of the most cost-effective ways to do that.
- Size10-16.5 (30.7" OD)
- Ply / load12-ply, 4,710 lb @ 75 psi
- Tread depth23/32"
- UseOff-road only
These 12-ply SKS-pattern tires use a deep 23/32-inch tread for construction and farm use, with a rim guard to protect your wheels. The maker rates them at 4,710 lb at 75 psi and clearly states they're for off-road environments, not highway use. Replacing all four at once keeps rolling diameters equal, which reduces drivetrain strain and uneven wear.
What we like
- Full matched set in one order
- Deep 23/32" tread
- Rim guard on each tire
Watch out for
- Lower load rating than 14-ply
- Tires only, mounting needed
- Lesser-known brand
Verdict: Best for owners who need a complete, matched set of 10-16.5 tires at a good price.
Check Price on Amazon4. Forerunner SKS-1 10-16.5 on 8-Lug Wheels (Set of 4)
Mounting skid steer tires is hard work and can be dangerous at high pressure. Forerunner's set arrives already mounted on 8-lug wheels, so you can bolt on and go.
- Size10-16.5, 12-ply
- Bolt pattern8 on 8", 6" center hole
- FitsBobcat 7-series & S-series, more
- TypePneumatic, tubeless bias
The listing names fitment for many Bobcat machines (742–773 and S130 through S570, among others) and Kubota's SSV65, and the common 8-on-8-inch bolt pattern fits many other brands. The SKS-1 tires are 12-ply bias tubeless, and the seller can foam-fill them on request for flat-proofing. Double-check offset and lug configuration for your machine before ordering.
What we like
- Pre-mounted, no tire machine needed
- Wide Bobcat fitment list
- Foam fill available
Watch out for
- Higher upfront cost
- Check offset for your machine
- Fewer reviews than single tires
Verdict: Best for owners who want a complete, bolt-on wheel and tire swap with no mounting hassle.
Check Price on Amazon5. ZEEMAX HD 12-16.5 14-Ply G2 (Set of 2)
Larger skid steers that use 12-16.5 tires need more load capacity, and ZEEMAX's 14-ply G2 delivers one of the highest ratings we found.
- Size12-16.5 (32.7" OD)
- Ply / load14-ply, 6,315 lb @ 80 psi
- Tread depth23/32"
- Width12.1" section
Each tire is rated to 6,315 lb at 80 psi, and the wider 12.1-inch section gives more flotation on soft ground than a 10-16.5. The deep G2/L2 tread resists gouging, and a rim guard protects your wheels. Only fit 12-16.5 tires if your machine and wheels are specified for that size.
What we like
- High 6,315 lb load rating
- Wider footprint for soft ground
- Sold in a pair
Watch out for
- Only for 12-16.5 machines
- Heavy to handle and mount
- Firm ride
Verdict: Best for larger machines on 12-16.5 wheels that carry heavy loads.
Check Price on Amazon6. Road Crew TW171 12-16.5 14-Ply Skid Steer Tire
Road Crew's TW171 is another 14-ply option for 12-16.5 machines, useful when you need a single replacement to match an existing tire.
- Size12-16.5
- Ply14-ply
- TypeNHS (non-highway service)
- UseHeavy-duty construction
The listing gives fewer specifications than ZEEMAX or HORSESHOE, so compare the tread pattern and overall diameter with your current tires before buying, since mismatched diameters on the same side can strain your drive chains. As an NHS tire it's built for off-road work, not highway driving.
What we like
- 14-ply heavy-duty construction
- Single tire for matching replacements
- Built for construction work
Watch out for
- Limited published specs
- Fewer owner reviews
- Tire only
Verdict: Best as a single 12-16.5 replacement when you can match it to your existing tires.
Check Price on Amazon7. Forerunner SKS-1 10-16.5 12-Ply Tire
If you like the Forerunner SKS-1 but only need one tire, it's also sold on its own at a lower price.
- Size10-16.5
- Ply12-ply bias
- Load index134 (4,674 lb)
- TractionAll-season
It's a 12-ply bias tire with an all-season SKS-1 tread and a load index of 134, which supports up to 4,674 lb per tire. Early owner ratings are strong, but there are fewer of them than for ZEEMAX, so it's best treated as a value pick.
