I got out and was messing around with the 750 backhoe and you're right about it taking a while to dig this hole. Even if I were a profecient operator, it would take all summer. I did dig a 5' hole last night about 4' in diameter on the high side of the pond and it filled halfway overnight, a good sign since we haven't had any rain in a while. I have to improve a ditch and lay about 600' of drain tile with this hoe, so I'll get a better idea of how fast I can work by the end of that job. I will contact some excavators and get prices from them, and hopefully I can find one that is much more reasonable the the others. If I could get this dug for $3k that would be wonderful. I think they bid it at about $2-$2.50 cy dug and spread. How does that price sound to you guys? Got the Pond Boss mags today, they are great!

Remember, a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work...