The tread is a vital part of the tire. If you know where you primarily drive your loader, then choosing the right type of tire should be fairly simple. The tread can also help you in choosing the right Skid Steer tire for your needs. For skid steers that are usually driven on hard-packed surfaces, the tread tends to be close together and long. On the opposite side, skid steers that drive on softer surfaces such as mud and dirt have tire tread that is more open. If you use a tighter tread on looser surfaces, you may find your wheels spinning uselessly. Make sure your tire has the proper tread design and reinforcement for the surfaces you encounter.