Why Mini Excavator and Mini Skid Steer Owners Are Upgrading to Prowler Premium Grade Rubber Tracks

In recent years, the U.S. compact equipment market has seen a surge in mini excavators and mini skid steers manufactured overseas, particularly from China. These machines have become increasingly popular due to their affordability and accessibility, making them an attractive option for contractors, landscapers, property owners, and small businesses. However, while the machines themselves offer excellent value, many owners quickly discover that the original rubber tracks supplied from the factory are designed primarily to minimize manufacturing cost rather than maximize durability and long-term performance.

OEM tracks installed on many imported machines are typically standard-grade tracks, built using lower-grade rubber compounds and simplified internal construction. While sufficient for light-duty use, these tracks often wear prematurely, develop cracks, lose tension stability, or experience internal separation under regular jobsite conditions. As a result, equipment owners frequently find themselves needing replacement tracks far sooner than expected.

This is where Prowler Premium Grade Rubber Tracks provide a proven upgrade solution. Engineered specifically for durability, reliability, and extended service life, Prowler tracks are manufactured using high-quality natural rubber compounds, reinforced continuous steel cables, and precision-engineered steel links. This premium construction helps resist stretching, improves track retention, and delivers superior resistance to cuts, chunking, and accelerated wear.

Many of the most common replacement sizes for imported mini excavators and mini skid steers include 180x72x32, 180x72x36, 180x72x37, and 180x72x39. These measurements represent track width (180mm), pitch (72mm), and number of links, ensuring precise fitment for a wide range of popular machines currently in operation throughout the United States.

Equipment owners who upgrade to Prowler Premium Grade tracks benefit from improved reliability, longer service intervals, and greater overall confidence in their machine’s performance. Whether operating in dirt, gravel, mud, or mixed terrain, Prowler tracks are designed to meet the demands of real-world jobsite conditions.

As more compact equipment owners recognize the limitations of standard OEM tracks, Prowler has become a trusted choice for those seeking a higher-quality replacement solution built for performance, durability, and long-term value.

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Skid Steer Tire Size Guide: How to Read Tire Numbers

Skid steer tire sizes can look confusing at first, but once you understand what the numbers represent, it becomes easy to choose the correct tire for your machine. This guide explains how to read common pneumatic (air-filled) skid steer tire sizes, why outer diameter matters, and how solid (flat-proof) tire sizes are labeled differently.

How Pneumatic Skid Steer Tire Sizes Work

Skid steer tire sizing originally came from pneumatic (air-filled) tires, and today’s common sizes are still based on those standards. Most skid steer tires fall into three main pneumatic sizes:

• 10×16.5
• 12×16.5
• 14×17.5

These two numbers tell you the tire width and the rim diameter the tire fits on.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Using 10×16.5 as an example:

• 10 = tire width in inches
• 16.5 = rim diameter in inches

That means a 10×16.5 tire is 10 inches wide and mounts on a 16.5-inch rim. The same logic applies to other sizes:

• 12×16.5 = 12 inches wide, 16.5-inch rim
• 14×17.5 = 14 inches wide, 17.5-inch rim

Smaller skid steers commonly use 10×16.5 tires, mid-size machines often use 12×16.5, and larger high-horsepower machines may require 14×17.5 tires.

Why Outer Diameter Matters (Even Though It’s Not Listed)

Pneumatic tire sizes do not include the tire’s outer diameter (overall height), but it’s one of the most important measurements for performance. The wrong outer diameter can affect how your attachments sit and how efficiently your skid steer transfers power to the ground.

If the Tire Is Too Small

Tires with too small of an outer diameter can cause attachments (like buckets or grapples) not to sit level. You may have to lift the arms higher than normal just to prevent the attachment from dragging on the ground.

When lift arms are not fully seated against the machine frame, the machine is less rigid, which reduces digging and pushing performance.

If the Tire Is Too Large

Tires that are too tall can cause the attachment to hover above the ground even when the arms are fully lowered. To make contact, you may need to tilt the attachment forward more than normal, which can reduce power and increase stress on hydraulic components.

The goal is a tire size that allows the lift arms to sit fully down while the attachment rests flat on the ground.

How Solid (Flat-Proof) Skid Steer Tire Sizes Are Labeled

Solid skid steer tires are sized differently than pneumatic tires. Instead of two numbers, solid tire sizes use three numbers because they include the outer diameter.

Example: 30×10×16

• 30 = outer diameter in inches
• 10 = tire width in inches
• 16 = rim diameter in inches

So a 30×10×16 solid tire is 30 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and fits a 16-inch rim.

