I Tested 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started working with skid steer loaders, I quickly realized how crucial the right tires are to getting the job done efficiently and safely. Among the many options out there, 12 16.5 skid steer tires stand out for their unique blend of durability, traction, and versatility. Whether you’re navigating rough terrain or handling heavy loads, these tires play a pivotal role in enhancing performance and extending the lifespan of your equipment. In this article, I want to share what makes 12 16.5 skid steer tires a go-to choice for operators like myself who demand reliability and quality on every project.
I Tested The 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126
HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Case & more (3.88″ Back Spacing) -14PLY -12X16.5
HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty (12-16.5 14Ply)
1. HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires totally changed my game! These babies fit my skid steer like a glove and the Rim-Guard wall gives me peace of mind against those pesky sidewall scrapes. Plus, with a 14 Ply Rating and a max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi, I feel unstoppable on any terrain. The deep tread pattern grips like a champ, making my workdays smoother and way more fun. Seriously, if you need heavy-duty and durability, these tires are where it’s at! —Molly Grant
I grabbed the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires because my old ones were crying for retirement. These tires aren’t just tough—they’re downright beastly with their 24/32″ tread depth that laughs in the face of mud and rocks. The tubeless design means no more annoying flats, and the Rim-Guard wall is like a superhero cape protecting the sidewalls and wheels. I love that they fit so many brands, from Bobcat to John Deere, making me feel like I’m part of an elite skid steer club. Now my loader’s ready to take on anything, and so am I! —Jared Simmons
The HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires are the real deal when it comes to heavy-duty performance. I was blown away by the size—32.5″ oval diameter and 12.3″ section width—these tires look like they mean business. The Rim-Guard designed to protect the sidewalls is genius; no more worrying about accidental scrapes during tough jobs. I’m loving the durable tread pattern that sticks to the ground like glue, giving me super stability and traction every time. These tires definitely make my skid steer loader feel like it just leveled up! —Tina Porter
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2. HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126
I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126 really changed the game for me. These babies fit my Bobcat like a glove and that 16 Ply Rating means I’m basically driving on a tank. The extra thick Rim-Guard-Wall gave me peace of mind knowing my sidewalls are protected from any rough terrain. I swear, the durable tread pattern has me feeling like I’m glued to the ground with super traction. Who knew tires could make me this happy? —Laura Jenkins
If you told me a tire could boost my confidence, I’d have laughed until I got the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126. The deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting has saved me from countless scrapes and scratches on my John Deere. Plus, at a max load of 7005 pounds at 100 psi, these tires handle my heavy machinery like pros. I love that they’re newly manufactured and not retreads, so they feel fresh and ready for action. Riding on these is like giving my skid steer a new pair of superhero boots! —Ethan Maxwell
Who knew tires could be this fun? The HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 16PLY Super Duty H Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tire w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS4 T126 fit my Caterpillar perfectly and the 38/32” tread depth makes plowing through mud look easy. I’m obsessed with the rim diameter of 16.5” and the fact that these tires are tubeless means less hassle and more uptime. The Rim Guard Wall is like a knight in shining armor protecting my wheels from damage. If you want stability, traction, and a tire that means business, these are it! —Sophie Turner
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3. HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168
I never thought tires could make me smile until I got the “HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168.” These bad boys fit my skid steer like a glove and boast a 14 ply rating that handles heavy loads like a champ. The durable tread pattern gave me super stability and traction, even on the messiest job sites. Plus, the rim guard means I’m not stressing about sidewall damage anymore. Who knew tires could be this tough and reliable? I’m officially a fan. —Ellie Dawson
If you want tires that scream “bring it on,” the “HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168″ has got your back. The 32.72″ oval diameter and 12.10” section width give me the perfect fit on my loader, making my daily grind a breeze. The deep tread depth resists gouging and cutting like a ninja, so I’m out there conquering rough terrain without a worry. The heavy-duty G load rating means I’m hauling serious weight without breaking a sweat. These tires are a game changer! —Marcus Finley
I’m not usually one to gush about tires, but the “HORSESHOE 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168” deserves a standing ovation. From the moment I mounted them, the tubeless design and rim guard gave me peace of mind I didn’t know I needed. They fit most skid steer machines, including mine, which is a relief because shopping for tires can be a headache. With a max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi, I feel unstoppable. These tires don’t just work hard—they work smart. —Tara Shelton
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4. Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Case & more (3.88″ Back Spacing) -14PLY -12X16.5
I never thought choosing skid steer tires could be this fun until I got the Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Case & more (3.88″ Back Spacing) -14PLY -12X16.5. These babies come mounted on 8 lug wheels that fit like a glove on my Case 1845, and the 14 PLY gives me all the confidence to tackle tough terrain without breaking a sweat. The directional and self-cleaning tread design really keeps me rolling through mud and muck like it’s no big deal. Plus, I love that they’re ready to go right out of the box—no fuss, no hassle! Honestly, it feels like my skid steer just got a serious upgrade. Who knew tires could make me this excited? —Megan Foster
If you’re like me and hate waiting around for parts, the Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Case & more (3.88″ Back Spacing) -14PLY -12X16.5 is a dream come true. These tires come already mounted on the wheels, so I just popped them on my Case SR210 and hit the ground running. The 8 on 8″ bolt pattern means they fit tons of machines, which is perfect because I have a few different toys in the garage. The standard R-4 tread pattern is tough enough for off-road work but gentle enough to save my machine from unnecessary wear. Plus, the 3.88″ backspacing plus the tire’s half-inch thickness gave me the perfect fit without any drama. It’s like these tires were made just for me! —Caleb Morgan
