Skid Steer & OTR Tire Size Guide (Loader, Backhoe)

Off-the-road (OTR) and skid-steer tires use sizing that differs from highway tires — and getting it wrong means downtime. This guide covers the common skid steer, loader, and backhoe tire sizes bulk buyers stock, plus how OTR sizing notation works.

Common skid steer tire sizes

Loader & backhoe sizing

Wheel loaders and backhoes typically use “width-rim” OTR notation, e.g. 17.5-25 or 20.5-25 for loaders, and sizes like 19.5L-24 (rear) with smaller fronts on backhoes. Always match the machine’s spec for width, rim diameter, and ply/star rating. (Buying rims too? See our wholesale wheels & rims.)

How OTR sizing notation works

• Width-Rim (e.g., 17.5-25): section width (in) – rim diameter (in). Common on loaders/graders.
• L-designation (e.g., 19.5L-24): an implement/industrial size class.
• Star rating (* to ***): on radial OTR, indicates load/pressure capability (replaces ply rating).
• Tread codes (L-2, L-3, L-5, R-4): indicate tread depth/pattern for traction vs. cut resistance.

Choosing the right tread

• L-2 / R-4: general traction, mixed surfaces
• L-3: standard traction & wear balance
• L-5: deep tread, maximum traction for severe/abrasive sites

We stock OTR and skid-steer tires from brands like Galaxy, Gladiator, and BKT. Browse wholesale specialty/OTR tires, open a wholesale account, or request a quote →

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common skid steer tire size?
10-16.5 and 12-16.5 are the most common across compact and standard skid steers.

What does 17.5-25 mean?
It’s OTR width-rim notation: roughly 17.5″ section width on a 25″ rim — a common wheel-loader size.

What do the stars on an OTR tire mean?
On radial OTR tires, the star rating indicates load/inflation capability, similar to ply rating on bias tires.

What’s the difference between L-3 and L-5 tread?
L-5 has much deeper tread for maximum traction and cut resistance in severe conditions; L-3 balances traction and wear.