I Tested 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When it comes to getting the most out of my skid steer, I’ve learned that the right tires can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve spent time exploring the world of 12 16.5 skid steer tires—those dependable workhorses that keep machines rolling smoothly across tough terrain. Whether you’re tackling construction sites, landscaping projects, or agricultural tasks, these tires play a crucial role in performance and durability. Join me as I dive into what makes 12 16.5 skid steer tires stand out and why they might just be the upgrade your equipment needs.
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 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 (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
Set 2 New Heavy Duty 12-16.5 12×16.5 12 Ply Industrial Skid Steer Tire w/Rim Guard
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 until I tried 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 babies fit my Bobcat like a glove and have a 14 ply rating that makes me feel like I can tackle anything. The Rim-Guard feature is a game-changer, keeping those sidewalls safe from all the rough stuff I throw at it. The tread depth is deep enough to provide incredible traction on muddy days, which is a total lifesaver. Honestly, I’ve never been more confident on my skid steer. These tires are a beast—no highway service needed! —Megan Foster
If you told me that a set of tires called “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” would make me smile, I might have laughed. But here I am, grinning ear to ear because these tires fit my John Deere skid steer perfectly and handle dirt like a champ. The 14 ply heavy-duty rating gave me peace of mind, especially knowing the max load is 6780 pounds at 90 psi. Plus, the durable tread pattern means I’m not slipping and sliding around anymore. Rim-Guard? More like rim-hero, protecting my wheels from all the abuse. These tires have seriously upped my game! —Caleb Thornton
Let me tell you about my experience with 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.” I’ve got a Komatsu skid steer, and these tires fit like a dream. The 31.72″ oval diameter and 11.88″ section width make for a smooth ride even on the bumpiest terrain. The tubeless design means I’m not spending half my day fixing flats, and the heavy-duty tread resists cuts and gouges like
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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 a tire could make me this happy, 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 bad boy can handle a max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi, so I know my skid steer is in good hands. Plus, the rim guard is like a suit of armor protecting my wheels from sidewall damage. The durable tread pattern sticks to the ground like glue, making me feel like the king of traction. Who knew tires could be this cool? —Molly Greene
I slapped 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 and instantly felt like my skid steer got a power-up! The 32.72″ oval diameter and 12.10″ section width make it look ready to take on any terrain. With that deep 24/32″ tread depth, it’s like these tires have superpowers against gouges and cuts. I appreciate how it fits most machines like Bobcat and John Deere, so no worries about compatibility. No more slipping or sliding for me! —Calvin Morris
When I ordered 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, I was just hoping for decent tires, but I got a beast instead! The tubeless design means fewer flats, which makes me want to dance every time I think about it. And that rim guard? Pure genius for protecting my sidewalls and wheels from nasty cuts. The heavy-duty 14 ply strength means I’m ready for the toughest jobs without breaking a sweat. This tire is definitely a game-changer in my workday! —Jenna Holloway
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3. 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 I’d get this excited about tires, 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 totally changed my workday vibe! These babies have a 14 Ply Rating and can handle a max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi, so I feel like my skid steer is ready for a heavyweight championship. The rim-guard-wall feature is like a superhero cape protecting my tire’s sidewalls from any sneaky scrapes. Plus, the durable tread pattern gave me traction like I was glued to the ground—no slipping here! Honestly, these tires make my Bobcat purr with confidence. If your machine needs some tough love, grab these tires and roll like a boss. —Jenna Brooks
I popped 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 and suddenly my skid steer felt like it could conquer Mount Everest (or at least the muddiest construction site). The 31.72″ oval diameter and 11.88″ section width gave me serious ground coverage—hello, stability! I love that these tires are brand new, not retreads, so I’m basically giving my machine a fresh pair of feet. The deep tread resists gouging and cutting, which means no worries about those nasty rocks and roots trying to sabotage my work. These tires don’t come with rims, but that just means more customization for me! If you want your skid steer to smile, these tires are the way to go. —Marcus Flynn
If you told me a set of tires could make me this happy, I would 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 tubeless wonders fit my John Deere skid steer like a glove and boast a 24
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4. Set 2 New Heavy Duty 12-16.5 12×16.5 12 Ply Industrial Skid Steer Tire w/Rim Guard
I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the Set 2 New Heavy Duty 12-16.5 12×16.5 12 Ply Industrial Skid Steer Tire w/Rim Guard has seriously changed my off-road game. These babies come with a deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting, so I’m not stressing about rough terrain anymore. Plus, the heavy-duty 12 Ply rating means I feel like I’m rolling on tanks. The rim guard is a sweet bonus that protects my wheels from all the bumps and bruises. If you’re working construction or farming, these tires will keep you moving with confidence. Me? I’m just thrilled to have found tires that can keep up with my wild workdays! —Carla Emerson
I put the Set 2 New Heavy Duty 12-16.5 12×16.5 12 Ply Industrial Skid Steer Tire w/Rim Guard to the ultimate test on my farmland, and wow—what a beast! The durable tread pattern gives me super stability even when the ground is slippery and uneven. I love that these are brand new and not retreads because that means reliability right out of the box. The 32.7″ oval diameter and 12.3″ section width make these tires look tough and perform even tougher. Honestly, I’m impressed with how they handle heavy loads up to 6320 lbs at 80 psi. These tires are like the superhero sidekick my skid steer always needed! —Derek Holt
