Best Tire Chains For Skid Steer Loaders

#1 · Best Overall

1. Xtorri Tire Chains

• Material: Hardened Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Grader, Skid Steer
• Wheel Size: 16.5 in

Best for: Hardened-chain winter traction.

Why it ranks #1: Hardened-steel twist links fit 10-16.5, 9-16, or 260/70R16 tires, with a pair, NACM compliance, and a stated skid steer application.

Hardened-steel twist links give this Xtorri pair a traction-focused pattern for skid steers working on snow and ice. The listed fit covers 9-16, 10-16.5, and 260/70R16 tires, so buyers can match the chains to several specified tire sizes rather than relying on a single size listing.

The twist-link design is described as providing grip and stability, making it relevant for icy or snowy loader work. Hardened steel supplies the chain material, while NACM compliance gives buyers a stated manufacturing-standard reference. The set includes two chains, and the listed size compatibility spans three tire designations. Made in the USA is another stated attribute; installation steps and tensioning details are not provided, so the listing does not establish a specific mounting workflow.

Skip it if you need chains for rubber tracks; HitchLok TrackLok is specified for compact track loaders and rubber tracks.

A practical match for skid-steer owners with one of the listed tire sizes who need pair coverage for snowy or icy work. Check the tire designation against the fit list; the supplied details do not describe installation or tensioning.

Listed on Amazon as: Tire Chains Skid Steer Uni-Loader Twist Link Hardened 10-16.5 Made in the US(Set of 2)

#2 · Best Alloy Build

2. Quality Chain 1502HDSL-2

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Skid Steer

Best for: Two-link alloy coverage.

Why it ranks #2: Its 8mm alloy-steel square-link ladder pattern uses 2-link cross-chain spacing, with hardened hooks and side-chain fasteners included.

Square 8mm alloy-steel cross chains with two-link spacing define this Quality Chain skid-steer set. The ladder-style layout is described as providing more tire coverage, a smoother ride, and increased traction, giving operators concrete reasons to consider its spacing rather than choosing solely by chain material.

The 2-link cross-chain spacing is associated in the product description with better tire coverage, smoother travel, and increased traction, connecting the pattern to operating feel. Premium hardened hooks and heavy-duty side-chain fasteners are named components that support the chain assembly. The pair is made from 8mm alloy steel, but rubber spider bungees are sold separately, so buyers must account for that separate accessory when planning installation and tensioning.

Skip it if you want a listed tire-size fit before ordering; Xtorri specifies 10-16.5 and 260/70R16 compatibility for its twist-link pair.

A fit for skid-steer operators prioritizing alloy construction, two-link coverage, and the named hook and fastener hardware. Plan for separate rubber spider bungees, and note that the supplied listing does not specify tire sizes.

Listed on Amazon as: Quality Chain Skid Steer Square Alloy 2-Link 8mm Tire Chain (1502HDSL-2)

#3 · Best 8mm Twist Link

3. Outdoor Power Deals Twist Link

• Material: Metal
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Grader, Skid Steer
• Wheel Size: 16.5 in

Best for: Heavy-duty twist-link pair.

Why it ranks #3: This USA-made, NACM-compliant pair uses 8mm heavy-duty twist links and is listed for 10-16.5 and 260/70R16 tires.

An 8mm heavy-duty twist-link construction gives this USA-made pair a clearly stated chain specification for skid-steer winter traction. The listing identifies 10-16.5 and 260/70R16 compatibility, along with NACM compliance, helping buyers compare its construction and fit with their loader’s tire markings.

The 8mm twist-link design is identified as heavy duty, while the product description names skid-steer uni-loaders as the application. Those details make the pair relevant to operators seeking a specified chain construction for loader tires. The listed fit includes 10-16.5 and 260/70R16, and NACM compliance supplies a stated standards reference. Made in the USA is also specified; the supplied information does not describe tensioners or installation steps.

Skip it if you need chains for a rubber-track loader; HitchLok TrackLok lists adjustable compatibility with approximately 12–18.5-inch tracks.

A relevant pair for skid-steer uni-loader owners whose tires match the stated sizes and who want 8mm twist links. Confirm the tire designation from the supplied fit list; track-mounted equipment is outside its stated application.

Listed on Amazon as: Skid Steer Uni-Loader Tire Chains Twist Link Hardened 9.5-16/10-16.5 Made in the USA

#4 · Best Ladder Pattern

4. Welironly Rud Ladder Chains

• Material: Metal
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Grader, Skid Steer
• Wheel Size: 10 in

Best for: Simple ladder-chain pair.

Why it ranks #4: The listed pair has 7mm ladder-style chains for 10-16.5 tires and is specified for skid steers and graders.

A 7mm ladder pattern is the defining specification of this Rud skid-steer chain pair, offering a straightforward traction layout for winter work. The listing names 10-16.5 tires and skid steers, making it a focused choice for operators whose equipment matches that stated size.

