There’s no arguing that classic bias tires like our Galaxy Beefy Baby—one of the earliest skid steer-specific tires in the industry—dominate the skid steer market. However, more and more operators are starting to find that radial tires help maximize the performance of these valuable machines and produce a much better return on their investment in tires.

There are two key facts to know about skid steer tires: 1) skid steers are tough on tires, and 2) in general, tires are the most expensive consumable item on a skid steer. Considering these two facts, it stands to reason that the more life owners and operators squeeze out of a tire, the greater their return on investment.

The most common causes for the hastened wear of skid steer tires can be divided into two categories: operators and application. Keep reading to learn the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways in which you could be burning through your tires, and the steps that you can take to increase the life, and ROI, of your skid steer tires.

Compact tractors are growing in popularity. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) December 2018 U.S. Ag Tractor and Combine Report, the sales of under-40 HP tractors has risen 9.2%, building on a 9% increase the year prior (and an all-time high of 158,237 units sold). With more and more of these machines on the market, it’s imperative to understand the three types of tires—R-4, R-3, and R-1—compact tractors are generally equipped with, as well as our game-changing multipurpose Galaxy Garden Pro MPC, and how to choose the correct tire for your application.

The importance and effectiveness of skid steers on the job site has grown exponentially since their inception in the 1950s (See The Skid Steer Revolution). The advent of the compact track loader (CTL) has increased the available options for operators interested in these versatile machines, which can be found on farms and job sites in every corner of the world. If you’re in the market for a compact loader but can’t decide between a skid steer or track loader, here are 10 reasons why we think rolling with wheels is the way to go.

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.