Pond

[have_blue]

dt,

What you need to do really hinges on your objectives.

Do you want a productive fishing pond, coi pond, or ornamental pond?

Assuming a fishing pond, you need to drain and dig a test hole with a back hoe. If you hit sand or gravel, stop right there. Chances are, it will leak. So get ready for the expense of importing some good clay to line the pond a minimum of 24".

If your test hole reveals clay, you're in luck. You are safe to clear out the muck and deepen and widen as you wish.

As for equipment, the digging is easy but transporting dirt is hard. With that in mind, you should look to invest more into the transport side.

See you on Pond Boss. I post there daily.

 

[daTeacha]

Check with your local soil conservation service about the soil types on your land.

If I was in your shoes, I'd be looking for someone with a dragline style crane to do the work. If you go with a track-hoe, they will have more limited reach and might get themself stuck in the muck bottom unless they have some degree of pond experience.

 

[dtd24]

Odds are I will have plenty of clay. I have lots of it around the rest of the property.