Published: August 14, 2024
Updated: August 27, 2024
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Breaking ground on a new pond is a big undertaking, and you’re going to need the right tools for the job. Which excavator is best suited for your needs? To answer this question, we’ll need to know some of the specifics–what size is the pond, what’s your terrain like, and what’s your budget? Below, we’ll take a look at some of John Deere’s best excavators for digging a pond in any situation.
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The Basics of Digging a Pond
Size
The size of your pond will help determine the size of the excavator needed for the job–the larger the pond, the higher the horsepower required. In this blog, we’ll focus on small- to mid-sized ponds, which can typically be dug with a compact excavator.
Budget
When shopping for new and used equipment, you’re likely going to have a strict budget to stick to. Machines with higher horsepower and greater digging capacity are going to come with a higher price tag. Luckily, John Deere’s compact excavators are economically designed to save you a little money while still packing plenty of power to get the job done.
When the budget’s too tight, shopping for used equipment is a great way to save money on quality machines that we’ve maintained to the same high standard you expect from Koenig.
Browse used excavators at Koenig Equipment
Job Site
The quality of your land should be taken into consideration when picking your excavator. Tougher soils and hillier properties will require a machine with higher horsepower and PTO.
Choosing the Right Excavator
Once you’ve answered questions like budget, pond size and site conditions, narrowing down your options to the perfect excavator for your needs can still be intimidating. Here, we’re breaking down the specs of some of our most popular models.
35 P-Tier
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Engine output: 23.3 HP
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Ground clearance: 11”
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Digging reach: 17’1”
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Dig height: 15’5”
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Dump height: 10’10”
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Dig depth: 10’
50 P-Tier
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Engine output: 35.9 HP
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Ground clearance: 13”
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Digging reach: 19’7”
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Dig height: 18’10”
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Dump height: 13’4”
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Dig depth: 11’7”
60 P-Tier
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Engine output: 53 HP
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Ground clearance: 13”
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Digging reach: 20’5”
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Dig height: 19’7”
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Dump height: 13’8”
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Dig depth: 12’4”
Economic Excavator Choice
If the above options are out of the budget, we want to take a moment to highlight the John Deere 17 P-Tier Mini Excavator. With 14.5 horsepower and a max digging depth of 7’2”, you’ll be working with a much smaller machine than those we’ve just listed. The 17 P-Tier is still a great option on a smaller budget and is widely loved for its user-friendliness.
Click here to check out the 17 P-Tier
Learn More
We’re only scratching the surface when it comes to machine specs and digging ponds. If we’ve left any questions unanswered, please reach out to your local Koenig Equipment to discuss your needs, and one of our experts will help you get your hands on the best excavator for your pond.