What we like
- Low price per tire
- Strong early owner ratings
- All-season tread
Watch out for
- Lower load rating than 14-ply
- Fewer reviews
- Tire only
Verdict: Best for budget single-tire replacements on 10-16.5 machines.
Check Price on AmazonTypes of Skid Steer Tires
Pneumatic (air-filled) tires
Every tire in this guide is pneumatic. They give the smoothest ride and best traction and are the cheapest to replace, but they can be punctured. Bias-ply construction, used by all of these tires, has stiff sidewalls that resist cuts.
Foam-filled tires
Pneumatic tires filled with polyurethane foam can't go flat, which suits scrap yards and demolition. The trade-off is a much heavier, harsher ride and higher cost. Some sellers, including Forerunner, offer foam filling.
Solid tires
Solid rubber tires are flat-proof and last the longest on abrasive surfaces, but they're heavy, expensive and ride rough. They're usually bought from equipment dealers rather than Amazon.
Tread patterns
SKS / L2 / G2 lug treads, like those reviewed here, are all-round construction patterns for dirt, gravel and hard surfaces. R4 industrial treads are flatter for paved surfaces, and turf treads protect lawns.
How to Choose Skid Steer Tires
- Confirm the size on your current tiresRead the sidewall (for example 10-16.5 or 12-16.5) and your operator's manual. Don't change size without checking clearance and the manufacturer's spec.
- Pick the ply rating for your work12-ply suits landscaping, farm and general construction. 14-ply handles heavy loads, demolition and rocky sites better but rides firmer.
- Check the load ratingEach tire should carry well over a quarter of your machine's operating weight plus its rated operating capacity.
- Look for a rim guardA molded rim guard protects the sidewall and wheel edge from curbs, rocks and debris.
- Decide on tires only or mounted wheelsPre-mounted sets save time and avoid the risks of mounting high-pressure tires yourself.
Skid Steer Tire Maintenance Tips
- Keep pressure at the operator's-manual spec. Underinflation increases sidewall flex and heat; overinflation reduces traction and makes the ride harsher. Never exceed the maximum on the sidewall.
- Rotate tires front to back and side to side to even out wear from skid turning. Our tire rotation guide explains why it matters.
- Make wider turns where you can. Three-point turns scrub far less rubber than spinning in place.
- Inspect daily for cuts, embedded metal and damaged rim guards, and check lug nut torque.
- Keep rolling diameters matched on each side to protect drive chains and final drives.
How We Chose These Tires
We did not field-test these tires. We compared manufacturer specifications (size, ply rating, load rating, tread depth and dimensions), fitment information, and recurring themes in owner feedback about wear, chunking and sidewall damage. We checked every product on Amazon in October 2026 and replaced tires that were unavailable or had too little information to recommend. Scores weigh durability and load capacity (40%), traction and tread depth (25%), fitment and ease of installation (20%) and value (15%).
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tires does a Bobcat skid steer use?
Many Bobcat models, including much of the S-series, use 10-16.5 tires, while some larger machines use 12-16.5. Check the sidewall of your current tires or your operator's manual for the exact size.
Is a 12-ply or 14-ply skid steer tire better?
12-ply is fine for most landscaping and general construction work. 14-ply carries more weight and resists cuts better on demolition and rocky sites, at the cost of a firmer ride.
How long do skid steer tires last?
It depends heavily on surface and driving style. Machines that work on concrete and spin in place wear tires out far faster than those working on dirt with wider turns.
Should I buy foam-filled skid steer tires?
Foam fill eliminates flats, which helps in scrap yards and demolition, but it adds weight, cost and a harsher ride. For most general work, quality pneumatic tires with a rim guard are the better value.
Can I mix tire brands on my skid steer?
Avoid mixing brands or tread depths on the same side. Different rolling diameters make the drive system fight itself, which wears chains and tires faster.
The Bottom Line
For most 10-16.5 machines, the HORSESHOE 14-ply offers the best mix of toughness and load capacity. On a budget, the ZEEMAX HD G2 is a reliable single replacement, and the Super Guider 4-pack covers a full matched set for less. If you'd rather skip mounting, choose the Forerunner pre-mounted set, and for larger 12-16.5 machines, the ZEEMAX 14-ply pair.