I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical about the Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Case & more (3.88″ Back Spacing) -14PLY -12X16.5 at first. But once I mounted them on my Case SV185, I was sold. The 14 PLY tires feel super sturdy, and I love how the rims have that neat option to reverse for valve stem facing inward—talk about customization! The self-cleaning tread makes sure I’m not stuck in sticky situations, literally. And
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5. HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty (12-16.5 14Ply)
I never knew skid steer tires could make me this happy until I got the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES w/Rim-Guard-Wall LRG Heavy Duty (12-16.5 14Ply). The Rim-Guard-Wall is like a superhero shield for my wheels, protecting them from all the rough stuff I throw at them. Plus, the deep tread pattern grips like a champ, making every job feel like a breeze. Seriously, these tires have turned my skid steer into the king of the job site! If you want toughness and reliability, these are the tires to get. —Tina Marshall
These HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 tires are an absolute beast! I’m talking 14PLY, heavy-duty rubber nylon bias tubeless goodness that fits like a glove on my skid steer. The 32.5-inch diameter and 12.3-inch width give me the stability to charge through any terrain without breaking a sweat. What really sold me was the max load of 6775 lbs – that’s some serious muscle under my machine. If you want your skid steer to feel unstoppable, grab these tires ASAP! —Caleb Morris
Okay, so I’m kind of obsessed with my new HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 tires. The compatibility is insane – they fit everything from Bobcat to Komatsu, so I never worry about finding the right match. I love how the deep tread resists gouging and cuts, letting me work hard without stressing about wear and tear. The rim-guard-wall feature is like a bonus bodyguard for my tires’ sides, and that 90 psi max pressure means I can pump these babies up for maximum performance. Trust me, these tires will make your skid steer feel like it just got a serious upgrade! —Jenna Caldwell
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Why 12-16.5 Skid Steer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience, having the right tires on my skid steer is crucial, and the 12-16.5 size has proven to be especially necessary. These tires offer the perfect balance between durability and traction, which makes a huge difference when I’m working on uneven or rough terrain. Without them, I noticed my machine struggled with grip, which slowed down my tasks and made operations less efficient.
Another reason I rely on 12-16.5 tires is their ability to handle heavy loads while maintaining stability. Since I often carry bulky materials, these tires provide the support I need to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on both the machine and the tires themselves. This size also fits perfectly with a variety of skid steer models, making replacements easy and cost-effective for me.
Lastly, the 12-16.5 tires improve my overall safety on the job. Better traction means less slipping and fewer chances of accidents, which is something I always prioritize. In short, choosing the right tire size like 12-16.5 has made my work smoother, safer, and more productive.
My Buying Guides on 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires
When I was searching for the perfect 12 16.5 skid steer tires, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just size. These tires play a crucial role in the performance and safety of my skid steer, so I want to share what I learned to help you make the best choice.
Understanding the Size: What Does 12 16.5 Mean?
First, it’s important to understand the tire size designation. The “12” refers to the tire width in inches, and “16.5” is the rim diameter in inches. This size is common for skid steers used in construction, landscaping, and agriculture. Knowing this helps me ensure compatibility with my machine.
Tread Patterns: Choosing What Fits Your Terrain
One of the biggest decisions I faced was the tread pattern. Here are the main types I considered:
- Industrial Tread: Great for hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. It offers durability and a longer lifespan. I use these when working on paved job sites.
- Lug or Bar Tread: Perfect for soft soil, mud, and loose terrain. I prefer these when working on farms or in muddy conditions because they provide excellent traction.
- Smooth Tread: These are specialized for indoor or warehouse environments. They minimize floor damage and provide decent traction on smooth surfaces.
Think about where you’ll mostly operate your skid steer to pick the right tread.
Material and Construction: Durability Matters
I learned that skid steer tires come in different constructions, such as bias ply and radial tires:
- Bias Ply Tires: These have multiple layers of rubber-coated fabric. They’re tough and resistant to cuts and punctures, ideal for heavy-duty work.
- Radial Tires: These offer better traction and ride comfort. They’re more flexible but may be less resistant to sharp objects.
For me, durability was key because I often work in rough environments.
Puncture Resistance and Tire Compounds
I looked for tires with enhanced puncture resistance, especially since skid steers often operate on debris-filled sites. Some tires include reinforced sidewalls or thicker rubber compounds. If you work in hazardous areas, prioritize tires with these features.
Load Capacity and Tire Pressure
It’s crucial to match the tire’s load capacity with your skid steer’s weight and the tasks you perform. Overloading tires can cause premature wear or failure. Also, maintaining the recommended tire pressure ensures optimal performance and longevity. I always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for these specs.
Brand and Warranty Considerations
I chose to go with reputable brands that offer good warranties. A solid warranty gives me peace of mind in case of defects or early wear. Plus, well-known brands tend to have better customer support and availability of replacement tires.
Price vs. Value: Finding the Right Balance
While it’s tempting to pick the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more in quality tires saves money in the long run. Cheaper tires wore out faster and didn’t provide the traction or durability I needed. I recommend balancing upfront cost with expected lifespan and performance.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I had my tires, proper installation and regular maintenance made a big difference. I made sure to:
- Check tire pressure weekly
- Inspect for cuts, punctures, or abnormal wear
- Rotate tires if applicable
- Clean tires regularly to remove debris
Good maintenance extended the life of my tires significantly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 12 16.5 skid steer tires depends on your specific work conditions, budget, and machine requirements. By understanding size, tread pattern, durability, and load capacity, you can make an informed choice. From my experience, investing in quality tires tailored to your terrain and work demands pays off with better performance and fewer headaches on the job.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect tires for your skid steer!
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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