12-16.5 Skid Steer Tires

Buying 12-16.5 skid steer tires

12-16.5 is one of the two most common skid steer tire sizes, along with the narrower 10-16.5. It is about 12 inches (305 mm) wide on a 16.5-inch rim and fits many mid-size and large skid steer loaders. Skid steers turn by dragging their tires sideways, so these tires take a beating on concrete and rock and are built with heavy sidewalls and high ply ratings.

Choosing a 12-16.5 tire

• Ply rating: 10-ply and 12-ply are common; 14-ply suits heavy loader and demolition work. Match or exceed what you have.
• Tread: deep lug treads grip in mud and dirt; wider, flatter treads last longer on concrete and asphalt.
• Bias or radial: bias is cheaper and has stiff sidewalls. Radials such as 12R16.5 ride smoother and can last longer on hard surfaces.

12-16.5 or 10-16.5?

Both fit a 16.5-inch rim. The 12 is wider and a little taller, with more flotation on soft ground. Moving up needs a rim wide enough and clearance in the wheel wells. Check your machine’s manual before switching.

Replace all four

A skid steer steers by speed difference between its sides. Tires of different sizes or wear make it pull and put stress on the drive chains, so replace all four together or at least match the tread depth side to side. See our industrial and skid steer tires.

Send us the quantity, new or used, and where to ship for a price.

What do 12-16.5 tires cost on our site?

We list 2 models in 12-16.5. 2 have a listed price, from $255 (Ascenso SSB 331) to $478 (Ozka KNK66) per tire, with a median of $367. Prices are per tire in US dollars and change with stock and season.

How tall is the 12-16.5 tire?

The nominal overall diameter is about 36.9 in (937 mm), which gives a rolling circumference near 116 in (2,944 mm). That figure is an estimate that assumes an 85% aspect ratio, the usual rule for old inch sizes. Real tires vary by make and load, so treat it as a guide and use the tire diameter calculator or the lead-lag calculator before you change size on a front-wheel-assist tractor.

Is 12-16.5 a radial or a bias tire?

It is a bias-ply size. The dash in the size marks bias construction, which costs less and has stiffer sidewalls. See the radial vs bias guide.