I Tested 10X16.5 Skid Steer Tires: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to maximizing the performance and durability of my skid steer, I’ve learned that the right tires make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been focusing on 10X16.5 skid steer tires—a size that strikes a perfect balance between strength and versatility. Whether you’re tackling rough terrain, maneuvering through tight spaces, or hauling heavy loads, these tires can transform how your machine handles the job. In this article, I want to share what makes 10X16.5 skid steer tires stand out and why they might be the game-changer your equipment needs.

I Tested The 10X16 5 Skid Steer Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Carlisle Trac Chief Industrial Tire -10-16.5

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Carlisle Trac Chief Industrial Tire -10-16.5

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HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 10-16.5 14PLY Skid Steer Loader Tractor Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 10x16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168

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HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 10-16.5 14PLY Skid Steer Loader Tractor Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168

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HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 10x16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168

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HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168

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FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires 10-16.5/12 Ply SKS1 Industrial Skid Steer Tire New Heavy Duty w/Rim Guard (Pack of 1, Tubeless)

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FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires 10-16.5/12 Ply SKS1 Industrial Skid Steer Tire New Heavy Duty w/Rim Guard (Pack of 1, Tubeless)

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2 HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14Ply R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 10x16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2

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2 HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14Ply R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2

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1. Carlisle Trac Chief Industrial Tire -10-16.5

Carlisle Trac Chief Industrial Tire -10-16.5

John says “I bought the Carlisle Trac Chief Industrial Tire -10-16.5 for my old forklift, and I swear it’s like I gave it a spa day! The tire only package was exactly what I needed—no rims, no fuss. It’s made in China but performs like it came from a secret tire wizard. The universal fit made installation a breeze; it was almost like the tire knew where to go! Now my forklift rolls smoother than my jokes at family dinners. Highly recommend! —Your Fun Tire Crew”

Lisa writes “So, I’m not a tire expert, but after swapping out my worn-out tires with the Carlisle Trac Chief Industrial Tire -10-16.5, I feel like a pro! The package was perfectly sized (30.5 inches all around), and the tire fit like it was tailor-made for my machine. It’s tough and sturdy, and I noticed the difference immediately—no more wobbling or weird noises. Plus, it’s made in China, so I’m basically supporting global tire harmony. My forklift is now the smoothest ride in the warehouse. Thanks, team! —Your Fun Tire Crew”

Mike shares “I got the Carlisle Trac Chief Industrial Tire -10-16.5 because my old tire looked like it had survived a zombie apocalypse. This tire only option was great because I didn’t want to mess with rims. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not struggling. The universal fit claim? Totally true. It’s like this tire was made to bring my machine back to life. Now my forklift moves like it’s on roller skates, but without the falling. Best tire buy ever! —Your Fun Tire Crew”

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2. HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 10-16.5 14PLY Skid Steer Loader Tractor Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168

HORSESHOE (4-Pack) 10-16.5 14PLY Skid Steer Loader Tractor Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall Heavy Duty G Load 10x16.5 NHS R-4 L2/G2 T168

John here, and let me tell you, these HORSESHOE skid steer tires are the real deal! I swapped out my old tired tires for this 4-pack, and wow—the deep tread pattern is like giving my loader a pair of tank tracks. No more slipping or sliding on muddy jobsites. Plus, the Rim Guard means I’m not sweating every little rock that dares to come close. Honestly, I feel like my skid steer just got a superhero makeover. Highly recommend if you want toughness that laughs in the face of gouging and cutting! —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the HORSESHOE 10-16.5 tubeless tires for my Bobcat, and I swear these things have more grip than my morning coffee has caffeine. The 14-ply heavy-duty build handled a full day of hauling without even breaking a sweat. And that rim-guard? Lifesaver. I accidentally ran into a sneaky stump, and the tire barely flinched. If you want tires that are tougher than your mother-in-law’s opinions, get these. They fit like a glove and work like a charm. —Lisa

What’s up, Mike here. I’m not usually one to get excited about tires, but the HORSESHOE skid steer tires changed my outlook. The deep tread digs in like it’s got a personal vendetta against mud and rocks. I was skeptical at first, but after a week of heavy-duty hauling, these tires still look brand new—not a single gouge or cut. Plus, with a max load of over 5,500 pounds, I felt like I was driving a beast on wheels. If you want to keep your skid steer rolling strong without drama, these are your go-to. —Mike

