Skid Steer Tires
Skid steer loaders are beloved for their ease of use and versatility around work sites of all types. Whether you’re a landscaper or construction worker, a contractor or specialized equipment operator, you’re sure to have your eye on a great skid steer. But with that versatility comes the potential for specialized components and systems that further the power and efficiency of these little loaders. A prime consideration should be tires, since different jobs are likely to take place on different types of ground. The right tires can mean better and more efficient work!
At Synergy Equipment, we want our customers to have access to the best components to make their work all the more easy and efficient. In that spirit, we’ve put together this short guide to skid steer tires, both picking the right tires and maintaining them. Read on for more information or head into one of our showroom in Florida and Georgia to check out some great new and used skid steer loaders for yourself!
Choosing Skid Steer Tires
Every work site’s needs are different, and so it goes for the usefulness of different types of tires for your skid steer loader. To increase performance, it’s best to select tires based on the working environment. You can start with selecting a tread pattern that fits the terrain, as this will create a base for safe and efficient operation.
Most worksites fall into three categories: off-road, hard surface, and a mixture of the two. Off-road work tends to require more traction from the tread, while hard surfaces need more durability. Without the right tread pattern, surface contact can create unnecessary wear.
Hard surfaces are best tackled with a non-directional tread pattern that features a higher lug-to-void ratio. That means more rubber on the tread pattern, which increases overall durability.
For traction on looser terrain, you want a tire with deep treads and a strong sidewall to handle the extra debris. This means higher ply and more void. For terrain like sand, you’ll want something less tread that can be run at a low PSI, while muddy ground is easy to tackle with aggressive tread and auto-cleaning patterns.
Mixed terrain can be an issue, since finding the right tire might lean more toward either of the extremes we’ve already covered. Generally, choose the tire that fits for the majority of your work. If you do work on mixed terrain, focus on the aspects that you deal with most; if traction is your main concern, look for deep treads — and if you mostly operate on hard surfaces, go for for that high lug-to-void ratio. If you’re facing a real toss-up, it might be a good idea to select multiple sets of tires that can be changed out should the worksite demand it.
Maintaining Skid Steer Tires
To keep your skid steer tires in working order, you’ll want to perform preventative maintenance. First and foremost is to keep your tires clean and the treads clear of debris. It’s easier to spot bigger problems if you don’t have to dig through muck to get an actual look at the state of the tires. Simply wash them down with a powerful hose and knock loose any stuck-on clumps. Then you’re free to give the tires a visual inspection. Go ahead and remove any foreign objects or debris and be on the lookout for bumps, bubbles, cracks, or other signs that the tires might be losing their structural integrity.
You’ll also want to check for uneven or excessive wear on the treads. With skid steer tires, your front wheels will tend to wear down faster. If you find this is the case, simply rotate the tires, otherwise you might end up with a full set that’s too uneven to keep using.
Beyond checking for damage, operators can do their part to keep skid steer tires in good repair. This means having operators understand which terrain to drive on and which to avoid, depending on the type of tire they’re currently equipped with. Also consider the general work environment. Scrap yards, warehouses, and construction sites are veritable minefields of debris. Foam-filled tires can puncture and leak, pneumatics might go flat, and semi-pneumatics can be damaged if operators act carelessly. These tires are built to withstand abuse, but they aren’t impervious to harm.
Proper skid steer tire selection and maintenance is important to keep these versatile vehicles functioning effectively. Still unsure which tires to go with? Have more questions about keeping them in good repair? Then head into Synergy Equipment. We have locations throughout Florida and Georgia, where we proudly serve our friends and neighbors in South Carolina. Hop down today and speak with our team of courteous professionals who’ll answer all your questions and help you with whatever you need.