I have to agree with the post from Medow Lark. A dozer is an absolute must is you own more than a few acres. I have 450 acres in western new york and have built 12 ponds. For a one acre pond or smaller, a small dozer like a Cat D3 or D4 is ok. For larger ponds you really need big equipment like a D6 or a D8. A skid steer just won't cut it for small or large ponds.
Another very useful tool is a scraper attached to an ag tractor. I have a 105 hp Fendt all wheel drive with a 6.5 acre Leon scaper that works great for topsoil, softer clays and sands.
If the push is more than 100-150 feet you are wasting effort with a dozer.
Renting is a great idea, even if you haven't run a dozer beofore you can pick it up in a few hours of use. Before you buy anything rent the same model and try it.
