Backyard Task One: Swimming Pool

First off, remember that you should only dig your own swimming pool if you have a solid understanding of the angles and depths you’ll need to do it correctly. That said, you have more than one option. Many people prefer to use a front loader for this kind of project, but this piece of equipment is limited for backyard use because you need a point of access that is at least six feet wide. In yards with less space, go with a mini excavator. The advantage there is that it is as easy to operate as a front loader and doesn’t require a ramp along the side of your future pool.

Backyard Task Two: Patio

If you’re looking to install a patio or even a broad path, you need to haul earth and grade the surface. Most use a skid loader and an excavator for different aspects of the job. For this kind of digging for a smooth surface over some area, choose the option with the widest, smooth bucket (in other words the bucket should not have teeth) that fits into the space.

Backyard Task Three: Deck

How big you want your deck to be and where it is to be placed control what you need for this project. Some smaller decks don’t take that much work and can be completed in less than one week. Larger decks require strong foundations and framing, however, and can take as long as a few weeks. Your deck’s foundation may consist of concrete posts, piers, or footings. These can only be placed well when the ground preparation has been thorough, so you’ll often need heavy equipment for this kind of foundation prep work. A mini excavator is usually sufficient for this purpose.

Backyard Task Four: Raised Garden

If you already have a garden planted and aren’t sure about whether you need to raise it or not, there are a few things to consider. Are animals causing you problems? Has watering led to erosion around the garden? You can use a trencher to cut a sharper edge around the garden, reestablishing the border and repairing some erosion damage. If you do need to raise the garden and the ground has already been prepared, you may be able to get away with just a shove. Just remember, for every 100 square feet you excavate at a depth of 9 inches you’ll end up with almost 3 cubic yards of soil to dispose of, so plan ahead. Make this job a snap with a mini excavator.

Backyard Task Five: Pond

A water feature like a pond adds beauty and value to your home. An important consideration for you will be the depth of the pond; shallower ponds are easier to dig and can occasionally be done by hand, so they are the most affordable option. They are also more lily pad friendly and make viewing your fish easier.

However, your fish have a better chance of surviving and thriving in a deeper pond, and the water quality of the deeper pond will be far easier to maintain. Deeper ponds also provide your fish with more protection from predators. Again, a mini excavator is well-suited to this task. From there you will need to use spray concrete or rubber lining in the pond and set up a filtration system.

Things have changed; it’s far easier to complete bigger projects in your backyard. Even “heavy” machinery is smaller now, and you can rent it at will. This means you not only have the right tools for your projects; you also enjoy not keeping them around when you don’t need them.