Versatile Duty Tires Now 20% Off
What is a Versatile Duty tire, and why should you consider it?
“Versatility,” or in other words, being “good at everything, great at nothing,” isn’t always the most flattering characteristic—but sometimes, it’s exactly what you need. If you want your loader to perform on a muddy construction site one day and tackle rocky demolition the next, Bobcat Versatile Duty tires are the perfect fit. They are burlier and more robust than Heavy Duty tires and offer better traction in soft terrain than Severe Duty tires. Versatile Duty tires are the all-around solution, ready to take on almost any job.
And the best part is that all Bobcat Versatile Duty tires are currently 20% off!
Main Characteristics
Unmatched versatility and durability across mixed surfaces and changing conditions. Designed for enhanced tread life, even wear, and excellent puncture resistance, it’s the ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
- Extra-deep, non-directional tread: Maximizes tread life and puncture protection.
- Large footprint with a high rubber-to-void ratio: Delivers superior durability and promotes even wear.
- Unidirectional tread pattern: Optimizes traction and handling on both hard and mixed surfaces.
- Perfect for: Mixed terrain where durability is key—dirt, gravel, asphalt.
Heavy Duty Tires Comparison
The Heavy Duty tire has been a longtime favorite in the Bobcat lineup, well-known to dealers and customers alike. But how does it compare to the Versatile Duty tire?
The table below outlines the key differences between the 10×16.5 6987705 Heavy Duty tire and the 6987706 Versatile Duty tire.
| HEAVY DUTY | VERSATILE DUTY | |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 6987705 | 6987706 |
| TRA code | R-4 | L-4 |
| Ply rating | 10 | 10 |
| Load Capacity (kg) | 2140 | 2140 |
| Pattern depth (mm) | 16.5 | 31 |
| Rubber-to-void ratio | ≈60% | ≈80% |
| Tire Weight (kg) | 27.6 | 34.5 |
| Conditions | 40 % hard / 60 % soft | 60% hard / 40 % soft |
| Application | mud, dirt | dirt, gravel, asphalt |
| Life comparison in % | 100% | 211% |
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With nearly double the tread depth and twice the lifespan of the Heavy Duty tire, the Versatile Duty tire’s advantages are clear.
Not sure what terms like “TRA code” or “rubber-to-void ratio” mean? Keep reading for a breakdown of these parameters and how they impact tire performance, lifespan, and ideal applications.
TRA codes
The Tire and Rim Association (TRA) provides standardized codes to categorize tires, making it easier to select the right skid steer tire.
The most common TRA codes for skid steers—available within the Bobcat range—are R-4, L-4, and L-5. Here’s what they mean:
R-4 Skid Steer Tires
Most skid steers come equipped with R-4 tires, which is the most common type across the market.
- R-4 tires are typically best suited to work in dirt and mud, making them an ideal choice for skid steers on construction sites or in municipal applications.
- Traction and self-cleaning ability are top priorities, which is why these tires feature an open tread design with angled lugs and ample spacing, ensuring effective mud evacuation.
L-4 and L-5 Skid Steer Tires
The “L” designation indicates that the tire is intended for use on loaders and dozers, with the following number (4 or 5) representing the tread depth.
- L tires’ tread depth is rated on a scale ranging from 1 (the lowest) to 5 (the highest). L-4 tires have a rock-deep tread, while L-5 tires feature an extra rock-deep tread.
- The L category is characterized by massive tread blocks, unlike the bar tread designs found in the R category. L-4 tires are constructed using durable, long-lasting compounds that are resistant to cutting and chipping. They also have sidewalls with extra rubber to prevent cuts and benefit from high rubber-to-void ratios for extended lifespans.
- L-4 tires are the ideal choice for skid steers operating in harsh terrain and performing demanding jobs, such as working on abrasive construction site surfaces or in puncture-prone environments like scrapyards and recycling centers.
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