Digging a Pond with a BX

[Danner]

Would it be a reasonable project to use my BX2660, the FEL, and a 48" LandPride box blade to dig a pond about 80 feet in diameter, and maybe 15 feet deep? It's flat are near the creek, and the soil is black clay without significant rocks. I was thinking I could tilt the box blade to the max, and then do circular cuts with the scarifiers and blade, and then remove the loosened earth with FEL. Basically digging a bowl shape.

I could use the earth I removed to level a few problem areas, and the pond would be fairly good to have too.

I just wonder if it's too much for the BX?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[oldnslo]

How much time do you have and how wet will he ground be when you get down 15 feet. Black clay at 15 feet could be gumbo that will stop you in your tracks.

Add a toothbar to the FEL for greater digging capabilities.

 

[Danner]

I'm near Fort Worth, and we're coming into the dry season (July-Aug-Sep), so I think the moisture shouldn't be too bad down there.

 

[paulharvey]

I don't know about 15 ft deep, your talking about a massive amount of dirt to move, probably around 1500 CY depending on slope. That's 75 dump trucks worth of material.

 

[Danner]

I don't know about 15 ft deep, your talking about a massive amount of dirt to move, probably around 1500 CY depending on slope. That's 75 dump trucks worth of material.

OK, maybe I need to think about the size of the pond LOL.

 

[vrmnthntr]

I'm not an expert at digging ponds but that sounds like a lot of wear and tear on the BX.

A excavator and a operator would be worth the money. Have them separate the different types of soil as they go in piles.

Then use the BX to fill in the low spots.

 

[Baby Grand]

The Transcontinental Railroad was built with only one steam shovel, lots of blasting powder and thousands of laborers with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows.

Yes, you can dig it if you take your time and do a little bit at a time. That's the way the man ate the elephant - one bite at a time.

Some things to consider:
How will you deal with the hole filling with rain or ground water?
How deep of a hole can you dig before it starts to fill with water?
A FEL bucket full of clay will take most of your weight off the rear wheels and put it on your front axle - bad for traction and the front axle. You will need to keep the BB on the back - sounds like that's your plan.
How steep a ramp will you be making into this hole?
Any grade with a full bucket on wet clay makes me pucker just thinking about it.

If it were me, on my property, with my conditions, I'd hire it done or buy a drag line, do the work, then sell it. Providing the town let me do it in the first place. Many municipalities view a pond same as a dam - potential flood liability for everyone downstream.

 

[KYDan]

How much time do you have before it rains? This is a lot to ask for a BX, but if you have the time and enjoy it why not give it a try. If it becomes too much you can always call the excavator guy and have him do the heavy lifting and finish it with the BX. When it stops being fun be ready to make the call. And, good luck!

 

[Jmtodd]

Agree with the above comments.. Thats alotta work for a BX.. It can be done, without question, but it's no weekend project.. Maybe consider reducing size of pond, or using excavated dirt to build a levee and reduce the required digging depth..

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

can it be done? sure. Is it feasible? no, will take so long to do and will be a LOT of wear and tear on your tractor. Go rent something large and get it done.