Right Tires, Right Job: A Guide for Skid-Steer Operators

Selecting the right tire for your skid-steer loader is more than a matter of preference. The right choice can improve productivity, reduce downtime and boost overall profitability.

Skid-steer loaders are built to handle tough jobs on a variety of surfaces, but knowing the primary terrain you'll work on is key to maximizing performance. Pneumatic and solid tires each have advantages depending on jobsite conditions, material handling needs and budget considerations.

Advantages of Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic tires are made of rubber and filled with air, providing a smoother ride and better shock absorption. Bobcat offers six types: standard-duty, heavy-duty, severe-duty, turf, super-float and snow. These tires perform well on uneven or mixed terrain, offering longer wear, self-cleaning capability and extended uptime. The downside is susceptibility to punctures, which can lead to unexpected downtime.

Advantages of Solid Tires

Solid tires are constructed from extra-tough rubber and require no inflation, eliminating the risk of flats while delivering long service life in harsh environments such as industrial or demolition applications. Although the initial purchase price can be higher, their durability often results in a lower overall cost of ownership over the life of the tire.

Manufacturers support a range of job site needs through varied tread and compound options, including choices that influence ride quality and specialized non marking compounds for select sizes. While tread naming conventions vary by manufacturer, at Bobcat, the lineup for compact loaders includes six solid tire tread options: solid flex cushion, solid non directional cushion, solid severe duty non directional, solid flex offset, solid flex non marking and solid flex super smooth.

Fuel Efficiency Considerations

Pneumatic tires typically offer slightly better fuel efficiency due to lower rolling resistance. Solid tires are heavier and can increase fuel consumption, but durability often outweighs the cost in high-risk environments.

Recommendations by Application

• Construction and landscaping: Pneumatic tires for comfort and versatility

• Industrial and demolition: Solid tires for puncture-proof performance

• Seasonal or varied work: Pneumatic tires handle changing conditions more effectively

Evaluate terrain, debris risk, operator comfort and maintenance resources. Many fleets combine tire types, using pneumatic tires for general-purpose work and solid tires for high-risk jobs, balancing cost, uptime and productivity.

Matching your skid-steer tires to jobsite conditions ensures machines stay productive and profitable, no matter the challenge.

(Article reprinted with permission from Bobcat. Wayne Hintz is the senior business manager of Bobcat.)

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.