Skid steer for pond repair

[e4cranes]

Hey all, I'm new to the forum and fairly green with skid steers. I want to purchase a SS to raise areas of my property but mostly I want to repair my pond. I'm going to fill maybe 50% of it and then repair and reslope the remainder. My question is, is it possible to grade the slopes sideways or would it be better to back drag the slopes? I live in south Florida so I'm not dealing with any huge hills, and although I don't know what the slope angle is, it should be under 30°. Also as far as a SS goes which one would you guys go with: 2003 John Deere 280 w/ bucket and forks, OTT, 3000+ hrs 2004 Komatsu SK 815 w/ 416 hrs 2000 Case 1845c w/ 600 hrs and backhoe attachment 2002 John Deere 250 w/ 3000+ hrs 2006 John Deere 317 2005 Volvo MC 80 w/ 3400 hrs All opinions will be taken into consideration as far as maintenance issues, good or bad, fair prices etc.

 

[Tazza]

I personally wouldn't do it sideways. That is a decent angle, you may need tracks to get enough traction to get your self out, depending on how soft/loose the dirt is that you will be pushing to re-angle the sides.
I'm sure a more experienced operator will give you their advise too.

 

[Hotrod1830]

I just recently finshed building a lagoon with my old case 1830. The banks on it where around 30 degrees. Although it would run the bank sideways, if it was digging it would slide down the hill. It would only go up the bank forward if it had weight in the bucket, otherwise it wanted to flip backwards. Backing up and digging going back down was the best. Remember, these things are HEAVY and will sink like a rock in mud. Hope your pond is dry. I tried filling in my old lagoon with just a little water in the bottom. Ended up with something that reminded me of chocolate pudding when you tried to drive over it. As for your Loader options, the only thing I can say is you see far more 1845's on jobsites than any of your other choices.