The 7mm ladder-style chains are described for 10-16.5 tires, and the accompanying description says the ladder pattern is intended to provide grip when conditions get slick. One pair is included, so the listing is for a pair rather than a multi-pair quantity. Metal is the stated material, but no alloy grade, tensioner, or mounting procedure is supplied; buyers should not assume additional hardware is part of the package.

Skip it if you need a stated fit for 13.6-16 or 14-17.5 tires; All States lists both sizes for its ladder chains.

Consider this pair for a skid-steer operator with 10-16.5 tires seeking a listed ladder-style winter chain. Its fit information is narrow, and the supplied details do not identify tensioners or explain the installation process.

Listed on Amazon as: Rud Skid Steer Loader Snow Tire Chains 7mm Alloy 10-16.5 .(from#_yotejoe; TRYK115391021318515

#5

5. All States Ladder Chains

• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Grader, Skid Steer, Tractor
• Wheel Size: 13.6 in

Best for: Ladder chains for larger tires.

Why it ranks #5: This skid steer-compatible pair fits 13.6-16 or 14-17.5 tires and is recommended for dirt or road use.

A stated fit for 13.6-16 and 14-17.5 tires distinguishes these All States ladder chains from listings focused on 10-16.5 equipment. Sold in pairs and recommended for dirt or road use, they address operators seeking a specified ladder-chain option for those larger tire designations.

The ladder pattern and recommendation for dirt or road use help define the intended application, while the two listed tire sizes give buyers concrete fit targets. Pair quantity clarifies what is supplied for an axle, and the listing identifies skid steers, graders, and tractors as compatible vehicle types. At 73.8 pounds, the stated item weight is relevant to handling during storage and installation; no mounting or tensioning details are provided.

Skip it if you run 10-16.5 tires; Rud’s 7mm ladder pair is listed for that size, unlike this size-specific All States set.

A candidate for skid-steer, tractor, or grader operators using the listed 13.6-16 or 14-17.5 tires on dirt or roads. The pair format is clear, but the stated tire-size range is the key boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: All States Skid Steer Loader Tire Chains – Ladder 13.6 x 16 – Sold in Pairs

#6 · Best Low-Clearance Fit

6. TireChain.com MPC Chains

• Material: Carbon Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Tractor
• Wheel Size: 10 in

Best for: Low-clearance square-link use.

Why it ranks #6: Its 5.5mm square-link multipurpose pattern is designed for 10-16.5 tires and low-clearance equipment, with skid steers named in the description.

A low-clearance multi-purpose pattern sets these 5.5mm square-link chains apart for compact tractors and skid steers where space around the tire is limited. The listing also describes square links as offering bite and wear advantages over standard twisted links, with less surface-damage risk than V-bar chains.

The stated 10-16.5 tire fit targets equipment using that size, while the low-clearance pattern addresses limited space around the tire. The 5.5mm square-link construction is described as offering more bite and longer wear than standard twisted link, and a less damaging surface profile than V-bar. These attributes suit buyers balancing traction and surface care, although the supplied compatible-vehicle specification names tractor rather than skid steer.

Skip it if you prioritize a stated skid-steer vehicle specification; Quality Chain 1502HDSL-2 explicitly lists skid steer compatibility.

A possible match for compact tractor or skid-steer operators with 10-16.5 tires and limited clearance who want square-link traction with surface-care considerations. The vehicle-type specification names tractors, so that distinction matters when assessing fit.

Listed on Amazon as: TireChain.com 10-16.5 10-16.5 Multi-Purpose Chains – MPC priced per pair

#7

7. HitchLok TrackLok Chains

• Material: Carbon Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Bobcat, Compact Track Loader, Construction…
• Wheel Size: 19 in

Best for: Rubber-track loader traction.

Why it ranks #7: The set of 14 track chains and tensioners fits approximately 12–18.5-inch rubber tracks, but it is not a tire-chain option.

TrackLok uses an adjustable chain design for rubber tracks, addressing a different fit need from tire-mounted chains. HitchLok lists compatibility with approximately 12–18.5-inch tracks and common standard, zigzag, and other tread patterns, helping compact track-loader operators target snow, ice, mud, and soft terrain.

The adjustable fit is specified for approximately 12–18.5-inch rubber tracks, with a maximum bracket opening of about 2.75 inches. That opening is a useful compatibility boundary when checking track hardware. The set includes 14 track chains, cross chains, and tensioners, giving buyers the named components for the chain setup. Carbon-steel construction and the stated snow, ice, and mud traction purpose suit demanding surfaces, though the listing does not provide installation instructions.

Skip it if you have wheeled equipment with 10-16.5 tires; Xtorri’s 10-16.5 twist-link chains are specified for that tire size.

A fit-oriented option for compact track-loader operators seeking traction on snow, ice, mud, or soft terrain. Check track width and bracket clearance against the stated range and 2.75-inch opening before choosing this track-mounted system.

Listed on Amazon as: TrackLok Skid Steer Snow Chains for Rubber Tracks – Fits 12-18.5 in. Compact Skidsteer Track Loaders, Snow Ice Mud Traction