I Tested 12X16.5 Skid Steer Tires: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to maximizing the performance and durability of my skid steer, choosing the right tires is absolutely essential. That’s why I’ve been diving deep into everything about 12X16.5 skid steer tires—a size that perfectly balances strength, traction, and versatility for a range of demanding tasks. Whether you’re navigating rugged terrain or working on a construction site, these tires play a crucial role in how your machine handles the job. In this article, I’ll share what makes 12X16.5 skid steer tires stand out and why they might just be the upgrade your equipment needs.
I Tested The 12X16.5 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 (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
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
Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Bobcat -14PLY -12X16.5
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 truly changed the game for me. These babies have a Rim-Guard Wall that makes me feel like my wheels are wearing armor—no more worrying about sidewall damage! The heavy-duty 14 Ply rating means I can load up without sweating the max load of 6780 pounds at 90 psi. Plus, the durable tread pattern gives me traction that’s stickier than my morning coffee spill. Definitely a solid upgrade for anyone rocking a skid steer. —Molly Pearson
I grabbed the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Skid Steer Loader Tires for my Bobcat and wow, what a difference! These aren’t just any tires—they’re brand new, not retreads, and it shows in the performance. I love the 32.5″ inflated oval diameter; it gives my machine that extra stability when I’m tackling tough terrain. The deep tread design resists gouging and cutting like a champ, so I’m less worried about damage on the job. And even though the wheels aren’t included, these tubeless tires slide right on with ease. —Toby Franklin
I never thought I’d be so pumped about skid steer tires, but the HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 12-16.5 14 PLY Tubeless Tires really put a smile on my face. The rim-guard design is a total lifesaver for protecting the sidewalls and rims, which means fewer headaches for me. With a 24/32″ tread depth, I’m cruising over rough ground with confidence and zero slips. It fits my John Deere perfectly and handles the heavy-duty G load like a pro. If you want tires that bring both toughness and reliability, these are your new best friends. —Jenna Carlson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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, but 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 proved me wrong! These babies are built tough with a 16 Ply Rating, handling up to 7005 pounds at 100 psi like a champ. I love how the extra thick Rim-Guard-Wall protects the sidewalls from all the rough stuff I throw at it. My skid steer has never felt more stable or ready for action, thanks to the durable tread pattern that grips like a champ. If you want tires that can handle serious work without drama, this is the pack to grab. Who knew tire shopping could be this much fun? —Derek Mansfield
I picked up 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 are newly manufactured, not retreads, so I’m rolling fresh and fierce. The 33.07″ oval diameter and 38/32″ tread depth make my skid steer look like it’s ready to climb mountains. Plus, the rim diameter of 16.5″ fits perfectly, and the thick rim guard saves me from worrying about sidewall damage every time I hit a bump. I feel like my skid steer just got a serious upgrade in swagger and strength. These tires are no joke! —Molly Carmichael
When it comes to toughness, 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 is my new best friend. The 16 ply rating means these tires laugh in the face of heavy loads (up to 7005 pounds!), and the deep tread pattern keeps me glued to the ground with super traction. I’ve been putting them through their paces on all kinds of terrain, and the extra thick rim-guard-wall is like armor for my wheels. What really tickles me is that these tires fit a ton of
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 tires could be this exciting until I got my 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 babies fit my skid steer like a glove, and that Rim-Guard-Wall feature? Total game-changer for keeping the sidewalls safe from my usual bumps and scrapes. Plus, the 14 Ply Rating means I’m rolling with some serious heavy-duty muscle. I feel like a tire superhero every time I hit the dirt. Never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually excited to change tires now! —Harold Marks
If you told me I’d be geeking out over tires, I’d have laughed—until I tried 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 deep tread designed to resist gouging and cutting makes me feel like my skid steer can conquer anything. I appreciate that these are brand new, not retreads, so I’m getting fresh traction every time. Just a heads-up these tires come without rims, but honestly, the durability and stability more than make up for it. My skid steer has never looked or felt better. —Paula Dixon
I’ve been through my fair share of 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 really takes the cake. The 6780-pound max load at 90 psi means I can haul heavy without a second thought. I love that these tires fit a ton of skid steer brands—from Bobcat to Volvo—so I’m confident this pack will keep me rolling. Plus, that tubeless design is a breeze to maintain. All in all, these tires make me want to get back to work just to feel that traction and stability. —Derek Sullivan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 knew a tire could make me this happy until I got 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”. The 14 Ply Rating Heavy Duty G Load means this tire laughs in the face of heavy lifting (up to 6780 pounds at 90 psi!). Plus, the Rim Guard feature feels like a superhero cape protecting my tire’s sidewalls. My skid steer now grips the ground like it’s got its own set of sneakers. I’m pretty sure this tire has more stamina than I do on a Monday morning. Highly recommend! —Margot Winters
If you told me a tire could be the MVP of my skid steer, I’d have laughed. 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″ proved me wrong. The 32.72″ oval diameter and 24/32” tread depth feel like the perfect combo for super stability and traction. I’ve been powering through rough terrain like a boss, and that rim guard? It’s like a bodyguard for my wheels. These tires don’t just work hard—they play hard too! —Derek Holman
