When you’re on the job, it’s important to think of other maintenance needs outside of preventative maintenance Yes, checking the oil and lights on your skid steer is a must, but in order to get from one place to another, it’s essential to have the right skid steer tires.

For most skid-steer loaders there are two types of tires to choose from: air-filled tires, or foam-filled tires. While many people like air-filled tires because of the ability to adjust the pressure quickly, and their durability, it’s important to weigh all your options before making a decision. Take a look at the pros and cons of foam-filled tires below, so you can make a decision that’s ideal for your workload and your machine.

Learn more about Foam Filled Tires

If it’s time to replace the tires on your skid steer, and you’re wondering whether or not you should invest in foam-filled tires, it might be time to take a closer look. Ultimately, it’s important to pick a tire that works best for you and your line of work, but there are lots of potential benefits to foam-filled tires.

What is most important to consider for your tires?

When you’re on the job, the most important things to keep in mind for your tires are:

How the tires wear over time
How they impact your machine during operation
What it’s like to maintain them long term

Different job sites require different operating times and endurance, but it can be tough to determine which type of tire is best for your piece of equipment if you don’t consider what your job is typically like.

Pros of Foam Filled Tires

Foam-filled tires are different than pneumatic tires (also known as solid tires) mainly because of the hardness of the tire. Because they are filled with foam, they can have a more rigid exterior, and handle rough rides and terrain differently than solid tires. The pros of foam-filled tires include:

Less susceptible to going flat
- Because they’re filled with foam, they’re more durable and less likely to tear or experience damage on job sites. Instead of dealing with flat tires, you’ll be able to handle anything because of that tough exterior.
Better ride for rough terrain
- The foam is a great protectant for any harsh exterior, like large hills, rough off-road sites, or uneven ground. Any backlash from your skid steer will be absorbed quickly by the tires, and can help eliminate the risk of damage.
Additional traction for your machine

Cons of Foam Filled Tires

While foam tires are more durable than solid tires, there are a couple of drawbacks that have to be considered for your skid steer.

Additional weight on your skid steer
- Foam does create additional weight in your tires, which can slow down your skid steer and affect the way your skid steer drives.
Shorter lifespan
- Once again, because of the weight, your foam-filled tires might not last as long as flat tires. Depending on how intense the terrain is, if you continue to work on hard job sites for long stretches of time, your foam tires are up to the task but will experience more tread, and need to be replaced sooner.

Final Takeaways

When it comes to skid steers, it takes more than the right skid steer attachments to get the job done. In order to maximize your productivity, it’s important to make sure you have the best tires on your equipment. If you’re in the line of work that requires a lot of off-roading, heavy terrain, or work in harsher weather conditions, foam-filled tires might be an ideal choice for you. Their weight and durability won’t inhibit your work and increase your performance rates and overall equipment durability.

If you spend most of your time on flat surfaces, or want a tire with a greater lifespan, solid tires might be the better investment.

If you’re in need of additional skid steer attachments to take your work to the next level, Rut Manufacturing is the place to shop. All of our attachments are made right here in the USA and are designed for high-performance rates, along with extreme durability. Our goal is to give you equipment that lasts, so you can get to work right away, rather than repairing or worrying about your machine.