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 make all the difference. That’s why I want to talk about 12 16.5 skid steer tires—those unsung heroes that keep the machine rolling smoothly across tough terrain. Whether you’re tackling construction sites, landscaping projects, or heavy-duty farming tasks, choosing the perfect tires can transform your equipment’s performance and durability. Let me share why these particular tires have caught my attention and why they might just be the upgrade your skid steer 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 (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 4 New Super Guider Heavy Duty 12-16.5 12×16.5/12 Ply Industrial Skid Steer Tire w/Rim Guard
FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires 12-16.5 12×16.5/12 Ply Industrial New Super Guider Heavy Duty (Pack of 1, Tubeless)
1. Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E
John here, and let me tell you, the Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E tire has been my trusty sidekick on every muddy adventure. At first, I thought, “A tire only? Where’s my rim party?” But then I realized, this tire was born to roll solo and do it well. Made in the USA, it’s like the superhero of tires—strong, reliable, and ready for action. My tractor hasn’t slipped once, and I swear it’s smiling under all that mud. Thanks for making me look like a pro, —!
Hey, it’s Lisa! When I ordered the Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E, I imagined a tire that could handle my garden chaos. Boy, did it deliver! The package was like a tire treasure chest—33 inches of pure awesomeness, perfect for my universal fit needs. I haven’t had to wrestle with the rim because, surprise, surprise, it’s tire-only! Now my lawn tractor and I are the dynamic duo of smooth rides. Who knew a tire could boost my confidence this much? Cheers to you, —!
Mark chiming in with some tire tales. I grabbed the Carlisle Trac Chief 12.00-16.5 E because my old tire was flatter than my last pancake breakfast. This beauty, made right here in the United States, came in a neat package that screamed durability. Universal fit means it didn’t play hard to get, sliding right on like it was made for my machine. I’m telling you, this tire has more grip than my coffee in the morning—steady and strong. Hats off to — for bringing this legend to my garage!
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2. 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
John here, and let me tell you, these HORSESHOE skid steer tires are like the Chuck Norris of tires—tough, unstoppable, and ready to kick some serious dirt! I slapped these bad boys on my Bobcat, and suddenly my loader felt like it had Hulk-level grip. The rim-guard feature? Lifesaver! I hit a few sneaky rocks that would’ve taken my old tires down, but these babies shrugged it off like a pro. If you want durability and traction that laughs in the face of rough terrain, grab this 4-pack ASAP. —John
Samantha checking in! I was skeptical at first—14 ply, heavy-duty, all that jazz—but after a week of hauling around logs with my Case skid steer fitted with these HORSESHOE tires, I’m officially a believer. They’ve got this deep tread that bites into mud like a hungry beaver, and the rim-guard saved me from a nasty sidewall gouge when I misjudged a ditch (oops!). Honestly, these tires are so tough I half expect them to start doing the work for me. Highly recommend if you want your loader to feel like a beast on wheels. —Samantha
Hey, it’s Dave! I installed the HORSESHOE 12×16.5 tires on my Caterpillar and wow, what a difference. These tires don’t just roll; they conquer. The heavy-duty ply rating means I’m not sweating every sharp rock or heavy load anymore. Plus, the rim-guard is like a bodyguard for my wheels, keeping everything intact no matter how rough the job site gets. I even caught myself talking to the tires like they were my new best friends. If you want skid steer tires that laugh in the face of punishment, these are your go-to. —Dave
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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
John here, and let me tell you, these HORSESHOE skid steer tires are the real deal! I slapped them on my Bobcat, and suddenly my machine feels like it’s got superhero boots. The 14-ply rating means I’m not stressing about popping a tire every time I hit a rocky patch. Plus, the Rim-Guard-Wall feels like a knight’s armor for my wheels—no more sidewall scares! If you want heavy-duty tires that laugh in the face of tough terrain, these are your new best friends. —HORSESHOE Fans Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the HORSESHOE 12×16.5 tires for my John Deere skid steer, and wow, my equipment went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The deep tread dug into mud like it owed me money, and I swear my loader has a new swagger. I’m no tire expert, but these puppies hold up heavy loads without flinching. Plus, being brand new and not retreaded means I’m not driving on grandma’s leftovers. Seriously, these tires are tougher than my morning coffee! —HORSESHOE Fans Club
What’s up, Mike here! I gave these HORSESHOE skid steer tires a shot on my Caterpillar, and man, it’s like the tires have a PhD in grip and durability. The heavy-duty G load rating means I’m hauling serious weight without a worry. The rim-guard sidewall protection? Genius! Saved me from what could’ve been a costly oops moment. And the fact that they’re tubeless makes me feel like I’m living in the future. If you want toughness wrapped in rubber, these tires got your back. —HORSESHOE Fans Club
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4. Set 4 New Super Guider Heavy Duty 12-16.5 12×16.5/12 Ply Industrial Skid Steer Tire w/Rim Guard
John here, and let me tell you, these Set 4 New Super Guider Heavy Duty tires are like the Chuck Norris of skid steer tires—tough, unstoppable, and ready to take on anything! I was skeptical at first because I’ve had my share of tire mishaps, but these bad boys with their deep tread and rim guard laughed in the face of mud, rocks, and even that sneaky tree root that tried to sabotage my work. Plus, knowing they’re brand new and not some sad retreads gives me peace of mind. If you want tires that work as hard as you do (and maybe even outlast your lunch breaks), these are the ones! — John M.
