"Is there any reason you can't bring in a long-stick trackhoe to muck out the bottom?"
Backhoe would require me to transport the spoils, PITA. Plus the dam is questionable to hold up to the weight of a large hoe.
The mud pump I'm looking at is 3", and it is self contained. 20' intake & 50' discharge hoses. Gas engine powered.
I will run the discharge down the backside of the dam.
I don't need to dredge the entire pond, just certain areas where the depth is such that plants grow. Most spots that need it are inlet areas from surface runoff. The silt has built up those areas.