Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Cheapest way to move dirt

I also have a "pond scoop" for the back of the tractor. You can do a lot with it if you're willing to move a wheelbarrow-sized load of dirt at a time. Other limitations are that it can only go so far (perhaps 5" - 6") below the ground level the tractor tires are on and that dirt can be too hard to be picked up by it (wait for some rain or plow/disc the surface).

I got mine with the intent of digging my pond with it when I had 2-3 months to kill. I stayed employed too successfully to ever come up with the time (and after the pond was dug with a dozer and a trackhoe, I think the time estimate was way small), but it is a great $200 tool for moving dirt. It's really good for french drains or other shallow ditches. I did bend the frame on mine early on while tackling too-hard soil; we straightened it and I welded on an oversized C-channel piece of steel which has kept it straight ever since.