Digging a pond should be an exciting process, but how are you supposed to know which machines will work and which won’t? Since tractors are some of the most common landscaping tools, you could probably imagine that a lot of people try to use them to dig a pond. Is there any legitimacy to this procedure?
You can dig a pond with a tractor if you get the correct permits, use a strong backhoe, and pile the dirt together. Always make sure that you’re working backward to prevent the tractor from sliding into the pond. Also, keep a sharp-bladed attachment in case you need to cut through roots and debris.
Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following info about digging a pond with a tractor:
- A detailed step-by-step process to get the job done
- Pros and cons of using tractors to dig ponds
- Common mistakes associated with digging with a tractor
How to Dig a Pond with a Tractor
If you want to dig a pond with a tractor, then you’re in the right place. You don’t need any extra equipment aside from the proper attachments, which you’ll learn about in this section. There’s no need to wing it, but if you want a video tutorial, then try the following video on YouTube by Ohio Hills Tops Hobby Farm:
Without further ado, here’s how you can dig a pond with a tractor:
- Get permits to ensure that you’re allowed to dig a pond with a tractor. Most cities allow the usage of tractors to dig ponds, but it’s important that you contact local authorities to prevent property fines. If you go through a professional service, they’ll take care of the permits for you.
- Attach a backhoe to your tractor. Backhoes are very useful since they dig out and allow you to move in any direction without dipping backward. They also show you the amount of dirt that’s in the backhoe, which will allow you to get more or less dirt on the next scoop.
- Remove one pile of dirt at a time, working backward. If you move forward, you’ll fall into the hole. It’s essential that you work moving back so you don’t fall into the pond. On top of that, you’ll be able to see everything you’ve dug out, allowing you to adjust where you place the next backhoe scoop.
- Create a designated dirt pile for the excess soil. Don’t throw the dirt to the side; You should have an area where you make a pile so it’s not getting all over the place. When you leave the dirt hanging around in different parts of the pond, it creates uneven spots that make it hard to level.
- Consider switching to a blade attachment to slice roots. While this step is optional, it doesn’t hurt to have a sharp attachment for your tractor to dice through old roots, scoop rocks, cut plants, and so on. Clay can be very difficult to remove without a sharp attachment, and it’s quite common in California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona.
As you can see, digging a pond with a tractor is much simpler than it seems. As long as you follow the steps mentioned above, you’ll be able to safely achieve the desired dimensions for the pond.
If you don’t use a backhoe, it’s possible to dig out a pond as well. The whole “digging” process is just a bit more tedious because you’re only able to use the bucket. But it’s doable, as well as you can see here in this video on Youtube from Mario Elber.
To learn about the pros and cons of using tractors to create ponds, proceed to the next section.
Pros and Cons of Using a Tractor to Dig a Pond
Tractors are used quite often to dig small and medium-sized ponds. However, there are a few issues that come with using backhoes and buckets as a tractor attachment. Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of digging a pond with a tractor below.
Pros of Using a Tractor
- There are countless attachments that you can use to remove all sorts of debris. Depending on where you live, there’s always something unique that you’ll have to deal with. Whether it’s dense soil or a plethora of roots and rocks, tractors have a variety of attachments to deal with everything. Tractors are easy to rent or buy, and they’re not too difficult to operate.
- As long as you live near factory stores, warehouses, or country roads, you’ll have access to tractors and tractor operators. With a few helpful tutorials, you’ll be able to operate a tractor and start digging right away.
- You can use tractor buckets or backhoes, whichever is available. Permies states that there are two different tools at your disposal to dig a pond with a tractor. Buckets are good for lifting loose soil, whereas backhoes can handle dense materials. You can use either of them to work through the project.
Cons of Using a Tractor
- Stock attachments are often too weak and lightweight to dig a pond. Unfortunately, that means that you’ll have to spend more money to get your hands on different attachments that you want to use. These included bladed attachments, backhoes, buckets, and more, and none of them are cheap.
- If you don’t know the proper method, you can get stuck fairly easily. Whether it’s moving back with the tractor or digging from side to side, getting stuck isn’t uncommon for beginner tractor operators.
- Tractors aren’t capable of removing very much dirt at once. Even if you get a large backhoe, you’ll still have to keep working slowly to remove all of the dirt. It takes several hours for a small pond, so you could imagine how long it would take for anything bigger than that.
Common Mistakes
While tractors are easy to work with, there are still a few mistakes that aren’t too farfetched. Here’s what you should expect and avoid when you’re digging a pond:
Never start from back to front
As mentioned earlier in the article, if you work forward, you’ll end up falling into a ditch. Furthermore, you won’t be able to see where you’re going. This problem is quite common, believe it or not. If you want to avoid unnecessary trouble, then always start from the front and move back.
Always rent the correct size and attachment
Not all tractors are the same. Some can push a ton of dirt, but they might be too big for the area. On the other hand, many tractors aren’t strong enough to get the job done. Consult a tractor dealer near you to find out which size you need. The same rules apply to the various attachments that you’ll need to use.
Check if the soil is too dense or loose beforehand
Loose soil is an issue if you’re driving a heavyweight tractor on top. You’ll end up sinking a bit too deep. If the soil is too dense, you might have to upgrade your equipment or get different attachments. In other words, know what you’re getting yourself into before you start the project.
Conclusion
You can use a tractor to dig a pond if you know what tools to get and how to get the job done. Decide between lightweight buckets and backhoes (most people prefer backhoes). Once you have everything dug out, start pressing the dirt to ensure that it’s not too loose to work with.
Here’s what this post should’ve taught you:
- If you want it easy and not too tedious, your tractor needs a backhoe attachment to dig a pond.
- Make sure that you start at the top of the pond and work backward to prevent mistakes.
- Get the necessary permits before you start digging a pond.