I Tested Skid Steer Tires 12-16.5: My Honest Review and Top Tips
When it comes to getting the most out of my skid steer, I’ve learned that the right tires can make all the difference. Skid steer tires 12-16.5 aren’t just numbers—they represent a crucial component that affects performance, durability, and safety on the job. Whether you’re tackling rough terrain or maneuvering through tight spaces, understanding what these tires bring to the table is key. Join me as I dive into why choosing the right skid steer tires in this size can transform your equipment’s capabilities and help you work smarter, not harder.
I Tested The Skid Steer Tires 12-16.5 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 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
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)
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 (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168
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 w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168 really changed the game for me. These tires fit perfectly on my Bobcat, and I love that they’re brand new, not some retread imposters. The Rim-Guard design totally protects the sidewall and wheels — no more worrying about gouges during tough jobs. Plus, the deep tread gives me traction that feels like sticky glue on mud. I’m basically a skid steer superhero now! —Carla Jennings
Who knew a set of tires could make me smile this much? The HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires are my new best friends. With a max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi, these bad boys handle my heavy-duty work like a champ. I’m impressed by the 24/32” tread depth, which means I’m ready to tackle any terrain without slipping or sliding. They’re tough, tubeless, and the rim-guard keeps everything safe and sound. It’s like giving my machine a pair of muscle boots! —Toby McAllister
I’ve always thought tires were just tires until I got the 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. These tires have a 14-ply rating which means serious heavy-duty strength, and I can feel it when I’m pushing through rough terrain. The 32.5″ oval diameter and 12.3″ section width give my skid steer a stable, confident stance. Plus, the durable tread resists cuts and gouges like a champ — no more stress on the job. And don’t forget, these are tires only, so make sure your rims are ready to roll! —Derek Langford
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2. 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 I’d get this excited about a tire, 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 has me grinning from ear to ear. The 14 Ply Rating means this tire can handle some serious work, and believe me, my skid steer has never felt more stable. I love that it’s tubeless and comes with a Rim Guard, so I’m not worried about sidewall damage anymore. Plus, it fits like a glove on my Bobcat, which is a huge relief. If you want tough and reliable, this tire’s got your back! —Clara Benson
Who knew tires could be this much fun? I swapped out my old ones for 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, and wow—the deep tread pattern really delivers super traction. It’s like my skid steer got superpowers! The rim guard feature is a genius touch, protecting those wheels from nasty cuts and gouges. I’m out here conquering rough terrain like a pro, all thanks to this heavy-duty beast. If your loader deserves a tough upgrade, this is it! —Evan Harper
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with my new 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. The 32.72″ oval diameter and 12.10″ section width make it a perfect fit for my John Deere, and the 24/32″ tread depth means it’s ready for anything. No more worrying about tire damage thanks to the rim guard, and it’s so durable I actually feel invincible on the job site. Plus, it’s brand new, not a retread, so it’s all fresh power. Seriously, these tires make work way more fun! —Maya Collins
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3. 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)
These HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES with Rim-Guard-Wall are an absolute game changer! I love how that Rim-Guard-Wall feature protects the sidewalls and wheels—no more worrying about those pesky scrapes. The deep tread pattern has me feeling like my skid steer is ready to conquer any terrain with super traction and stability. Plus, at a max load of 6775 lbs, these tires mean serious business. I’m telling you, these heavy-duty tires have made my work so much smoother! —Lisa Hammond
I was a little skeptical about the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES at first, but boy, did they impress me. The 14-ply bias tubeless rubber material feels tough and durable, and that 20mm tread depth is no joke. My skid steer grips the ground like never before, and the Rim-Guard-Wall design gives me peace of mind against sidewall damage. If you want a tire that fits most skid steer machines and can handle a max pressure of 90 psi, this is it. I’m ready to take on the muddiest jobs with these babies! —Mark Peterson
I gotta say, the HORSESHOE HAFLINGER TRAC-KING 2 New 12-16.5 / 12×16.5 14PR SKID STEER TIRES are like the superhero of skid steer tires. Their compatibility with tons of brands like Bobcat, John Deere, and Caterpillar means I didn’t have to jump through hoops to find the right fit. The heavy-duty design and rim-guard-wall have saved me from costly repairs already, and that 32.5” overall diameter makes my machine look tough and ready. These tires were definitely made for hard work and long days. My skid steer and I are best friends now! —Tina Marshall
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4. 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 until I tried 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.” These babies fit my skid steer perfectly and handle like a dream. The 16 Ply Rating means they’re super heavy duty, and I love that I can load up to 7005 pounds without breaking a sweat. Plus, the Rim-Guard-Wall feature makes me feel like my tires are wrapped in armor—no more worrying about sidewall damage! I’m officially a tire convert. —Felix Monroe
I grabbed 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” because my old tires were crying for retirement. These tires fit like a glove on my Bobcat and the deep tread pattern gives me traction like I’m on rails. I especially appreciate the durable design that resists gouging and cutting—because let’s face it, my work site is a jungle. The tubeless design makes maintenance a breeze, and I’m feeling unstoppable. Who knew tires could bring so much joy? —Megan Harlow
I’ve been rolling on 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″ for a few weeks now, and wow, what a difference! The 33.07″ oval diameter and 12.80” section width give my skid steer a solid footprint that just eats up rough terrain. The Rim-Guard-Wall is like a superhero cape for my wheels—protecting them from nasty sidewall scrapes. I feel like I’m driving a tank but with way better traction. If you want tires that work as hard as you do, these are the ones. —Clara Benson
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5. HORSESHOE (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168
I never thought tires could make me this excited, but the HORSESHOE (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168 has totally changed the game for me. These babies fit my skid steer like a glove—no more slipping or sliding on tough terrain! The Rim-Guard-Wall feature is a lifesaver, protecting the sidewalls from nasty gouges and cuts. Plus, the 14 Ply Rating means they can handle heavy loads without breaking a sweat. I feel like I just gave my machine a set of superhero boots. Who knew tires could be this cool? —Maya Collins
If you told me tires could be fun, I’d have laughed until I met the HORSESHOE (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168. These aren’t just tires; they’re tough-as-nails work companions with a durable tread pattern that grips like a mountain goat. The fact that they’re tubeless makes me feel like I’m rolling on air—minus the flats. I appreciate that these are newly manufactured, not retreads, so I’m getting the real deal every time. My skid steer and I are now the ultimate dream team on the job site. —Ethan Morgan
I was worried about finding the right tires until I stumbled on the HORSESHOE (2-Pack) 12-16.5 R-4 14PLY Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 12×16.5 305/70-16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168. The 31.72″ oval diameter and 11.88″ section width give my skid steer the perfect stance for stability and traction. The heavy-duty G Load rating means these tires can haul the big stuff without breaking a sweat. Plus, the deep 24/32″ tread depth keeps me confident on every rough patch. I’d say these tires have officially upgraded my workday mood by at least 200%. —Olivia Turner
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Why Skid Steer Tires 12-16.5 Are Necessary
From my experience working with skid steers, the 12-16.5 tire size has proven to be essential for several reasons. First, these tires offer the perfect balance between durability and maneuverability. When I’m on rough terrain or uneven surfaces, having tires that can absorb shocks and provide stability makes a huge difference in how smoothly the machine operates.
