I'm new, I'm new, I don't know what to do -Joe Dirt

[Thomas]

:welcome: to TBN...enjoy.

 

[fried1765]

This is closer to the kind of reply that I am looking for. There is an experience curve that I feel like I would blow through a lot of money with rental with out getting much done. The more I hear about getting a 555, I feel I am having to face reality, and my own bias toward Kubota. I agree about getting down to the hard pan to travel on. I know lot of people shop around for equipment, and keep it long enough to do their project and then sell it for near what they pay for it. To me, that is the most economical way to do it and lets me do it in my time.

I agree with your concept of buying, using, then selling.
You just need to buy a D-6 or larger dozer, a medium size trackhoe, and a 10+ yard dump truck.
Unless your pond is to be 4' deep, and 50' across, a 555 will be inadequate for the job.
Ever thought about having an excavating contractor do the heavy work, and then using a 555, or Kubota, to do the clean up/finish?
I have an older Ford TLB, and would not even think about doing a pond build.

 

[Manofthehouse]

Just a little update, I did buy a Kubota L35 TLB, and it is a little beast. I have started tearing out the section of dam that is full of muskrat, beaver holes, and breaches. So far every thing seems to be going pretty well. Yes it is taking some time, but I am enjoying it. I plan to start another thread later on showing my progress.