Skid steers are among the most adaptable pieces of equipment on any job site. From construction and landscaping to agriculture and demolition, their compact size and maneuverability make them indispensable. But even the best machine has its limits—especially when terrain conditions start to shift. That’s where over the tire skid steer tracks come into play.
This often-overlooked upgrade can significantly boost a skid steer’s performance, allowing it to take on more challenging tasks with greater stability, efficiency, and safety. Whether you’re navigating soft ground, working through mud, or tackling uneven terrain, adding these tracks can make all the difference.
What Are Over the Tire Skid Steer Tracks?
Over the tire (OTT) skid steer tracks are exactly what they sound like—track systems that fit over the existing pneumatic or solid tires of a skid steer. Unlike dedicated track loaders, which are built with a full track undercarriage, OTT systems allow you to transform a wheeled skid steer into a hybrid track machine when needed.
The key advantage here is flexibility. Instead of investing in a separate piece of equipment, you can adapt your existing skid steer to handle rough conditions just by installing or removing the tracks.
They’re typically made from steel or rubber, with different styles designed for various terrains and tasks. Steel tracks offer durability and traction for harsh, abrasive environments, while rubber tracks are more gentle on finished surfaces and provide a smoother ride.
Why Use Over the Tire Tracks?
Many operators assume that tires are enough for most jobs. And in many cases, they are. But when terrain gets tricky—muddy ground, loose sand, snow, or steep inclines—tires alone can fall short. That’s when over the tire skid steer tracks become a smart investment.
Here’s why they matter:
1. Improved Traction
OTT tracks dramatically increase the contact area with the ground, reducing slippage and enhancing traction. This is critical when working in slick, muddy, or snowy conditions where tires would spin or sink. With better traction, productivity increases and the risk of getting stuck decreases.
2. Lower Ground Pressure
Tracks help distribute the weight of the skid steer more evenly across a larger surface area. This reduces ground pressure, which means less soil compaction and a lower risk of damaging fragile surfaces. Landscapers, in particular, benefit from this when working on lawns or garden beds.
3. Enhanced Stability
Steeper slopes and uneven terrain can be risky for wheeled skid steers. OTT tracks offer increased lateral stability, helping to prevent tipping and giving operators more confidence in tricky areas. This added stability is especially valuable when carrying loads or using attachments that shift the machine’s center of gravity.
4. Year-Round Versatility
From dry, rocky conditions in the summer to ice-covered sites in the winter, over the tire tracks make it possible to use your skid steer year-round. Instead of parking your machine for part of the year or renting a different model, you can adapt it to the season with minimal hassle.
Common Applications
Over the tire skid steer tracks are used across many industries, particularly in jobs where surface conditions can change daily. Some of the most common applications include:
- Construction sites with soft or unfinished terrain
- Agricultural work in fields prone to moisture and mud
- Landscaping jobs on delicate or uneven surfaces
- Forestry and brush clearing in rugged terrain
- Snow removal on icy or slippery ground
- Demolition projects where debris can puncture tires
Whether you’re working in open fields or tight residential backyards, OTT tracks help you get the job done without damaging the ground or your equipment.
Considerations Before Installing
While the benefits are clear, there are a few things to consider before adding over the tire tracks to your skid steer:
- Tire condition matters – Worn tires may not hold tracks securely, so ensure they’re in good shape before installation.
- Clearance and frame compatibility – Some skid steer models may need spacers or adjustments to safely run OTT tracks.
- Rubber vs. steel – Choose the right material based on the environment. Steel is great for harsh conditions, but rubber is better for finished surfaces.
- Installation time – While not overly complicated, installing and removing the tracks does take some time and effort, especially if you’re switching frequently.
Still, for most users, the increased capability and protection outweigh the minor inconvenience.
Long-Term Value
When you add up the time saved by not getting stuck, the reduced wear on tires, and the ability to work in a wider range of conditions, over the tire skid steer tracks offer excellent return on investment. They help you make better use of the equipment you already have, rather than renting or buying a separate machine for soft or unstable surfaces.
Plus, preserving your job site—whether it’s avoiding ruts in a customer’s yard or preventing soil erosion—can protect your reputation and reduce costly rework.
Final Thoughts
In industries where time, safety, and versatility are everything, over the tire skid steer tracks prove to be more than just an accessory—they’re a game-changing upgrade. By expanding what your skid steer can handle, they let you take on more jobs with greater confidence, even in tough terrain or unpredictable weather.
Whether you’re a contractor, farmer, landscaper, or operator looking to maximize equipment performance, OTT tracks are a smart, practical solution. Sometimes, the difference between getting stuck and getting the job done is just a set of tracks away.
