Excavation-type pond/tank

[dirtworksequip]

philbuilt, tires are easier on lawns than tracks when turning. As long as you go straight with the tracks they don't do much damage, but as soon as you turn it instantly scuffs up the grass. Even though it only has around 8 lbs per square inch of ground pressure it's still a 9500 lb machine. I wouldn't say you could run around on someones lawn all day and not do some damage to the grass. The only advantage with the tracks is you won't be leaving tire ruts.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[ETD66SS]

Foozle, check put my project link: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/120720-my-pond-project.html

I started out thinking I could do my 2 ponds with my Ford 575D TLB only. That was extremely optimistic.

I have been working on my project for 3 years now, and I'm still not done. And I take 2-3 weeks of vacation per year dedicated to this project as well as every weekend, and time after work I can put into it.

Excavated ponds are very expensive. Mainly because of the fuel costs. I bought my own equipment because I wanted to do this project myself, and did not want to go the rental route, that would have been a nightmare and even more expensive in the long run.

Basically, I dig with my excavator, load the tandem axle dump truck, and manage the piles with my dozer. I eat fuel like there is no tomorrow when working on this full time.

In a 12 hour day at the land, with the excavator, dump truck & dozer working non-stop, I can go through 100 gallons of diesel easy. Basically $450/day in fuel at today's prices.

I have easily spent $5000 so far on fuel just for digging & moving dirt, and I still have 1/3 of the big pond to dig.

It's normally myself & my father working. I will guesstimate that I have 30 12 hour days into my project so far when all added up. And that is strictly just the digging & moving dirt part of the project.

Not trying to scare you, but excavated ponds are a lot of work and very expensive, especially with today's fuel prices. Take the amount of dirt you think you will have and double it. Take the amount of money you think you will spend, and tripple it...

 

[EddieWalker]

I'll add to that by telling you it's also repetetive and boring. After your first few hours, the fun part sort of passes and you buckle down to get it done. But then it turns into a torture sesion of how long you can keep at it. This will happen after just a few days. The results are worth it and what keeps you going, but the actual digging and moving of dirt is just one of the most expensive ways to be bored out of your mind that you can come up with.

Eddie

 

[Foozle]

Thanks for the warnings. I'm leaning more and more towards hiring professionals. Maybe I can use my BH to dig some test holes so I'll feel like I'm contributing

 

[rcrcomputing]

Sounds as bad as building your own house. After work, weekends etc.. Couple of trying years.. I'll not do THAT again!

Over 3100+ sq ft plus a small guest house. ugh!