Skid Steer Tires and Best Wearing Options

[MikePhua]

Introduction
Choosing the best tires for skid steer loaders is crucial for durability, performance, and cost efficiency. Skid steers, like the Bobcat 863 model, are often heavy for their size and require tires that withstand frequent use on dirt and rough terrain without wearing out too fast.
Types of Skid Steer Tires

• Pneumatic Tires (Air-Filled): These tires provide excellent shock absorption and traction in soft, uneven, or muddy terrain. They are common for their relatively lower upfront cost but are prone to punctures and require regular maintenance like air pressure checks and repair of flats.
  
• Solid Tires (Flat-Proof Tires): Made entirely of rubber with no air inside, these tires are puncture-resistant and offer long service life on rough construction sites, demolition, and waste management. They provide stability and durability but deliver a bumpier ride and are heavier, impacting operator comfort.
  
• Foam-Filled Pneumatic Tires: These combine benefits of pneumatic tires and flat-proof design, but they are heavier and more expensive. Foam-filled tires resist flats while providing a smoother ride than solid tires.
  

Tread Classifications

• R-4 Tires: General industrial tires with sturdy sidewalls and moderate tread depth. Suitable for dirt and mud, R-4 tires are common on construction and municipal skid steers.
  
• L-4 Tires: Designed for loaders and dozers, these have deeper tread and reinforced sidewalls for heavy-duty, abrasive conditions like scrapyards or recycling centers. L-4 tires offer increased cut and chip resistance.
  
• L-5 Tires: The heaviest duty with the deepest tread and strongest materials, L-5 tires excel in the most punishing environments. They resist heavy cutting, chipping, and chunking in the harshest applications.
  

Load Ratings and Wear Information
Skid steer tires feature codes similar to passenger and truck tires indicating load capacity, tread wear, and operating conditions. For example:

• The Tire and Rim Association (TRA) codes like R-4, L-4, L-5 denote tire type and application.
  
• Load indexes and ply ratings indicate how much weight a tire can safely bear.
  
• Wear indicators or tread depth ratings help estimate service life.
  

Choosing the Best Tire for Your Needs

• Terrain: Soft or uneven ground benefits from pneumatic or foam-filled tires; hard, abrasive or debris-laden sites favor solid or L category tires.
  
• Load: Heavier skid steers or heavy-duty operations require tires with higher load ratings and tougher compounds.
  
• Costs: Solid and foam-filled tires cost more initially but reduce downtime and replacement frequency.
  
• Comfort vs. Durability: Pneumatic tires offer superior comfort while solid tires prioritize durability.
  

Purchasing Tips and Local Availability
Wayne Jaynes from Michigan asks where to find best-wearing tires as his lightly worn Chinese-made tires wear out quickly. He should consider high-quality brands available through regional dealers or specialized suppliers offering genuine or premium aftermarket options with proper certification.
Terminology

• Pneumatic Tire: Air-filled tires providing cushioning.
  
• Solid Tire: Tire composed entirely of rubber, resistant to punctures.
  
• Foam-Filled Tire: Pneumatic tire filled with foam to prevent flats.
  
• Load Rating: Tire’s maximum weight capacity.
  
• TRA Code: Industry standardized tire classification.
  

Real-World Insight
Contractors juggling muddy construction sites swapped to L-4 solid tires after rapid wear on cheap pneumatic brands, cutting tire changes from quarterly to annual, saving thousands in downtime and replacements.
Conclusion
For skid steer operators working primarily on dirt, selecting tires with proper load ratings and wear resistance, such as L-4 or solid tires from reputable manufacturers, can significantly extend tire life and reduce costs. Understanding terrain needs, load demands, and tire construction leads to smarter purchasing choices and optimized equipment performance.