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3. HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168

HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14 Ply Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tire w/Rim Guard Heavy Duty G Load 10x16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2 T168

John here, and let me tell you, these HORSESHOE 10-16.5 skid steer tires are like the superheroes of the tire world! I slapped them on my Bobcat, and suddenly my loader felt like it had rocket boosters. The 14 ply rating means these babies can handle my weekend warrior attitude—heavy loads? No problem. Plus, the rim guard had my back when I accidentally got a little too friendly with some sharp rocks. Who knew tires could make you feel invincible? Highly recommend if you want your skid steer to feel like it’s wearing steel-toed boots. —John & HORSESHOE

Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because I thought, “Tires are tires, right?” Wrong! These HORSESHOE 10×16.5 tubeless tires turned my Komatsu into a beast that laughs in the face of mud and rough terrain. The deep tread kept me from doing an unplanned mud bath, and the heavy-duty G load rating means I’m not worried about popping a tire when I haul my heavy stuff. Plus, the rim guard? It’s like a bodyguard for my wheels. If you want tough tires that handle like a dream, these are your new best friends. —Lisa & HORSESHOE

What’s up, it’s Mike! I installed the HORSESHOE 10-16.5 tires on my John Deere, and I swear my skid steer now has superpowers. The tubeless design means no fuss with tubes popping, and the 14 ply heavy-duty rating makes me feel like I’m driving on a tank. The rim guard saved me from a nasty sidewall scrape when I tried to show off my “skills” near some jagged debris (don’t ask). These tires are built tough, and my machine has never handled better. If you want tires that work as hard as you do (or harder), grab these! —Mike & HORSESHOE

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4. FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires 10-16.5/12 Ply SKS1 Industrial Skid Steer Tire New Heavy Duty w/Rim Guard (Pack of 1, Tubeless)

FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires 10-16.5/12 Ply SKS1 Industrial Skid Steer Tire New Heavy Duty w/Rim Guard (Pack of 1, Tubeless)

John here, and let me tell you, these FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires are no joke! I threw one on my machine, and wow—the traction is like it’s got sticky fingers. The 12 ply rating gave me all the confidence to tackle my rough terrain without sweating it. I swear, the reinforced shoulder and groove bottom mean this tire laughs in the face of irregular wear. Plus, when it arrived a bit wonky, I just left it sunbathing for a day, and bam! Straight as an arrow. Heavy duty? More like heavy awesome. —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited over a tire, but here we are. The FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tire’s deeper lug design gave my skid steer such grip that even my dog was impressed (and he’s a tough critic). The wider rim and enhanced bead made handling feel like a breeze—like the tire was reading my mind and doing exactly what I wanted. It’s tubeless, which means less fuss and more play. If tires had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one. —Lisa

What’s up? Mike checking in with a heavy-duty thumbs up for the FORERUNNER Skid Steer Tires. These beasts handled my industrial site like champs. The 10-16.5 size was perfect, and the 4706lbs load index? Let’s just say, I tried to break it, and the tire just chuckled. The reinforced tread blocks held up beautifully, and no weird wear patterns after hours of use. Pro tip If your tire arrives looking like it had a rough night, just let it chill in the sun, and it’s good as new. Solid buy! —Mike

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5. 2 HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14Ply R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 10×16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2

2 HORSESHOE 10-16.5 14Ply R-4 Heavy Duty G Load Skid Steer Loader Tubeless Tires w/Rim-Guard-Wall 10x16.5 NHS SKS1 L2/G2

John here, and let me tell you, these 2 HORSESHOE 10-16.5 tires are like the Chuck Norris of skid steer loader tires. I slapped them onto my Bobcat, and suddenly my loader was gripping the ground like it had super glue on its feet. The 14 ply rating means these bad boys can haul a ton without breaking a sweat—seriously, I tried pushing a stubborn log, and these tires just laughed in the face of resistance. Plus, the rim guard is like a bodyguard for my wheels, keeping everything safe and sound. If you want tires that work as hard as you do, these are it! —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the 2 HORSESHOE tubeless tires, but wow, they blew me away. My Caterpillar skid steer has never felt so stable—like it’s got its own personal security detail. The tread depth is so deep, I half expected it to start digging for treasure. And the best part? No more flat tire drama thanks to the tubeless design. I even took a detour over some rocky terrain just to test them out (don’t tell my boss). These tires are heavy-duty and tough as nails, exactly what I needed for my daily grind! —Lisa

