Meadowlark,
The track hoe gets parked probably through the winter until the engine, I mean wife, cools off and will start on the second pond in the spring. Do anything different? Hmmmm. Even with what I thought was adequate size equipment I underestimated the time, horsepower, size of equipment needed, etc that it takes to do the job right. I used a D6 (wish I had had rippers but had the track hoe instead thankfully), and a Hitachi 150 (I think brand doesn't really matter) with a 7' clean out bucket and a 3' bucket with teeth to dig the hard stuff. I could not have moved the muck without the 7' bucket, it would have been like using a wheelbarrow.
I really wouldn't do anything different except buy a dozer with rippers. I am in the process of locating back up rippers for the blade, better than nothing. I have come to realize that this is a pond a year sorta deal.
I will add that if you plan on doing this yourself you will have to at least be able to do some minor repair work. For example, I will give you the breakdown of my repairs:
Hydraulic line on dozer-replaced after blowing and washing radiator from the oil that had collected dirt.
One inch hydraulic hose replaced on trackhoe-lost about 20 gallons in a few minutes.
Gaskets on leaking injector pump.
Rotted out excavator radiator, new thermostat, etc.
Change oil, filters, etc.
Wow, I am starting to ramble. Anyway, I had fun the first 3-4 days of this project but then realized I am glad I don't do this for a living. Those guys that do deserve their pay-from the breakdowns to fuel to the expensive equipment. It is definitely hard work-and I grew up farming but my wife informed me that I am not as young as I used to be.
I have to get some photos posted and thanks again for your input.
craig
