The right skid steer tires can make a big difference in snow and ice. This guide highlights five top snow-ready options from Forerunner and HORSESHOE that deliver strong traction, self-cleaning tread, and reliable load capacity. Each pick is suitable for common skid steer models and designed to shed dirt and stones to maintain grip in winter conditions. Below you’ll find a quick summary table, followed by in-depth product sections and a practical buying guide.
| Product | Brand | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| 12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 (14PLY) | Forerunner | Heavy-duty snow traction; self-cleaning tread |
| 10-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 On Wheels | Forerunner | Ready-to-mount wheels; strong snow grip |
| 10-16.5 HORSESHOE NHS (14PLY) | HORSESHOE | Deep tread; rugged G-load capacity |
| 10-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 On Wheels | Forerunner | 8-lug mounting; reliable winter traction |
| 12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 On Wheels | Forerunner | Wide compatibility; strong snow performance |
These products are chosen for common winter tasks: snow plowing, material handling in cold conditions, and mobility on snow-packed surfaces. Each option offers self-cleaning tread to maintain grip and a robust load rating to support heavy equipment. When selecting tires, consider your machine’s axle pattern, rim size, and operating PSI to maximize traction and tire life in snowy environments.
Set of 4-Heavy Duty 12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 Skid Steer Tires
This set features 12×16.5 tubeless tires built to endure harsh winter conditions with a 14-ply rating. The SKS-9 design emphasizes snow traction and a self-cleaning tread that ejects dirt and stones as you work. It is a replacement for CAMSO SKS753 and carries a substantial load-ratings profile (6780 pounds per tire at 90 PSI). The tubeless construction helps resist punctures and provides stable seating on rugged surfaces. With a height of about 33 inches and a tread depth around 37/32 inches, these tires offer a broad footprint for improved flotation on soft snow. They mount on 16.5X9.75 rims, making them compatible with many mid-sized skid steers. This set is ideal for Bobcat, John Deere, Caterpillar, and other major brands, delivering solid winter performance and long service life in snowy jobs.
Notes: This option emphasizes winter traction along with a robust 12-ply build. The heavier weight (approximately 103 pounds per tire) contributes to stability on ice and packed snow. As with all tubeless tires, ensure proper air pressure and mounting to maximize grip and reduce risk of bead damage in cold temps.
Set of 4-Heavy Duty 10-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 On Wheels
This configuration arrives mounted on eight-lug wheels, ready for immediate installation. It covers 10×16.5 tires with a 12-ply rating, designed for reliable snow traction and easy mounting on compatible Bobcat, Kubota, and other brands. The self-cleaning tread ejects dirt and stones, maintaining maximal grip through slush and fresh snow. The wheel pattern is a common eight-lug design, with standard offsets that align with many machines. The fitment list includes popular Bobcat models and several Case, CAT, Gehl, and New Holland skid steers. The combination of a sturdy 12-ply tire and wheel assembly makes this a practical option when you want fast deployment in wintry sites.
Considerations include rim compatibility, offsets, and backspacing to ensure a proper fit. This option can reduce downtime by providing a complete solution — tires plus wheels — suitable for cold-weather deployments where efficiency matters.
Set of 4-Heavy Duty 10-16.5 Forerunner SKS-9 On Wheels
These eight-lug wheel assemblies are designed to fit New Holland and John Deere variants, among others, with 10×16.5 tires and a 12-ply rating. The SKS-9 tread configuration emphasizes resilient winter performance, with a self-cleaning design that helps maintain grip in snow. The listed fitment includes several New Holland LX and LS models and John Deere configurations, alongside a broad range of other brands. Mounting on eight-lug rims with around 4″ valve-stem offset and 5″ backspacing ensures compatibility with compatible skid steers. The combination of robust load capacity and winter-focused tread makes this a solid pick for winter operations, delivering dependable traction on snowy surfaces and in slush.
Practical notes include confirming pattern alignment with your specific machine and verifying rim availability if you are not starting from a wheel-ready setup.
Set of 4-12-16.5 Forerunner SKS-1 On Wheels
This option provides 12×16.5 tires with an eight-lug wheel setup, geared toward Bobcat and similar machines. The 12-ply SKS-1 design emphasizes snow traction and a self-cleaning tread to optimize grip on snow and ice. The mounting pattern is eight on eight inches, with a 6-inch center hole and about 8-inch lug spacing, a configuration common to many skid steers. The recommended fitment includes Bobcat 825, 843, 853, 863, 873, and several S-series models, along with other brands such as Gehl and Kubota. With a tubeless construction and a weight around the typical 75 pounds per tire, these tires balance rugged winter performance with manageable weight for machine handling and installation.
When evaluating, verify the exact rim size and bolt pattern on your machine to ensure a clean swap. This option works well for crews needing quick replacements with solid winter traction on a variety of machines.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Skid Steer Tires For Snow
Key factors influence winter performance and tire longevity. Consider these perspectives to pick the right set for your operation.
- Snow traction vs. service life: Higher ply ratings (e.g., 12–14 ply) tend to last longer under heavy loads and rough surfaces, but may trade a bit of flexibility in extremely soft snow. Forerunner SKS-9 tires emphasize self-cleaning tread for snow and mud release, which helps maintain grip over long shifts.
- Wheel compatibility: Many options come as mounted on wheels or require eight- or eight-eight lug patterns. Confirm bolt pattern, rim width, and backspacing to ensure a proper fit on your skid steer model.
- Tread design: Self-cleaning tread is crucial in snow environments to prevent dirt buildup that reduces grip. Look for tread depth and pattern that balance flotation with bite on ice and packed snow.
- Load rating and PSI: Tires carry a maximum load per tire at a given air pressure. Matching these specs to your machine’s weight and typical load reduces bead damage and improves traction stability on ice.
- Usage pattern: If you frequently traverse icy surfaces, prioritize tires with robust tread and stable sidewalls. For mixed conditions (snow plus gravel), self-cleaning designs and durable casings help sustain performance.
- Repairability and replacements: Some sets are marketed as replacements for CAMSO SKS753. If you have existing spacers or rims, ensure compatibility with your current components or expect some mounting adjustments.
- Cold weather performance: Materials and rubber compounds vary by brand; choose tires designed for cold temperatures to maintain elasticity and grip in freezing conditions.
- Cost of ownership: Consider the total cost of ownership, including mounting, potential wheel packages, and any upgrades to rims to fit your machine’s bolt pattern.
In summary, for snowy applications, prioritize tires with self-cleaning tread, appropriate ply ratings for your load, and wheel assemblies that mount cleanly to your skid steer. The listed options provide a mix of tubeless and wheel-mounted configurations that cover a wide range of common machines and winter tasks.