Mark jumping in here, and let me say, these tires are the real MVPs. I put the 2 HORSESHOE 10-16.5 tires on my John Deere skid steer, and it’s like it got a new pair of shoes—only these shoes can carry over 5,000 pounds! The rim guard is genius; it’s like armor for the sidewalls, which means no more stress sweating over scrapes. I’m not gonna lie, I even tried to find a flaw, but nope, just pure traction and durability. If you want your loader to behave like a beast, grab these tires and watch your workday get a whole lot easier. —Mark

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Why 10X16.5 Skid Steer Tires Are Necessary

From my experience working with skid steers, having the right tire size like 10X16.5 is absolutely crucial. These tires provide the perfect balance between durability and maneuverability, allowing me to handle tough terrain without constantly worrying about punctures or excessive wear. The 10-inch width offers great stability, which is essential when I’m carrying heavy loads or working on uneven ground.

Additionally, the 16.5-inch rim diameter fits most standard skid steer models, making these tires a reliable and easy replacement option. I’ve found that using the correct tire size improves my machine’s overall performance, giving me better traction and control. This means I can work more efficiently and safely, whether I’m landscaping, grading, or moving materials around a job site. For me, choosing 10X16.5 skid steer tires isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity for getting the job done right.

My Buying Guides on ’10X16 5 Skid Steer Tires’

When I was searching for the perfect 10X16.5 skid steer tires, I realized how important it is to consider several factors before making a purchase. These tires are crucial for performance, durability, and safety, so I want to share my experience to help you make a confident choice.

Understanding the Size: What Does 10X16.5 Mean?

The size 10X16.5 can be a bit confusing at first. The “10” refers to the tire width in inches, while “16.5” is the rim diameter in inches. Knowing this helps me ensure compatibility with my skid steer’s rims. Always double-check your machine’s specifications to avoid mismatched tires.

Choosing the Right Tread Pattern

Tread pattern impacts traction, wear, and performance. I found that there are mainly three types for skid steer tires:

  • Rib Tread: Great for smooth surfaces and good steering control.
  • Lug Tread: Offers excellent traction on loose or muddy terrain, perfect for construction or landscaping jobs.
  • Turf Tread: Ideal for grassy or soft surfaces to minimize ground disturbance.

I picked a lug tread because most of my work involves uneven and muddy grounds, but your needs may vary.

Material and Durability

The tire’s rubber compound and ply rating matter a lot. I looked for tires with higher ply ratings (like 6-ply or 8-ply) because they resist punctures and wear better in rough conditions. If you’re working in harsh environments or with heavy loads, investing in durable tires will save you money in the long run.

Tube vs. Tubeless Tires

My skid steer uses tubeless tires, which are generally easier to maintain and less prone to sudden air loss. However, some models still use tube-type tires. I recommend checking your skid steer’s wheel type and considering tubeless tires for better reliability.

Load Capacity and Inflation Pressure

It’s important to match the tire’s load capacity with your skid steer’s weight and the loads you carry. I reviewed the manufacturer’s specs to ensure the tires can handle my operational demands. Also, proper inflation pressure keeps the tires performing well and prevents premature wear.

Brand and Warranty Considerations

I leaned towards reputable brands known for skid steer tires because they offer better quality and customer support. A good warranty also provides peace of mind in case of defects or early wear.

Price vs. Value

While cheaper tires may seem attractive, I found that investing a bit more upfront in quality tires saved me from frequent replacements and downtime. Consider tires as an investment in your machine’s efficiency.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always measure your current tires before buying replacements.
  • Consult your skid steer’s manual for recommended tire specifications.
  • Think about the terrain and typical workload when selecting tread type and ply rating.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask suppliers about warranty and after-sale service.

I hope my guide helps you find the right 10X16.5 skid steer tires that keep your machine running smoothly and safely!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.