Best Tires for Asphalt Work

[MikePhua]

Running a skid steer on asphalt is one of the harshest operating environments for any tire. Unlike dirt or gravel, asphalt creates continuous friction, high heat buildup, and rapid tread wear. Choosing the right tire is not only a matter of cost but also of productivity, machine longevity, and operator comfort. This article explores the most effective tire options for skid steers working primarily on asphalt, explains the engineering behind each choice, and provides real‑world stories and recommendations from contractors who have spent thousands of hours on paved surfaces.

Understanding Asphalt Tire Wear
Asphalt is a dense, abrasive surface. When a skid steer turns—especially with counter‑rotation—the tires scrub violently against the pavement. This leads to:

• Rapid tread loss
  
• Heat buildup inside the rubber
  
• Sidewall fatigue
  
• Chunking and tearing
  
• Higher fuel consumption due to rolling resistance
  

Terminology Note

• Scrub Wear: Tire wear caused by sideways friction during skid steering.
  
• Heat Cycling: Repeated heating and cooling that hardens rubber and accelerates cracking.
  
• Ply Rating: A measure of tire strength; higher ply ratings resist puncture and deformation.
  

Solid Tires for Maximum Durability
Many contractors consider solid rubber tires the gold standard for asphalt work. They are made entirely of rubber with no air cavity, eliminating flats and dramatically increasing lifespan.
Advantages

• Extremely long service life
  
• Zero flats or blowouts
  
• Resistant to heat and abrasion
  
• Ideal for continuous asphalt operations
  

Disadvantages

• High upfront cost (often around $2,000–$2,500 per set)
  
• Heavier, increasing fuel consumption
  
• Rougher ride compared to pneumatic tires
  

When to choose solid tires

• Daily asphalt work
  
• Demolition or debris‑heavy environments
  
• Municipal road maintenance fleets
  
• High‑hour rental machines
  

Industry Story 
A paving contractor in the Midwest reported that switching to solid tires cut their annual tire budget by 60%. Their skid steer ran nearly 1,200 hours per year on asphalt, and pneumatic tires rarely lasted more than three months. Solid tires lasted over a year.

Retreaded or Recapped Tires
Some operators consider recapping worn tires with a smooth tread. This process adds a new layer of rubber to the old casing.
Advantages

• Lower cost than new tires
  
• Smooth tread reduces scrub wear
  
• Environmentally friendly
  

Disadvantages

• Requires casings in good condition
  
• Not all shops offer skid‑steer recapping
  
• Shorter lifespan than solid tires
  

When to choose recaps

• Moderate asphalt use
  
• Budget‑sensitive operations
  
• When casings are still structurally sound
  

High‑Ply Trailer Tires as a Budget Option
One creative solution mentioned by experienced operators is using 12‑ply trailer tires on skid steers working exclusively on asphalt.
Why this works

• Trailer tires are designed for highway heat and abrasion
  
• Their smooth tread reduces friction
  
• They are significantly cheaper than skid‑steer tires
  

Limitations

• Poor off‑road traction
  
• Not suitable for mud, gravel, or uneven terrain
  
• Sidewalls not designed for skid‑steer lateral loads
  

Real‑World Example 
During post‑hurricane cleanup in New Orleans, a contractor ran skid steers 12 hours a day on asphalt. They switched to heavy‑ply trailer tires and reported excellent performance at half the cost of standard skid‑steer tires.

Oversized Truck Tires for Cost Savings
Some operators install 33×16.5 truck tires as a low‑cost alternative.
Benefits

• Very inexpensive
  
• Large diameter increases contact patch
  
• Smooth tread reduces wear
  

Drawbacks

• May alter machine height and stability
  
• Not suitable for mixed‑terrain work
  
• Can affect hydraulic performance due to rolling radius changes
  

Choosing the Right Tire Based on Your Priorities
If your priority is maximum lifespan:

• Choose solid rubber tires
  

If your priority is lowest cost:

• Choose heavy‑ply trailer tires or oversized truck tires
  

If your priority is balanced performance:

• Choose recapped tires or high‑ply pneumatic skid‑steer tires
  

If your machine works 90% on asphalt:

• Avoid aggressive tread patterns
  
• Choose smooth or semi‑smooth tread designs
  

Additional Recommendations

• Avoid lugged off‑road tires: They wear extremely fast on asphalt.
  
• Monitor tire pressure: Under‑inflation increases heat and accelerates wear.
  
• Reduce counter‑rotation: Use three‑point turns when possible.
  
• Consider wheel covers: They protect rims from heat and debris.
  
• Track conversion kits: Not recommended for asphalt due to heat and friction.
  

Small Story: The Case 40XT That Ate Tires
A small paving crew in Oregon ran a Case 40XT skid steer daily on asphalt. They tried every tire type over several years:

• Standard pneumatics lasted 150–200 hours
  
• Recaps lasted 300–400 hours
  
• Trailer tires lasted 500 hours
  
• Solid tires lasted over 1,200 hours
  

The owner eventually concluded that although solid tires were expensive upfront, they were the only option that made financial sense for continuous asphalt work.

Conclusion
Asphalt is one of the most demanding surfaces for skid‑steer tires. The best choice depends on your budget, operating hours, and terrain. Solid tires offer unmatched durability, while trailer or truck tires provide a surprisingly effective low‑cost alternative for machines that never leave pavement. Recaps and high‑ply pneumatics fill the middle ground for operators seeking a balance between cost and longevity.
Selecting the right tire can significantly reduce downtime, improve machine efficiency, and lower long‑term operating costs.