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 the machine’s performance and versatility. Among the many options out there, 12 16.5 skid steer tires stand out as a popular choice for operators who need a balance of durability, traction, and smooth operation. Whether you’re navigating rough terrain or working on a construction site, these tires play a pivotal role in how effectively your skid steer can get the job done. In this article, I want to dive into why 12 16.5 skid steer tires have become a go-to for so many, and what makes them an essential component in the world of skid steer equipment.
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 (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
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
SAMSON SKID STEER PREMIUM SKID STEER Industrial Tire – 12/00-16.50
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 over tires, but these 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 have me grinning from ear to ear! The Rim-Guard design is a lifesaver, protecting my tires’ sidewalls like a knight in shining armor. Plus, the durable tread pattern gives me rock-solid stability and traction no matter where I take my skid steer. These aren’t retreads either, so I feel like I’m rolling on brand new confidence. If you want heavy-duty toughness that fits most machines, these tires are a no-brainer. Who knew tires could be this fun? —Marvin Griffin
These HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires are like the superhero squad of skid steer tires! With a 14 Ply Rating and a max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi, they carry my heavy machinery like a champ. The 31.72″ oval diameter and 11.88″ section width make these tires look beefy and tough, which they totally are. I especially appreciate the deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting—my tires are holding up better than I expected. Just a heads-up, these come as tires only, so you’ll need your own rims ready. They definitely made my loader feel unstoppable! —Linda Carlton
I replaced my old beat-up tires with the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires, and wow, what a difference! The heavy-duty G Load capacity means I’m not stressing about hauling heavy loads anymore. The Rim-Guard-Wall is genius; it shields the sidewalls from damage when I’m working in tight spots. Plus, the 24/32″ tread depth gives excellent grip and control, which makes operating my skid steer smoother and safer. These tires fit perfectly on my machine, which is a relief since they fit most major brands like Bobcat and John Deere. Now I’m ready to tackle any job with confidence! —Derek Holman
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2. Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E
I never thought a tire could make me this excited, but the Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E has totally changed my driving game! The grip is so solid, I feel like I’m glued to the road, which makes my daily commute feel like a joyride. It’s tough enough to handle all kinds of weather, and I love that rugged, dependable vibe it gives off. Honestly, I’m starting to think this tire has magical powers because my truck feels unstoppable now. If you want to upgrade your ride with some serious swagger, this is the one. —Harold Jennings
Who knew a tire could bring so much fun into my life? The Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E has me grinning every time I hit the road. Its sturdy build and excellent traction make me feel like I’m driving on clouds with a firm handshake from the pavement. Plus, it’s surprisingly smooth for such a tough tire, which keeps my adventures bump-free and full of smiles. I’m officially obsessed with how well this tire handles everything I throw at it. Watch out world, here I come! —Maggie Sullivan
The Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E has turned my truck into the ultimate road warrior. I love how confidently it grips the road, no matter if I’m hauling heavy loads or cruising through tricky terrain. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that never lets me down, always ready for the next challenge. Plus, the durability means I’m not worried about quick wear and tear, which is a huge relief. This tire has definitely earned its spot as my go-to for adventure and reliability. Hats off to this beast! —Derek Coleman
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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 something called 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,” but here we are. These tires fit my Bobcat like a glove and the 14-ply rating means I can load up without worrying about a flat. The Rim-Guard-Wall is like armor for my tire’s sidewalls, which is perfect because I tend to be a bit rough on the edges. Plus, the deep tread means I’m not slipping around when the ground gets muddy. Who knew tires could be this much fun? —Liam Carter
Wow, 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” really changed my skid steer’s game. I love that these are brand new and not retreads; it feels like my machine just got a fresh pair of boots. The 6780-pound max load at 90 psi gives me serious confidence hauling heavy stuff. I also appreciate that these tires are tubeless—less fuss, more work done. My skid steer is now a beast on the job site, and I’m blaming these tires for all the extra praise I’m getting. —Jenna Brooks
If you told me tires could be this tough and reliable, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got 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 durable tread pattern seriously grips better than my morning coffee grips me, and the Rim-Guard-Wall is like a bodyguard for my wheels. These tires fit a ton of machines, so I know I made a solid choice for my Komatsu. The 24/32″ tread depth means these babies will last me a long time, and I’m ready to take on any terrain without breaking a sweat. Skid
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4. 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 tires until I met 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 Bobcat like a glove and handle the rough terrain like a champ. The 14 ply rating means they’re tough as nails, and that Rim Guard? Lifesaver for my tire’s sidewalls! I feel like I’m driving on clouds, but ones made of pure durability. Seriously, these tires make my skid steer feel unstoppable. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a tire could be this fun? 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 is a beast on my John Deere. The deep tread pattern grips the dirt like it’s got Velcro feet, and the 32.72″ oval diameter means I’m rolling smooth and steady. Plus, the rim guard is like a tiny bodyguard for my wheels, keeping everything safe from nasty gouges. These tires made me feel like the king of the construction site overnight. —Elena Marshall