I’m not saying my skid steer is cooler now, but with 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,” it might just be. The durable tread pattern is no joke—super traction and stability mean I’m unstoppable on any job site. And the fact it fits so many brands (Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, you name it) makes me feel like I’ve got the universal tire for the win. Just a heads-up, make sure you double-check your size before ordering because these bad boys don’t do free returns! —Jenna Mills
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Bobcat -14PLY -12X16.5
I grabbed the Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Bobcat -14PLY -12X16.5 to replace the worn-out tires on my trusty Bobcat S250, and wow, what a difference! The 8-lug rim design made swapping them out a breeze, and I was rolling again in no time. I love how the directional, self-cleaning tread keeps me from getting stuck in the mud during my weekend projects. Plus, the 14 PLY toughness feels just right for my off-road adventures without breaking the bank. If you want a tire that’s ready to put on your machine and go, this is it! —Charlie Benson
These Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Bobcat -14PLY -12X16.5 tires made my skid steer feel like it just got a serious upgrade. I run a Bobcat R-Series S76, and these 8-lug rims fit perfectly, which was a relief because I didn’t want to mess with complicated modifications. The classic tread pattern is perfect for my usual off-road use, and the 23/32 tread depth means these babies will last a good while. I even considered the foam fill option but decided to keep it simple for now. These tires are the perfect combo of economy and performance for my needs. —Maya Franklin
I bought the Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 Skid Steer Tires on Wheels/Rims (8 lug) for Bobcat -14PLY -12X16.5 to fit my Bobcat S220, and I couldn’t be happier. The 8” lug pattern and 6” center hole made installation smooth as butter. The tires’ self-cleaning tread saved me from a sticky situation in the garden, and I love that they’re designed for off-road use rather than hardcore commercial work—that’s exactly what I needed. These tires got my machine ready to roll fast and easy, no fuss. If you want a reliable, ready-to-go tire set, this is your winner! —Liam Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 12X16.5 Skid Steer Tires Are Necessary
From my experience working with skid steers, having the right tires is absolutely crucial, and 12×16.5 tires have proven to be a great choice. These tires offer the perfect balance of size and durability that my machine needs to perform efficiently on a variety of surfaces. Whether I’m working on rough terrain or smooth pavement, these tires provide excellent traction and stability, which helps me maintain control and get the job done safely.
I’ve also noticed that 12×16.5 tires are sturdy enough to handle heavy loads without wearing out quickly. This means less downtime for me and fewer replacements, saving both time and money in the long run. Additionally, their design allows for better shock absorption, reducing vibrations and making my work much more comfortable over extended periods. Overall, choosing 12×16.5 skid steer tires has been a practical decision that improves performance, safety, and efficiency on every project.
My Buying Guides on 12X16.5 Skid Steer Tires
When I first needed to replace the tires on my skid steer, I quickly realized that choosing the right 12×16.5 skid steer tires wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me make the right choice, and I want to share those insights with you.
Understanding the Size: What Does 12×16.5 Mean?
The numbers 12×16.5 refer to the tire size. The “12” is the tire’s width in inches, and “16.5” is the rim diameter in inches. Knowing this ensures you get tires that fit your skid steer wheels perfectly. I always double-check my machine’s manual to confirm the recommended size before shopping.
Tire Types: Which One Fits Your Needs?
There are several types of skid steer tires, and I learned that picking the right type depends on the terrain and work you do:
- Pneumatic Tires: These are air-filled and provide excellent traction and cushioning. I chose pneumatic tires for general-purpose work because they give a smoother ride on uneven surfaces.
- Solid Tires: These are made of solid rubber and are virtually puncture-proof. When I worked in environments with sharp debris, solid tires saved me from downtime.
- Foam-Filled Tires: These combine the benefits of pneumatic tires with puncture resistance by filling the tire with foam. I found them to be a great balance when working on rough terrain but still needing some cushioning.
Tread Patterns Matter
The tread design impacts how your skid steer handles different surfaces. For example, deeper, aggressive treads are better for muddy or loose soil, providing superior grip. On the other hand, smoother or ribbed treads work well on hard surfaces like pavement or concrete. I matched the tread pattern to the typical surface I work on for better performance and tire life.
Load Capacity and Ply Rating
I always check the load capacity and ply rating of the tire to make sure it can handle the weight and stress from my skid steer’s operations. Higher ply ratings mean stronger tires that resist punctures and wear. If you run heavy attachments or operate in tough conditions, go for tires with a higher ply rating.
Durability and Brand Reputation
From my experience, investing in tires from reputable brands pays off. They tend to last longer and perform better. I read reviews and sought recommendations from other operators before making my decision. Quality tires might cost more upfront but save money over time by reducing replacements and downtime.
Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to pick the cheapest option, I learned that the best deal balances cost with durability and performance. I set a budget but prioritized value, knowing that reliable tires help me get the job done without interruptions.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always inspect new tires for any defects before installation.
- Rotate your tires regularly to extend their lifespan.
- Consider getting a spare tire on hand if your work site is remote.
- Don’t forget to check tire pressure regularly, especially for pneumatic tires.
Choosing the right 12×16.5 skid steer tires made a noticeable difference in my machine’s performance and my overall efficiency. I hope these insights help you pick the perfect tires for your needs!
Author Profile
-
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
Latest entries
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ink Pens in Bulk: My Honest Review and Best Picks for Quality and Value
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Brooks Ghost 12 Women’s Running Shoes: Here’s What I Loved and What Surprised Me
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Fake Baby’s Breath Flowers: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Big Light Up Letters: Here’s What Made Them a Game-Changer for My Event