Dredging the sediment with an excavator is also an option. Excavators are available in many different sizes. Mini-excavators, midi-excavators, and large excavators all have different bucket sizes, weights, and length of reaches. Small mini-excavators typically reach up to 15’ horizontally and larger excavators can increase the length up to 25’. The issue with 15-25’ is that it is the maximum dredging if you were straight out. As you increase the depth the bucket moves closer and the length decreases dramatically. Futhermore, limited sediment can be placed next to the excavator because it is typically very wet and runs back under the excavator tracks. The best solution is a special excavator built for dredging, called a long-reach excavator. Long reach excavators have extended booms capable of 50-70’ in length. These excavators allow for removal of sediment all the way across many ponds and lakes. Wooden swamp mats are also useful when working on soft sediment or edges of lakes to help decrease the ground pressure and prevent the excavator from sinking in the mud.