Excavation Cost shocker

[Magicman]

Plus that's what tractors are built to do.....work.

I have a 1974 model John Deere that doesn't know that it is old yet. Matter of fact, I don't either so we just keep trudging along......together

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yes, I know my numbers seem 'high', but having dug a lot of ponds and streams, you tend to lose soil, here and there, and have to move it 2-3 times, to get it all outta the hole and 'somewhere' else....
Also if you 'think ahead', you'll make the pond deeper and bigger than you think you want as the sides eventually fill in the bottom. It's just a matter of time versus material...