Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Property Projects & Construction Moving dried pond sludge

I have an area of dried pond sludge beside my pond about 30 feet by 100 feet averaging about 2.5 feet deep (about 280 cubic yards). It needs to be spread behind the dam. Average distance to move will be about 100 feet. Would I be better off hiring a small bulldozer (24k pounds) at $85/hour or a medium backhoe (20k pounds) at $65 per hour to move this dirt?
I don't have any personal hands on experience doing this sort of work with power equipment. I only know it is too much for me to get done this year with a wheelbarrow and shovel.

FWIW had a lot of dirt moved last summer a similar distance at my place. As long as it's not compacted, I would go with a large skid loader. IME with only a 1 yard bucket they can move an incredible amount of dirt in a day. IMO they move much faster when working than a bulldozer or a backhoe. They can also give you a nice finished appearance to the grade.

Just my 1 cent. I'm not a pro.

If you aren't familiar with the equipment, I think you will be better off with the backhoe. What size is the bucket?

Good point. Are you planning on operating the equipment yourself? I based my recommendation on the assumption from the rental prices you provided that the equipment comes with a pro operator.

My guess would be that is equipment price only, and doesn't include diesel, pickup/delivery or sales tax.

That is the local price with professional operator owned equipment. His Case backhoe bucket is about 3/4 yard. The Dozer is a Case 850k. I could try to find someone with a medium sized skid steer.

I work for a excavating company and the answer is either one will work. I would lean toward the dozer because if the sludge is 2-1/2' deep I would bet at the bottom it might be wet and hard for the backhoe to handle. Dozer and see if he can clean up with a skid loader when you are done moving the bulk of the material. The rates he gave you are good. We charge $150 to $165 for a larger dozer and a union operator. Skid loader I would guess will cost $10 less in your case we charge $25 less an hour for one. Good luck! I would think you could move that in 3 to 4 hours depending on how dry it is

John, Do you have any teenage boys in the family? An Irish buggy and a few shovels with the right $$ incentive might work. Dan

No, son is grown up and moved far away....280 cu yds is too much to do by hand or I would tackle it myself. Yes, the sludge is wet at the bottom, and is too thick to ever dry out unless we get a desert like drought....don't want that.

Maybe I could advertise "free fill dirt" on CL. Think I might get takers? It's easily accessible since the ground is so dry now.

Your son is pretty smart!! If you advertise on CL. make a huge price and then tell them when you will NOT be around!! That might work!! Dan