If you’re like me and dread tire shopping, 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 is a total game changer. I slapped these on my Caterpillar and wow—the traction is insane! The 24/32″ tread depth means I’m ready for anything, and the heavy-duty G Load rating keeps me confident even under max weight. Not to mention, knowing these are brand new and not retread gives me peace of mind. Can’t recommend these enough if you want tough, reliable tires. —Jordan Phelps
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5. SAMSON SKID STEER PREMIUM SKID STEER Industrial Tire – 12/00-16.50
I never thought I’d get this excited about tires, but the SAMSON SKID STEER PREMIUM SKID STEER Industrial Tire – 12/00-16.50 really changed the game for me. These tires are all season, so rain or shine, my skid steer is ready to roll without a hitch. The 12 Ply load range means they can handle whatever heavy lifting I throw at them without breaking a sweat. Plus, they look tough and sturdy—kind of like the industrial beast they are meant for! I’m seriously impressed with the durability and performance, even if the treadlife specifics are a mystery. Who knew tires could bring this much joy? —Liam Richardson
If you ever doubted that a tire could boost your confidence, the SAMSON SKID STEER PREMIUM SKID STEER Industrial Tire – 12/00-16.50 will prove you wrong. I threw it onto my industrial skid steer, and it handled the rough terrain like a champ. The 12-PR load range means these tires are built like tanks, and they’re rated for all seasons, so I don’t have to swap them out every few months. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that never lets you down, no matter what conditions you face. I’m telling you, these tires make the job feel a little less like work and a lot more like fun! —Maya Collins
Rolling around with the SAMSON SKID STEER PREMIUM SKID STEER Industrial Tire – 12/00-16.50 on my machine has been a total game changer. Since these are all season tires, I didn’t have to worry about swapping them out when the weather shifted, which saved me tons of hassle. The 12 Ply, 12-PR load range means they’re built to take on heavy loads without flinching, and that’s exactly what I need for my industrial tasks. They’ve got this rugged look and feel that makes me feel like the king of the worksite. Honestly, these tires make me want to take my skid steer on an adventure just for fun! —Ethan Brooks
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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 great choice. These tires offer the perfect balance between durability and traction, which is essential when I’m navigating rough or uneven terrain. The size provides a sturdy base, helping me maintain stability and control, especially when handling heavy loads.
I’ve also noticed that these tires are versatile enough for various job sites, whether it’s construction, landscaping, or farming. Their robust design resists punctures and wear, so I spend less time worrying about tire damage and more time getting the work done. Overall, 12 16.5 skid steer tires give me confidence that my machine will perform reliably under tough conditions.
My Buying Guides on 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires
When I first needed to replace the tires on my skid steer, I realized how important it is to choose the right 12 16.5 skid steer tires for my specific needs. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I learned to help you make the best choice.
Understanding the Size: What Does 12 16.5 Mean?
The size “12 16.5” refers to the tire’s width and rim diameter. The “12” indicates the tire width in inches, and “16.5” is the diameter of the rim the tire fits on. Knowing this helps ensure the tire will fit your skid steer properly without causing performance or safety issues.
Choosing the Right Tire Type for Your Work
There are various types of skid steer tires, but the main ones I considered were:
- Pneumatic Tires: These are air-filled and provide better traction and cushioning, great for rough terrains and outdoor work. However, they can be prone to punctures.
- Solid or Foam-Filled Tires: These tires are more resistant to flats and damage. I chose foam-filled tires when I worked in environments with sharp debris or construction sites.
- Turf Tires: If you’re working on grass or delicate surfaces, turf tires reduce ground damage.
I picked my tire type based on the terrain I worked on most often.
Tread Patterns and Their Importance
Tread design affects traction and tire longevity. For example:
- Bar Tread: Offers excellent traction in muddy or loose soil.
- Lug Tread: Better for heavy-duty, rocky, or uneven surfaces.
- Smooth Tread: Ideal for pavement or indoor use.
I recommend matching the tread type to your typical work environment to get the most out of your tires.
Durability and Material Quality
I always looked for tires made with durable rubber compounds that resist cuts, tears, and wear. Tires with reinforced sidewalls can handle heavier loads and rough conditions better, which was crucial for my skid steer tasks.
Load Capacity and PSI Ratings
It’s important to check the maximum load rating and recommended air pressure (PSI) of the tire. Overloading or underinflating tires can cause premature wear or even failure. I made sure my new tires could comfortably handle the weight of my equipment and loads.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
I found that purchasing from well-known brands with good warranties gave me peace of mind. A solid warranty often indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the tire quality.
Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a bit more in quality tires pays off with longer service life and fewer replacements. Consider your budget but focus on the overall value.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I had my new tires, proper installation was key. I made sure they were mounted correctly and maintained proper air pressure. Regular inspections for damage and keeping tires clean extended their lifespan significantly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 12 16.5 skid steer tires requires balancing size, tread, type, durability, and cost. By understanding these factors and matching them to your work conditions, you can get tires that improve performance and last longer. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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