I. Introduction
In skid steer operations, tire selection affects equipment uptime, operating costs, and job efficiency. A skid steer typically performs digging, loading, grading, and material handling within a single shift, which imposes multiple requirements on its tires: traction in crushed rock, wear resistance on hard surfaces, load capacity under heavy duty, and impact tolerance against stones and debris. The Forlander SUPER G2/L2 12-16.5 skid steer tires are designed to address these requirements. This article presents their technical features, performance attributes, and applicable scenarios.
II. Understanding the G2/L2 Designation
In the off-the-road tire industry, G2 and L2 are standard specification designations. G2 denotes the traction tread pattern, intended for soft ground where flotation and grip are required; L2 is a traction-type pattern intended for loader-class equipment. Combined as G2 L2, the designation indicates that the tire provides balanced performance on soft ground and in traction-intensive work.
Unlike passenger car tires, which prioritize comfort and low noise, OTR tires are evaluated on durability, damage resistance, and mobility under severe conditions. Within this framework, these heavy duty skid steer tires reinforce their positioning for high-intensity, continuous-duty environments.
III. Core Design
The product is intended for high-intensity work in construction, landscaping, and agriculture. Its design addresses three objectives: extending service life, improving impact resistance, and enhancing flotation and stability on soft ground.
Structurally, the skid steer loader tire uses a deepened tread depth and an optimized compound to address wear on hard surfaces and cutting off-road. A reinforced carcass enables it to withstand the stress concentrations caused by frequent turning and heavy loading in skid steer operation.
IV. Performance Attributes
1. Service Life
For fleet operators and rental companies, tire life is directly related to operating cost. Through a new compound and increased tread depth, the SUPER G2/L2 achieves a 30% improvement in service life over the previous generation, resulting in fewer replacements, reduced downtime, and a lower total cost of ownership. The compound provides wear resistance on hard surfaces while maintaining the elasticity and cut resistance required off-road.
2. Tread Impact Protection
Puncture and impact damage are primary causes of premature skid steer tire failure. The SUPER G2/L2 addresses this through two features: a high lug-to-void ratio increases the rubber contact area to protect the carcass from sharp objects, and the Void Guard design adds a protective layer beneath the tread for impact cushioning. The combined effect is a 10% improvement in tread impact protection, addressing the principal cause of tire-related downtime.
3. 310mm Section Width
The 12-16.5 tyre uses a 310mm section width in its size class, exceeding conventional products. A larger contact patch provides improved flotation and reduced sinkage on soft soil, mud, and gravel; stability under maximum load is increased; and ground pressure is distributed more evenly, reducing damage to finished graded surfaces, which is relevant for landscaping and fine grading.
4. Rim Guard Design
Stones lodged between the sidewall and rim can deform or crack the rim and increase repair costs. The SUPER G2/L2 features a thickened sidewall with an integrated rim guard rib that prevents wear, punctures, and sidewall damage while protecting the rim from debris impact.
V. Tread Design
Tire performance is determined by tread design. The SUPER G2/L2 uses the standard G2 L2 traction pattern, combined with deepened tread grooves and an optimized lug arrangement that provides self-cleaning capability and traction on soft ground while balancing ride smoothness and wear resistance on hard surfaces. The lug layout is tuned to reduce irregular wear and extend service life.
VI. Key Specifications
| Size | Ply Rating | Pattern | Rim Type | Overall Diameter | Section Width | Tread Depth | Max Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-16.5 | 16PR | G-2/L-2 Super | 9.75 | 810 mm | 320 mm | 30 mm | 3075 kg |
VII. Applications and Selection Guidance
These heavy duty skid steer tires are intended for users with requirements for tire life, puncture resistance, and sidewall durability. They merit priority consideration under the following conditions:
Skid steer operation in construction, landscaping, or agriculture;
A requirement for maximum tire service life to reduce replacement frequency and operating cost;
An operating environment with high requirements for puncture protection and sidewall durability.
For light-load, short-duration work, a standard-ply tire may be sufficient. For continuous high-intensity operation, complex ground conditions, and scenarios where downtime is costly, the service-life and reliability benefits of this skid steer loader tire design generally offset the difference in initial investment.
VIII. Conclusion
With a 30% improvement in service life, a 10% improvement in impact resistance, a 310mm section width, and rim guard design, the Forlander SUPER G2/L2 12-16.5 skid steer tires address the core requirements of skid steer tires for durability, damage resistance, and soft-ground flotation. They are not a product that pursues a single metric to an extreme, but a balanced and durable option that delivers on multiple practical performance requirements under the defined positioning of heavy-duty operation.
