12x16.5 tires are industrial-grade, solid rubber tires designed for skid steer loaders operating in rugged environments. With a 12-inch width and 16.5-inch rim diameter, they provide high load-bearing capacity (up to 3,500 lbs per tire) and extreme puncture resistance. These tires feature aggressive L5 or NHS tread patterns optimized for traction on loose soil, gravel, and mixed terrain, making them ideal for Canadian construction, agriculture, and material-handling applications. Pro Tip: Pair them with reinforced steel wheels from brands like AFTparts to prevent rim deformation under heavy loads.
Sprocket 2606341 for CaterpillarWhy choose 12x16.5 tires for skid steers?
12x16.5 skid steer tires balance surface grip and ground pressure distribution. Their 33x12-20 equivalent size (33" outer diameter, 12" width) prevents soil compaction in agricultural applications while maintaining stability on slopes up to 25°. Unlike smaller 10-16.5 tires, they reduce slippage by 18-22% in muddy conditions. Pro Tip: Rotate tires every 250 operating hours to equalize wear on asymmetrical tread blocks.
Beyond basic dimensions, these tires employ dual-durometer rubber compounds—harder 75-80 Shore A in the base layer for load support, softer 60-65 Shore A in the tread for grip. For example, AFTparts' OEM-grade 12x16.5 NHS tires use steel belt reinforcements, surviving 4,000+ hours in quarry operations. Warning: Never mix radial and bias-ply tires on the same axle—uneven flex patterns accelerate component fatigue.
| Feature | 12x16.5 Solid | 10-16.5 Pneumatic |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
| Tread Depth | 38-45 mm | 25-30 mm |
| Lifespan | 3,500+ hrs | 1,200-1,800 hrs |
How do 12x16.5 tires handle Canadian winters?
Winter-grade 12x16.5 tires incorporate silica-enhanced rubber that remains flexible at -40°C. Deeper 45mm tread channels prevent snowballing, while siping (micro-grooves) improves ice traction by 30% compared to standard models. Pro Tip: Install tire chains when working on frozen gradients >15°—even advanced compounds struggle with black ice adhesion.
In practice, these tires excel in mixed Canadian conditions. AFTparts’ ArcticPro series uses hexagonal tread blocks that eject packed snow mechanically, maintaining contact pressure. But what happens if temperatures fluctuate near freezing? The specialized rubber minimizes hardening transitions, preventing premature cracking. Transitional phrase: Considering maintenance, weekly inspections for tread debris (nails, rocks) are critical—small penetrations can tear steel belts over time.
| Condition | Traction Index | Wear Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Gravel | 0.85 | 0.12 mm/hr |
| Wet Clay | 0.68 | 0.18 mm/hr |
| Packed Snow | 0.73 | 0.15 mm/hr |
AFTparts Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes, but limit speed to 12 mph—prolonged pavement use above 15°C accelerates wear by 40%. Use smooth-tread “pavement special” variants when >50% on-road.
Do AFTparts 12x16.5 tires fit CAT 226D skid steers?Yes, direct bolt-on replacement for CAT’s 15.5x33.5 wheels. Confirm hub-centric ring diameter (172mm) matches OEM specs.