Get Rolling with the Right Tires for Your Skid Steer

When looking at a skid steer (or any piece of equipment for that matter), we tend to focus on all the cool things it does, like how much it lifts, what attachments it can take, etc. But without the right tires, a skid steer isn’t going to be much help on the jobsite, so it’s vital to find the right ones for the work ahead — and that starts with knowing your application.

“Tires can be among the most expensive, yet valuable, consumable items on a skid steer loader, so it’s important to spend a little time to think about how and where you operate your equipment and consider your past experiences,” says Bob Gilkenson, VP of business development at OTR Engineered Solutions. “One of the first things a user must consider is where and how the skid steer will be operated — understanding typical surface conditions and the use of any attachments and other operational conditions.”

When focusing on application, buyers should consider a tire’s durability. Tires with thick sidewalls and a strong deck gauge are ideal in tough conditions, thanks to improved puncture resistance and overall durability. Load capacity is also important to avoid premature wearing.

“Ensure the tire’s ply rating matches the manufacturer’s recommendations,” says Matthew Werstein, engineering manager R&D (OTR), at Titan International. “Avoid downgrading to save costs. Purchasing a cheaper tire that’s unsuitable for your needs can lead to early wear.”

Types of Tires

When looking at tires, there are basically two main types available for skid steers — pneumatic and solid. Pneumatic tires are the standard, air-filled, cost-effective choice for skid steers and offer a comfortable ride for operators. These types of tires come in bias or radial designs. Bias tires tend to be less expensive and are traditionally designed specifically for off-highway applications. Radials are a more expensive option, but typically offer better traction, cut and heat resistance and fuel economy. They’re also usually better at higher speed applications and excel on hard, paved surfaces.

One disadvantage to pneumatic tires is that they are susceptible to punctures and flats, so it’s best to avoid them if you plan on encountering particularly dangerous terrain. However, there are great, durable pneumatic options in the market. For example, Trelleborg’s SK-900 pneumatic tire is designed for use in heavy-duty applications, and its SK-900 ND (Non-Directional) premium tire offers maximum performance on concrete, asphalt and other hard surfaces.

Another option is OTR Engineered Solutions’ WorkBoss A/T. This pneumatic tire features a deep non-directional tread. It’s a great choice for operators looking for longevity on hard surfaces, as well as great traction when in the dirt.

The HD 2000 II from Titan International features a deeper tread depth, heavier sidewall and premium compounding in addition to a larger rim guard and tread lugs. Werstein says this tire is designed for industrial applications and is ideal for dirt and gravel terrain.

If an operator needs a little more durability, foam-filled pneumatic tires are an option but come at a higher cost. They are much more puncture-resistant, making them better for heavy-duty construction applications.

Solid Tires

Solid tires are the more expensive option but often last longer — potentially making them more cost-effective in the long run. This type of tire is very durable and won’t go flat or develop the same damage that pneumatic tires do. OTR Engineered Solutions’ WorkBoss HD is just one solid tire to consider.

“The WorkBoss HD provides one of the heaviest duty solutions for operators needing some of the toughest tires that are completely flat-proof,” says Gilkenson. “These tires are extremely cut and tear resistant, have the same traction in both forward and reverse, as well as provide excellent traction on and off roads and improved surfaces. The unique aperture design of the WorkBoss HD also provides the cushioning needed for both the operator and the machine.”

When looking at Trelleborg Tires’ offerings, its most popular skid steer tires come from the Brawler line. According to the company, the Brawler HPS (High Performance Solid) Solidflex skid steer tire features unique elliptical apertures which deliver a comfortable ride while reducing equipment and operator fatigue.

“The Brawler HPS Solidflex’s durable cut-resistant rubber compound protects against tire damage eliminating downtime,” says Brian Bentley, national account program manager, construction at Yokohama TWS North America (owner of the Trelleborg brand). “Available in both smooth and traction, as well as with or without our sidewall apertures based upon your application needs, these skid steer tires offer three times more wearable rubber than a pneumatic skid steer tire and have passed the rigorous testing of several major OEMs.”

There are also unique tire options on the skid steer market such as Michelin’s Tweel, which is an airless radial tire that boasts the run-flat capabilities of a solid tire and the flexibility and smooth ride of a pneumatic.

Protecting Your Purchase

After selecting the right tire, it’s important to protect your investment. This includes operating the skid steer properly, as well as performing maintenance when needed. A tire’s life expectancy depends on the operator’s application and how he or she drives the machine.

“The driving habits of the operator can significantly impact the life of a tire,” says Bentley. “This is true for all equipment, not just skid steers, so it’s important for operators to receive proper training. Aggressive turning, spinning the tires or overloading the machine can all cause the tires to wear more quickly — or even damage the tires and the machine.”

More on Maintenance

Performing simple maintenance practices also helps maximize tire life for continued optimal performance. Werstein says a basic tire maintenance regimen includes the following steps:

1. Inflation Pressure: Maintain tires at the manufacturer’s recommended inflation levels. Improper inflation can lead to rim damage and premature tire wear.
2. Debris Removal: Inspect tires daily before operation and remove any debris, such as rocks or metal, from the treads to prevent punctures.
3. Rotation: If applicable, rotate tires regularly to ensure even wear. Due to a skid steer’s loader, front tires typically wear more than rear ones, so rotating helps extend their lifespan.

Another way to keep your tires in good shape is checking for wear. While regular visual inspections are important in monitoring wear, operators should also pay attention to traction and how often their tires are spinning or losing grip. Mike Dembe, VP of OEM sales — construction at OTR Engineered Solutions, warns that this can be a sign that new tires may be needed, or a more in-depth inspection is warranted. As for checking tread wear, a tread depth gauge should be used to accurately determine the remaining tread depth.

“Tread depths should be taken at the center of the tread,” says Dembe. “Also, pay attention to irregular wear patterns. A visual inspection of sidewall and shoulder area will help determine the overall condition of your tires and if an injury or cut needs to be addressed. Minor sidewall cuts and damage should be expected, but the operator will need to take note of and action around anything more serious.”

Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.