One of the defining characteristics of skid steers—and reasons for their popularity—is their versatility; they are capable of handling a wide variety of jobs and terrains, ranging from light-duty landscaping to demanding demolition work. As the applications in which skid steers are used has expanded, so has the number of tire choices available to today’s skid steer owners. While severe duty solids (SDS) tires are growing in popularity for the harshest jobs, many skid steers will be best served by an R-4, L-4, or L-5 tire. Keep reading to learn the difference between these tires and discover what the right tire choice is for your application.

The fantastic versatility of skid steers has led to their use in numerous applications across a broad spectrum of industries. Because of this, skid steer tires are now offered in different constructions and a wide variety of patterns. One of the best steps you can take to maximize the productivity of your skid steer—and your entire operation—is to make sure your machine is equipped with a tire designed to handle the terrain where it will operate and the tasks it will be asked to perform. Keep reading to learn how to choose your next skid steer tire by application.

Whether it’s sharp turns, harsh conditions, or spinning wheels, skid steers are tough on tires. While it can be tempting to try to get every last hour out of your skid steer’s tires, the fact is that being proactive with replacement can save time, money, and aggravation caused by downtime and inefficiency. With that in mind, here are a few tips for knowing when it’s time to replace the tires on your skid steer.

The use of solid tires continues to become more widespread within the waste, recycling, and construction industries. As margins get tighter, wages rise, and qualified employees become more scarce in these fields, the need for businesses to reduce downtime and increase productivity is more important than ever. By reducing the risk of sidelining a machine due to tire damage—whether from a chunk of metal or employee inexperience—solid tires can quickly prove themselves to be a solid investment. And with the option to choose designs with shock-absorbing apertures, driving on solid tires has become less jarring.

With the passing of every year, solar energy becomes more commonplace. Drive through any residential neighborhood or commercial area and you will notice solar panels on roofs, in yards, and attached to buildings. Between U.S. residential and commercial installations, there is enough solar energy to power 4.6 million homes! And with its swiftly growing demand, solar energy is delivering more than just power, it is fueling growth in the construction industry.