Why You’ll See 16 and 20 (Not 16.5 or 17.5)

Solid skid steer tires typically come in 16-inch or 20-inch rim sizes. You may see both of the following:

• 30×10×16
• 30×10×20

In these examples, the outer diameter stays the same (30 inches). Only the rim size changes. A smaller rim generally means more rubber, which often provides a more cushioned ride. A larger rim typically means less rubber, which can feel firmer.

Common Outer Diameter Ranges When Converting to Solid Tires

While exact measurements can vary by tread design and construction, these are common outer diameter ranges used when matching pneumatic sizes to solid tire sizes:

Quick Summary

• Pneumatic tire sizes are written as Width × Rim Diameter (example: 12×16.5).
• Solid tire sizes are written as Outer Diameter × Width × Rim Diameter (example: 33×12×16).
• Outer diameter is critical for keeping attachments level and maintaining proper machine power.
• Rim size on solid tires affects ride firmness because it changes how much rubber is available.

Determining the correct rubber track size for your machinery is straightforward when you understand the industry-standard formula used by manufacturers. Here’s how to measure:

• Width: The width of the rubber track measured in millimeters
• Pitch: The center-to-center distance between the steel links measured in millimeters
• Links: The total number of steel links embedded within

1. Proper Installation And Tension: Keeping the correct tension on your Rubber Tracks is paramount. Over tighten tracks can cause premature wear on your drive sprocket, idler wheels, and steel link embeds. Consult your machine's operating manual for precise instructions on tension maintenance.
2. Inspect Undercarriage Components: Regularly check undercarriage components such as sprockets, rollers, and idlers for signs of wear. A seized up roller, or a worn drive sprocket can and will cause premature wear or damage to your new track. (regardless of the brand) 
3. Watch Surface Conditions: Be mindful of the surfaces you operate your machine on. Limit use on large, sharp rocky surfaces and avoid sharp steel edges that could potentially damage the Rubber Tracks. If you need to operate within these types of conditions, be mindful of the risk.
4. Avoid Sharp Turns: Fast, sharp turns and side slope maneuvers should be avoided whenever possible to prevent unnecessary strain on the Rubber Tracks and undercarriage components.
5. Prevent Foreign Object Entanglement: Keep an eye out for large foreign objects that could become entangled in the undercarriage, potentially causing damage to the Rubber Tracks. Its always good practice to take a few minutes to walk your work area and remove, or mark and potential hazards like this.
6. Avoid Sidewall Contact: Driving with Rubber Track sidewall edges pressing against walls, street curbs, or other objects should be avoided to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
7. Clean Oil Spills Promptly: If oil or similar substances come into contact with the Rubber Tracks, clean it off promptly. Over time, oil can degrade the quality of the rubber.
8. Store Indoors When Possible: When storing your machine for an extended period, aim to keep it indoors away from rain and direct sunlight. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, consider covering the machine to protect it from the elements.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Rubber Tracks maintain optimal performance and longevity, ultimately maximizing your investment in your purchase from Prowler, or any other rubber track manufacturer for that matter.

In the diagram below, the skid steer wheel is shown with a green centerline, commonly referred to as zero offset. This line represents the reference position of the bolt plate.

• When the bolt plate is positioned inward toward the machine from the centerline, this is considered an outset measurement.
• When the bolt plate is positioned outward away from the machine from the centerline, this is considered an inset measurement.

Offset Examples

• A Case 1835C skid steer has a 0.38-I offset. This means the bolt plate is positioned 0.38 inches inset from the centerline (zero offset), resulting in the correct wheel offset for that machine.
• A Kubota SSV65 skid steer has a 0.25-O offset, meaning the bolt plate is positioned 0.25 inches outset from the centerline.

When reviewing our wheel specifications, the final letter will always indicate the offset type:

• I = Inset
• O = Outset

Wheel Reversal and Machine Stance

Some skid steer models allow the wheels to be reversed to adjust the machine’s stance without affecting operation.

• A wider stance improves stability on uneven terrain and slopes, and may allow the use of over-the-tire tracks without wheel spacers.
• A narrower stance is beneficial in confined environments such as dairy barns or tight work areas. In some cases, operators reverse the wheels to keep the machine width within the footprint of the bucket or attachment.

Measuring Offset When It’s Unknown

If the wheel offset is unknown, it can be determined by measuring from the outer lip of the wheel (valve stem side) straight down to the bolt plate. This method is especially useful when replacing a single wheel and matching it to the remaining three on the machine.

Need assistance?
Call us at 877-477-6953, and our team will be happy to help you select the correct wheel for your skid steer.