I highly suggest learning how to use the equipment and renting it yourself. Most rental companies show you basics in operation and if you're not dumber than a bag of hammers you can figure out the rest...even safely! In West (spit.....tang) Virginia renting a dozer for a week will cost 850 bucks. Far better than twelve grand. My own opinion...I'm not a pond builder nor do I have a pond...YET. And...I'm a do it yourself kind of guy...I'll be happy to take any constructive criticism though \:D