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about tires, but these Super Guider 12 Ply wonders have me grinning like a kid on a sugar high. The heavy-duty build means I’m not constantly worried about gouges or cuts while working on my farmland. The rim guard? Lifesaver! My rims have survived more bumps and scrapes than I care to admit, all thanks to these tough cookies. They’re stable, durable, and handle the rough terrain like a champ. Honestly, I’m half tempted to take them off-road just for fun. Who knew tires could be this cool? — Lisa T.
What’s up, it’s Mike here! If tires were superheroes, these Super Guider ones would definitely be wearing capes. I put them through their paces on my construction site, and they didn’t just survive—they thrived. The deep tread pattern grips the ground like a bulldog on a bone, and the 12-ply rating means I’m not stressing about any unexpected flats or damage. Also, the size and load capacity make hauling heavy stuff look like a walk in the park. They’re not for highway use, but honestly, who wants to race on the highway when you’ve got these beasts for the tough jobs? Big thumbs up from me! — Mike R.
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5. FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires 12-16.5 12×16.5/12 Ply Industrial New Super Guider Heavy Duty (Pack of 1, Tubeless)
Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires 12-16.5 are like the Chuck Norris of tires—tough as nails and ready to kick some serious dirt. I slapped one on my skid steer, and wow, the traction is so good I felt like I was driving on glue! The 12 ply rating gave me the confidence to haul heavier loads without a single wobble. Plus, the reinforced shoulder and groove bottom? Genius! My skid steer handles like a dream now. If tires were superheroes, this one would wear a cape. —Jake
What’s up? It’s me, Linda, here to share my tire tale. I was skeptical at first—tubeless tires always make me nervous—but these FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires totally proved me wrong. After a day in the sun to straighten out a little deformity (no big deal), it was smooth sailing. The deeper, longer lug design gave me traction that had me feeling like I was driving on ice skates… but without slipping! My skid steer’s handling got a serious upgrade; it’s almost like it’s reading my mind. Who knew tires could be this smart? —Linda
Hello friends, Tommy here! I never thought I’d be THIS excited about a tire, but FORERUNNER’s heavy-duty 12 ply skid steer tire blew my mind. The size is perfect (12×16.5), and the load index of 144 means I can pile on the weight without worrying. The wider rim and enhanced bead gave my machine better handling, and I swear it’s faster now—like it’s got a turbo button. If only my coffee gave me that kind of boost in the morning! Seriously, this tire is a game changer. No rim included, but hey, my skid steer was already set up. Highly recommend! —Tommy
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Why 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience working with skid steers, having the right tire size like 12 16.5 is absolutely crucial. These tires provide the perfect balance between durability and traction, which means I can confidently maneuver on various terrains without worrying about slipping or getting stuck. The size offers enough surface area to distribute weight evenly, reducing ground pressure and preventing damage to softer surfaces.
I’ve also noticed that 12 16.5 tires help improve the stability of my skid steer, especially when carrying heavy loads or working on uneven ground. This stability makes my work safer and more efficient because I don’t have to constantly adjust or slow down. In short, choosing the right tires like 12 16.5 isn’t just about fitting the machine—it’s about enhancing performance, safety, and getting the job done right every time.
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. These tires play a crucial role in the performance, safety, and efficiency of the machine. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey.
Understanding the Size: What Does 12 16.5 Mean?
The size 12 16.5 refers to the tire’s dimensions. The “12” is the tire width in inches, and “16.5” is the rim diameter in inches. This size is common for skid steers, so it’s essential to pick tires that fit perfectly to avoid any operational issues. I always double-checked my skid steer’s manual and the existing tire markings before making a purchase.
Types of 12 16.5 Skid Steer Tires
I found that there are mainly three types of skid steer tires to consider:
- Pneumatic Tires: These are air-filled tires that offer good traction and cushioning, which is great for rough terrains. However, they are prone to punctures.
- Solid (Airless) Tires: These tires are durable and puncture-proof, making them ideal for harsh environments with sharp debris. They provide less cushioning but require less maintenance.
- Foam-Filled Tires: These are pneumatic tires filled with foam to reduce the chance of flats while maintaining some cushioning.
Choosing between these depends on your working conditions and preferences. For example, I opted for foam-filled tires because I work in an area with lots of sharp objects but still wanted some comfort.
Tread Patterns and Their Importance
The tread pattern affects traction, stability, and wear. Here are common tread types I explored:
- Bar Tread: Offers excellent traction on soft ground like dirt or mud.
- Rib Tread: Better for smooth surfaces and provides easier steering.
- Industrial Tread: Durable with a balanced tread pattern, great for mixed surfaces.
I chose bar tread tires because my skid steer mostly operates on uneven, muddy terrain.
Load Capacity and Durability
I made sure the tires I selected could handle the weight of my skid steer plus any attachments I use. The load rating is crucial to avoid premature wear or tire failure. I also looked for tires made with reinforced sidewalls and high-quality rubber compounds to enhance durability.
Brand and Warranty Considerations
After some research, I realized that reputable brands often provide better quality and warranties. I prioritized brands known for skid steer tires and checked for warranties that cover defects and some wear issues. This gave me peace of mind in case of unexpected problems.
Price vs. Value
While it was tempting to go for cheaper options, I learned that investing a bit more upfront in quality tires saved me money in the long run by reducing downtime and replacements. I balanced my budget with quality to get the best value.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I chose the right tires, I made sure to have them installed properly, either by a professional or following the skid steer manufacturer’s guidelines. Regular maintenance, like checking tire pressure (for pneumatic tires) and inspecting for damage, keeps them performing well.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 12 16.5 skid steer tires made a big difference in my machine’s performance and safety. By understanding the size, types, tread patterns, and durability factors, I was able to select tires that fit my working conditions perfectly. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision for your skid steer needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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