If you need turf-friendly traction for a skid steer, these top-rated tire options deliver high flotation, reduce soil damage, and fit a range of models. The best picks are suited for heavy-duty landscaping, farming, or light construction where ground protection and mud performance matter. Below, find five strong choices with clear pros, best-use cases, and practical limits.
Quick reference table (selected products)
| Product | Best For | Wheel Type | Notable Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starco Set of 4 31X15.5-15 Turf Skid Steer Tires on Wheels | Medium to heavy dirt and lawn projects | 8 lug | Extra Wide / High Flotation |
| Carlstar Set of 4 31X15.5-15 Turf Skid Steer Tires on Wheels | Bobcat, New Holland, Deere families | 8 lug | Carlisle Turf Pro tread |
| Carlstar 31X15.5-15 Turf Skid Steer Tires on Wheels (8 lug) New Holland/John Deere | Wide turf work | 8 lug | Interchangeable offsets |
| Galaxy 33X15.5-16.5 High Flotation AgriAirSeed | Rough terrain with large hubs | 8 lug | 9″ hub, high flotation |
| Starco 31X15.5-15 Turf Skid Steer Tire On Wheel (8 lug) | Bobcat series and similar | 8 lug | Reversible rims option |
Starco Set Of 4 31X15.5-15 Turf Skid Steer Tires On Wheels
Product overview: Set of 4-31X15.5-15 Turf Skid Steer Tires on 8 lug wheels with extra-wide flotation. Fitment covers New Holland LX565, LX665, L160, LS160, L170, LS170, L213, L215, L218, L220, and John Deere 6675, 7775, 240, 315, 317, plus many other machines. The 8-lug rim design, 6″ center hole, and 8″ lug pattern are compatible with many brands. This option emphasizes mud avoidance and efficient flotation for turf surfaces.
Best for: Contractors and landscapers using common skid steers on lawns, fields, and soft soils where surface protection matters. Better for machines with a standard 8-lug rim pattern.
Limitations: Some offsets vary by manufacturer; confirm your rim offset and hub size before purchase.
Galaxy 23X8.50-12 Turf Skid Steer Tires On Wheels
Product overview: 4x 23X8.50-12 turf skid steer tires on 5-lug wheels designed for Bobcat models such as 440, 453, 463, and S70. Note that lug sizes and patterns vary; some smaller Bobcat machines use 1/2″, 9/16″, or 5/8″ lugs. The listing explains interchangeability with some CFG Industrial and KRW232 rims and how holes can be drilled to accommodate different lug holes if needed.
Best for: Small to mid-size Bobcat machines in yard cleanup or light construction where wheel compatibility can vary. Choose this if you’re dealing with compatible 5-lug setups and need a more compact footprint.
Limitations: Lug-hole diameter differences require careful lug compatibility checks.
Galaxy 23X8.50-12 Turf Skid Steer Tires On Wheels (5 lug)
Product overview: Set of 4-23X8.50-12 turf skid steer tires on 5 lug wheels for Bobcat models such as 440, 453, 463, S70. Similar fitment considerations apply as the 9/16/1/2 inch lug variants. They may be drilled or adapted for different lug holes as needed.
Best for: Small machine applications where a 5-lug wheel setup is present and the operator needs turf-friendly tires. Better for backups or multi-machine fleets with flexible lug options.
Limitations: Confirm lug pattern and hole diameter for your machine before ordering.
Carlstar 31X15.5-15 Turf Skid Steer Tires On Wheels (8 lug)
Product overview: Set of 4-31X15.5-15 skid steer tires on 8 lug wheels with Carlisle Turf Pro tread. Fits a broad list of machines including Bobcat, Case, CAT, Daewoo, Gehl, John Deere, Mustang, New Holland, Kubota, Volvo, Takeuchi, Scat Trak, Thomas, and some Kubota SSV65 variants. Rim offsets are specified as 8.13″ with 5.25″ backspacing; the tire adds approximately 1/2″ of offset.
Best for: Operators seeking a widely compatible turf tire with Carlisle Turf Pro tread to reduce soil compacting on lawns and fields. Choose this if your machine is among the widely supported brands.
Limitations: Offset and hub compatibility vary—verify the exact rim and hub dimensions for your model.
Carlstar 31X15.5-15 Turf Skid Steer Tires On Wheels (8 lug) New Holland/John Deere
Product overview: Set of 4-31X15.5-15 Skid Steer Tires on 8 lug wheels. Fits New Holland LX565, LX665, L160, LS160, L170, LS170, L213, L215, L218, L220; John Deere 6675, 7775, 240, 315, 317, and additional machines. The package highlights 8 on 8″ bolt pattern with an 8-lug rim standard and typical offsets around 8.13″ from the valve stem side.
Best for: Fleets or operators with New Holland or John Deere machines requiring robust turf tires and 8-lug rims. Better for machines that need a reliable Carlisle Turf Pro tread pattern.
Limitations: Offset and hub details must be matched to your exact model to avoid mounting issues.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Skid Steer Turf Tires
- Terrain and flotation: High-flotation tires reduce ground pressure and protect turf but may compromise traction in hard, rocky areas. Choose a tread pattern and width aligned with your work surface.
- Rim compatibility: Most tires listed use 8-lug rims with ~8″ lug patterns. Verify your machine’s lug count, bolt pattern, hub size, and backspacing before ordering.
- Load capacity and pressure: Check load ratings and inflation guidelines. Higher ply ratings (8-ply in these examples) improve puncture resistance but require proper inflation to avoid sidewall damage.
- Model fit and compatibility: Some models list specific fitment (New Holland, John Deere, Bobcat, Kubota, etc.). If your model isn’t listed, confirm with the seller or manufacturer before purchasing.
- Offset and mounting: Rim offsets affect turning radius and track width. Ensure offsets match your machine’s design to avoid interference with fenders or axles.
- Maintenance and replacements: Flotation tires generally wear more slowly on turf but may require careful inspection for cuts or chunking in mixed-terrain use.
FAQ
- What does “8 lug” imply for skid steer tires?
- Are turf tires better for lawns than standard tires?
- Can I mix brands or lug patterns on a single skid steer?
- How do I know if a tire fits my specific skid steer model?
- What is the advantage of a wide-tread “R-3” or “Turf Pro” tread?
- Is there a practical limit to tire size on a given skid steer?
8 lug refers to the wheel bolt pattern—eight lug holes across the rim. It dictates compatibility with many popular skid steer models. Verify your machine uses an 8-lug rim before buying.
Yes. Turf tires feature wider, softer tread designed to distribute weight and minimize soil compaction, helping preserve turf while providing adequate traction on soft ground.
Mixing brands or differing lug patterns is generally not recommended. Mismatched tires can cause imbalance and uneven wear. If mixing is necessary, ensure all tires share similar tread depth and flotation characteristics.
Check the manufacturer’s fitment guide and compare lug pattern, hub size, backspacing, and load rating with your machine’s specifications. When in doubt, contact the seller for exact compatibility.
R-3 and Turf Pro tread designs emphasize high flotation and even soil contact, reducing turf damage and providing stable traction on soft or muddy surfaces.
Yes. Tire size, hub diameter, and rim width must fit within existing fenders and undercarriage clearance. Exceeding these clearances can cause rubbing or operational interference.
Note: The product links above lead to Amazon listings for the specific tire-and-wheel packages cited. Always verify current compatibility with your equipment before purchase.