Skid steer tires are an essential component of landscaping equipment. Choosing the right ones is critical to the success of your projects because it can save you money and increase the ROI. But with many options available, buying the best skid steer tires for your needs can be overwhelming. Here is a complete guide to everything you need to know about these vital accessories, the various tread patterns available, and how to select the most suitable ones for your landscaping projects.
Skid Steer Tire Terms You Should Know
Before delving deeper, it is crucial to understand some specific terms you may encounter when shopping for tires.
- Tread Depth – the distance between the bottom of the tire’s deepest groove and the tread’s top.
- Tread Patterns – the designs of the tire’s surface that come in contact with the ground. They determine the performance on different surfaces.
- Ply Rating – the number of layers in a skid steer tire. A higher rating indicates a durable and stronger tire.
Understanding Your Skid Steer’s Requirements
The type of tire you choose depends on the machine you use. Some require a specific tire size, which may limit your options. This is why it is wise to ensure compatibility before buying a tire.
The first step in choosing the right skid steer tire is to look at what is currently on your machine. Are you running over the tire tracks, solid rubber, or air-filled tires? They have their pros and cons.
- Over-the-tire tracks provide better traction and stability but can be challenging to install.
- Solid rubber tires, like the ones offered by Tag Equipment, are puncture-proof and have a long life span.
- Air-filled tires, also known as pneumatic tires, are popular because they provide a smooth ride and excellent traction. However, they are prone to punctures in demanding environments and require more maintenance.
Evaluate Your Needs
Before selecting a skid steer tire, you need to assess your requirements. Here are some questions to ask before purchasing skid steer tires to analyze your needs and choose an ideal one:
- What type of terrain will I work on?
- What is the climate like in the region?
- How much weight will the tire need to support?
- What is my budget?
In addition, consider the following factors to make an informed decision:
Project Site
Consider the terrain of your project site. You will need an all-terrain tire for soft grounds like mud. However, a hard surface tread pattern tire would be a better option on challenging surface conditions like asphalt.
Load Capacity
Consider the weight-bearing capacity of your equipment. The tire’s ply rating determines the weight capacity it can carry. Ensure that the tire you choose can handle the weight of your equipment and the load you want to move.
Frequency of Use
Consider how often you want to use your skid steer. For more frequent use, you will need a tire that can withstand wear and tear.
5 Different Skid Steer Tire Patterns
Skid steer tires have several tread patterns, each designed for specific applications. The most common ones are as follows:
Smooth Surface Tread
It is best suited for working on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. These tires have a flat surface allowing maximum contact with the ground, providing stability and better maneuverability.
Hard Surface Tread
These tires have deeper treads than smooth surface ones, making them ideal for rocky terrains. They also offer better traction and can handle heavier loads.
Soft-Surface Tread
Soft surface treads are ideal for less demanding grounds like soil or sand. They have wider lugs that prevent the tire from sinking into the turf, providing better traction and stability.
Sensitive Surface Tread
They are ideal for delicate surfaces like turf, where you need to avoid damaging the ground. They have shallow treads and a wide footprint, evenly distributing the machine’s weight.
All Terrain Tread
All-terrain treads are versatile and can handle a wide range of surfaces. They provide excellent traction and stability on hard and soft surfaces. However, they may not be the best choice for heavy-duty applications.
Also Read: A Complete Guide to Solid Skid Steer Tires & Tread Patterns
Which Skid Steer Tires are Best for Landscaping?
One common misconception about skid steer tires is that pneumatic all-terrain skid steer tires are always the best. However, all-terrain tread patterns are best for soft surfaces like mud and sand. Hard turfs such as asphalt may break these tires down quickly because of reduced surface area in contact with the ground. Although the optimal tire for landscaping projects is a hard surface skid steer tire, it is best to consider the terrain type to make the right choice.
We Offer Project-Specific Skid Steer Tires at Great Prices
When it comes to landscaping, you need skid steer tires that can handle different types of terrain while minimizing downtime and improving efficiency. Tag Equipment offers a range of skid steer tires in Canada to meet your landscaping needs. Our products are designed to provide maximum traction, durability, and stability, making them ideal for your applications.
- Our solid rubber tires are built to last and offer superior performance on hard surfaces. They are puncture-proof and require little maintenance, so you can focus on completing your project without worrying about tire issues.
Traxter R4, Traxter HD, Traxter SM, Camso SKS 792S, and Camso SKS 782S are some choices you may consider. - We feature the best pneumatic or air-filled skid steer tires that assure durability and versatility.
Our selection includes Galaxy Beefy Baby II R-4, Galaxy Hulk L-4/L-5, Primex Bossgrip R-4, Primex Bossman Grip STL II L4+, Camso SKS 532, Camso SKS 775, and Camso SKS 753. - Our over-the-tire skid steer tracks offer excellent traction on soft surfaces and are ideal for landscaping in wet or muddy conditions. They are easy to install and can increase the stability of your machine, providing better performance in adverse conditions.
Camso OTT HXD and Camso Steel OTT are our two best options.
Quality Rubber
Our skid steer tires are made from top-quality rubber resistant to punctures, cuts, and tears. We offer tires designed to perform in harsh conditions and provide better traction and reliable service for years to come, resulting in better performance and reduced downtime.
If you want to improve your landscaping efficiency, we can help you. Contact us today at 416-716-5850 to learn more about our over-the-tire tracks and skid steer tires for landscapers, best suited for specific terrains and weather conditions.
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