rockytopper,
Unfortunately I'm about 200 miles(I think) from Longview, certainly more than 50. I've got a good possibility for a rental under investigation now...with a company that sells used heavy equipment, but will also do short term rentals (Hendrix Equipment).
That Kubota makes fine equipment, don't they. I bought a used M4050 a few years back with a loader and back-hoe attachment. It is just a great machine. They sell a back-hoe attachment for your model I believe and you could really make good use of it in cleaning out your pond. Kubota = great stuff, IMHO.
I guess guys like us can never get enough equipment. If you had told me a few years ago I would own this equipment, I'd say no way and would have been wrong.