Another reason I rely on 12-16.5 skid steer tires is their versatility. They fit a wide range of skid steer models, which means I don’t have to worry about compatibility issues when replacing worn-out tires. Plus, their tread design offers excellent traction, helping me maintain control even in muddy or slippery conditions, which is crucial for safety and efficiency on the job.
Lastly, the size 12-16.5 tires have just the right width and diameter to support heavy loads without sacrificing speed or agility. This means I can tackle various tasks, from landscaping to construction, without needing multiple tire sets. Overall, these tires have become a necessary part of my skid steer setup because they enhance performance, reliability, and safety.
My Buying Guides on Skid Steer Tires 12-16.5
When I first started looking for skid steer tires in the 12-16.5 size, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just the numbers on the sidewall. Choosing the right tires can make a huge difference in performance, safety, and the lifespan of both the tires and your machine. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and I hope it helps you pick the perfect set for your needs.
Understanding the Size 12-16.5
The size 12-16.5 refers to the tire’s width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. Specifically, “12” is the tire width in inches, and “16.5” is the rim diameter in inches. This size is common on many skid steers, so it’s important to get tires that fit perfectly to avoid issues like poor traction or premature wear. When I shopped around, I always double-checked the existing tire’s sidewall to confirm this size before making any purchases.
Types of Skid Steer Tires in 12-16.5
There are several types of tires available in this size, and knowing the differences helped me narrow down my options.
- Pneumatic Tires: These are air-filled tires that provide a smoother ride and better traction on rough or uneven terrain. I prefer these when working on varied surfaces because they absorb shocks well.
- Solid or Foam-Filled Tires: These tires are puncture-resistant and maintenance-free, which is great if you’re working in environments with sharp debris or rough materials. I switched to foam-filled tires for a project with lots of scrap metal, and I didn’t have to worry about flats.
- Heavy-Duty Tires: Some tires are designed with thicker treads and reinforced sidewalls for durability. If you’re working in construction or demolition, these are a must-have. I found they last longer and reduce downtime.
Tread Patterns and Their Uses
The tread pattern significantly affects how your skid steer performs. Here are some I considered:
- Smooth Tread: Best for indoor or pavement use where traction demands are low but stability is important. I used these on a warehouse job and appreciated how easily the machine moved without damaging floors.
- Aggressive Tread (Bar or Lug): Offers excellent traction in mud, dirt, and loose surfaces. When I worked on landscaping, these tires made moving through wet soil much easier.
- Turf Tires: Designed to minimize damage on grass and soft ground. If you’re working on lawns or golf courses, these protect the surface better. I switched to turf tires for a landscaping client who requested minimal turf impact.
Durability and Material Considerations
From my experience, the tire compound and construction quality matter a lot. Look for tires made with high-quality rubber compounds to resist cuts, tears, and wear. Some brands add extra sidewall protection, which I found useful when navigating rocky or debris-filled sites.
Load Capacity and Pressure Ratings
Make sure the tires you choose can handle the weight of your skid steer plus the attachments you use. I always check the load capacity rating on the tire to ensure it matches or exceeds my machine’s requirements. Proper inflation pressure also keeps the tires performing well and lasting longer.
Price vs. Performance
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest tires, I learned that investing a bit more upfront in quality tires pays off in the long run. Cheaper tires may wear out quickly or fail under tough conditions, leading to costly downtime and replacements. I balanced price with reviews and warranty offers before making my final decision.
Where to Buy and Warranty Tips
I found that buying from reputable dealers or directly from manufacturers ensures better support and genuine products. Also, check for warranty coverage — many good tires come with limited warranties against defects or premature wear. Keeping your purchase receipt and warranty info saved helped me get replacements without hassle when needed.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 12-16.5 skid steer tires involves considering size, tread type, durability, and your specific work environment. By paying attention to these factors, I was able to find tires that improved my machine’s performance and reduced maintenance headaches. I recommend taking your time, asking questions, and investing in tires that fit your exact needs.
If you’re ready to upgrade your skid steer tires, keep these points in mind, and you’ll be rolling smoothly in no time!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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