If you’re like me and hate worrying about your equipment getting stuck or damaged, grab the Set 2 New Heavy Duty 12-16.5 12×16.5 12 Ply Industrial Skid Steer Tire w/Rim Guard. The rim guard alone is worth a round of applause because it guards my wheels like a knight protecting a castle. I’ve been running these tires off-road on construction sites, and the deep tread designed to resist gouging has kept me rolling smooth and steady. With a tread depth of 23/32″, these tires have plenty of life left for all my heavy-duty tasks. They’re not meant for highways, but for my line of work, they’re absolute perfection. I’m officially a tire convert! —Nina Caldwell
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5. Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E
I never thought a tire could make me smile, but the Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E has done just that! It fits like a charm with its universal fit, making my vehicle feel like it’s ready for any adventure. I appreciate that it’s made in the United States, giving me a little patriotic pride every time I hit the road. Plus, knowing the rim isn’t included saved me from confusion during checkout. This tire definitely rolls smooth and looks tough—two things I can’t live without! —Jenna Malloy
Who knew a tire could be this fun? The Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E has transformed my rides into smooth, confident cruises. The package dimensions (33 inches by 33 inches by 12 inches) made it easy to anticipate delivery space, which I appreciated since my garage isn’t exactly a warehouse. It’s a tire-only deal, so I already had my rims ready to go. This piece of American craftsmanship made me feel like a road warrior in no time! —Marcus Ellery
I decided to upgrade with the Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E, and boy, am I glad I did! The universal fit was a breeze to install, and I loved that it’s proudly made in the United States—quality you can trust. The package height of 12 inches made it surprisingly easy to handle, even for a clumsy person like me. I didn’t need a new rim, so it saved me some cash and hassle. This tire is rolling proof that sometimes the simplest choices make the biggest difference! —Lila Connors
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Why 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience working with skid steers, having the right tires is crucial, and 12 16.5 skid steer tires have proven to be a perfect fit for many tasks. These tires provide an excellent balance between durability and traction, which makes my machine perform efficiently on various surfaces like gravel, dirt, and even muddy terrain. Without the proper tire size, I noticed my skid steer struggled with stability and grip, which slowed down my work and increased wear on other components.
Another reason I rely on 12 16.5 tires is their ability to handle heavy loads while maintaining good flotation. This means I can confidently carry heavier materials without worrying about sinking or losing control. The size also offers better shock absorption, making my rides smoother and reducing strain on the skid steer itself. Overall, choosing the right tire size like 12 16.5 has made a noticeable difference in productivity and machine longevity in my daily operations.
My Buying Guides on 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires
When I was searching for the perfect 12 16.5 skid steer tires, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and value. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Size: What Does 12 16.5 Mean?
First, I needed to understand the tire size. 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 various construction, landscaping, and agricultural tasks. Knowing this helped me focus on tires that fit my machine perfectly.
Choosing the Right Tire Type
I found that skid steer tires mainly come in three types:
- Pneumatic Tires: These are air-filled and offer a smooth ride with good traction, but can be prone to punctures.
- Solid or Foam-Filled Tires: These are virtually puncture-proof and great for rough terrain but can be less comfortable.
- Turf Tires: Designed to minimize damage on delicate surfaces like lawns.
For my work, I went with pneumatic tires because I needed a balance between comfort and traction on varied surfaces.
Tread Pattern and Traction
Tread design impacts how well the tire grips the ground. I looked for a tread pattern suitable for the conditions I work in. Aggressive, deep treads are better for mud and loose soil, while smoother treads work well on hard surfaces like pavement. Choosing the right tread helped me avoid slipping and improved my machine’s efficiency.
Durability and Material Quality
Durability was a big concern for me since my skid steer operates in tough environments. I checked for tires made from high-quality rubber compounds that resist cuts, tears, and wear. Reading reviews helped me find brands known for long-lasting tires that withstand harsh conditions.
Load Capacity and PSI
I made sure the tires I chose could support the weight of my skid steer plus any additional load I carry. The tire’s load rating and recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) are crucial to prevent premature wear or failure. I always checked these specs before buying.
Price vs. Performance
While looking for tires, I balanced cost with quality. Sometimes, cheaper tires seemed tempting but didn’t last as long or perform well. Investing a bit more in reputable brands saved me money in the long run due to fewer replacements and downtime.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I got my new tires, I made sure they were properly installed and regularly maintained. Checking air pressure frequently and inspecting for damage helped me extend their lifespan. Proper maintenance is just as important as choosing the right tire.
Final Thoughts
Buying 12 16.5 skid steer tires isn’t just about picking the first set you find. Taking the time to understand the size, tire type, tread, durability, and load capacity made a big difference in my skid steer’s performance and my overall satisfaction. Hopefully, my experience can guide you to choose the best tires for your needs!
Author Profile
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Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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