Tires vs Tracks: Choosing Between Tires & Rubber Tracks for Skid Steers

When you’re investing in a skid steer—or upgrading one of your machines—the type of undercarriage you choose makes a serious difference. Tires and rubber tracks each come with their strengths, and the better choice depends entirely on your working conditions, project goals, and budget.

If you're in the market for construction-grade options, browse our rubber track solutions for construction equipment to see what fits your work environment best.

Whether you’re concerned about skid steer tire cost, turf protection, or long-term ROI, this guide covers everything you need to know before making the call.

Understanding the Basics

Skid steers are incredibly versatile, but how well they perform can depend a lot on whether they’re equipped with wheels or tracks.

Tires, especially pneumatic ones, offer quick mobility and are best suited for hard, dry surfaces. They’re easier to maintain, cost less upfront, and typically work well for general construction, demolition, or warehouse environments.

On the flip side, rubber tracks offer superior stability, traction, and flotation. They're a popular choice for landscaping, excavation, and any soft or uneven terrain. Tracks are more expensive initially, but they often reduce turf damage and downtime in challenging conditions.

Performance on the Job

Let’s start with performance. Tires shine when the ground is solid and dry. They handle pavement, gravel, and compacted soil with ease. If your projects involve quick travel between sites or working on multiple paved surfaces, tires give you that speed advantage.

However, once you step into mud, snow, or slopes, rubber tracks take the lead. They create more contact with the ground, meaning lower ground pressure and less chance of sinking or slipping. That makes them perfect for rainy seasons, uneven job sites, and delicate surfaces like golf courses or lawns.

Cost Comparison: Upfront vs Lifetime

The cost of skid steer tires is significantly lower than tracks at the start. Pneumatic tires might run you around $100 to $200 each, while solid rubber options can go up to $800 or more. That makes a full set range between $400 to $3,200 depending on type and quality.

Tracks, on the other hand, generally cost $3,000 to $4,500 per set. That sounds like a big leap—and it is. But depending on your usage, they may last longer and reduce jobsite issues (like turf damage or operator fatigue), which could make them more economical in the long run.

Tires typically last around 600 to 1,000 hours. Rubber tracks, when well-maintained and used on suitable surfaces, can reach 1,200 to 1,600 hours. But once a track wears out or tears, you're usually looking at replacing the whole thing—not just one section like with tires.

Ground Impact: Turf Damage & Surface Wear

One of the key decision points for many buyers is turf protection. This is especially important if you're in landscaping, residential grading, or any job where the appearance of the ground matters.

Tires—especially when turning tightly—can easily rut, scuff, or tear up grass and soil. Even with careful operation, the high ground pressure concentrates the machine’s weight on four small contact points.

Tracks spread the load over a larger area, reducing psi and making them far gentler on sensitive surfaces. That makes a strong case for tracks in turf-heavy applications or areas where remediation is costly.

Vehicle Stability: A Key Safety Factor

Another big advantage of rubber tracks is vehicle stability. On sloped ground or uneven terrain, tracks keep more of your machine in contact with the surface at all times. This improves balance, traction, and operator confidence—especially when carrying loads or operating at height.

If operator comfort and safety are top priorities on your site, the smoother ride and lower vibration of rubber tracks are tough to beat. Tires can be jarring and unpredictable on rough terrain, making them less ideal for extended use in uneven areas.

Midway through your decision-making? Explore our full selection of skid steer tires to compare durability and surface suitability.

Comparison Table: Tires vs Tracks for Skid Steers

Feature	Tires	Rubber Tracks
Initial Cost	$400–$3,200 per set	$3,000–$4,500 per set
Lifespan	600–1,000 hours	1,200–1,600 hours
Terrain Suitability	Pavement, compact gravel	Mud, snow, turf, slopes
Turf Damage Risk	Higher on soft surfaces	Lower with proper operation
Speed & Maneuverability	Faster on-road	Slower but more stable off-road
Repairability	Replace individual tires	Usually full-track replacement
Operator Comfort	Rougher on uneven terrain	Smoother, less fatigue
Ground Pressure	High – more soil compaction	Low – better flotation

Durability & Maintenance

When it comes to keeping your machine running, tires offer the benefit of quick swaps and cheaper repairs. A puncture in one tire won’t sideline your entire machine for long, and solid tires are built to resist sharp debris, nails, and sharp rocks.

Rubber tracks, while more rugged in soft conditions, don’t always hold up well on abrasive surfaces like concrete or asphalt. If your machine transitions between surfaces often—or runs primarily on hard ground—track wear becomes a major concern.

Replacement costs can also add up fast, especially since a torn or damaged track usually can’t be patched like a tire.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the tires vs tracks debate. It really depends on where and how often you operate, what kind of surface protection you need, and how much you're prepared to spend upfront vs over time.

Tires are perfect for construction crews working on flat, hard surfaces who need speed, maneuverability, and a lower initial investment. Their ease of maintenance and replacement makes them especially appealing for high-turnaround operations.

Rubber tracks are the better choice when traction, stability, and turf protection are the priority. If your work includes muddy or uneven terrain, frequent rain, or landscaping projects, the higher upfront cost is likely worth the payoff in performance and reduced ground damage.

Need personalized help choosing the best fit for your skid steer? Reach out through our contact page—we’re happy to help you weigh the options based on your worksite needs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much do skid steer tires cost?

Tire prices vary based on type. Pneumatic tires can cost $100–200 each, while solid rubber tires start around $800 each.

Which option is better for turf protection?

Rubber tracks are significantly better for turf protection. They spread weight over a larger surface area, reducing surface damage.

What’s the typical lifespan of rubber tracks compared to tires?

Tires usually last 600–1,000 hours. Rubber tracks can last 1,200–1,600 hours if properly maintained and used on suitable terrain.

Are tracks better on slopes and hills?

Yes, tracks offer more contact with the ground and better weight distribution, which improves stability on sloped or uneven ground.

Can I use both on the same skid steer?

Yes, many machines support switching between tires and Over-The-Tire (OTT) tracks for maximum versatility.