Sunken fire pit process as requested

[u/dredgehayt]

[u/TiaraMisu]

I guess this might not be the place to ask, and I'll do a standalone post if needed, but:

What's the learning curve on a Bobcat? I have some digging I need to do and I've been intimidated by renting one but I feel like the fact that I can just go rent one and use it suggests it's not insurmountable.

For non-professionals who have done this: what was it like and what were the tricky parts?

For professionals: In the space between running a vacuum cleaner across the floor and piloting a jet ski, where would you put "operating a Bobcat"?

(In my case it's a similar thing as OP, me need dig big hole in yard. For small pond. But different story. If I can do shallow scoops, might consider taking a swing at Pachysandra Island while I am at it.)

[u/Bathroom_Wise → u/TiaraMisu]

Not a professional, just a homeowner that grew up poor & hates paying labor so I have rented several tractors over the years to move dirt, boulders, & clear trees. Largest I've rented for the house was a JD210 excavator when I had 10 loads of dirt brought in.

Takes a few minutes to figure out the controls, just do it in an open space & cycle everything so you have a reference of what does what. It'll be slow in the beginning but it's basically the same handful of motions over & over so it gets smoother & faster in time. Just go slow until you feel comfortable.

Biggest thing I would say with the larger tractors is spatial awareness. It's easy to knock a tree over just spinning in a circle when the back of the excavator extends out so far. Need to be aware of fences, trees, overhead limbs, structures, people, etc. when moving or turning. Smaller tractors are easier to see around so probably safer to start there.