12,000 LBS of Bentonite! John Deere 1025R with 5' Tiller, Compactor on Kubota Mini-Ex!

[@Whiskey-Danger]

Everybody should take note of these two wonderful people and the example they set for us. Listen to how they communicate, not just the words, but the tone. There is no anger, no impatience, only love, and a wish to be understood.

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

Folks I know who used bentonite here in Texas have: used a boat and dumped/distributed through the water in the pond, used a FEL to simply lay down a very thin layer in a dry pond, used a shovel to sling some around in trouble spots. No method ever failed. Bentonite needs water to do its thing:swell and seal. Don't lose sleep: your pond will seal.

[@neiltsubota]

I read you entire 40 page report. I am impressed by the technical information. My question is, “ How much did you pay for this report. ?”

[@aaronburford5701]

Love this idea with the tiller! Wow! Rewatched this again...

[@andysmith5220]

Dont worry about anything, pray about everything, and thank God for his answers and the peace of God which is beyond our comprehension will guide your heart and mind

[@jamesawtrey2644]

Just like spending Sunday with my church family

[@philsmock4943]

Hang in there Tim. We're behind you.

[@jpocketrocket]

We were impressed with Christy and how she runs vinny ,We enjoyed watching her wheel that power rake around,she was doing a great job, enjoying the series.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Oh, Christy is the BOSS on that Ventrac! She is in full control, and she loves it.

[@TM-Iowa]

I am impressed how nice the ventract does smoothing out the dirt. The pond project is really an interesting project.

[@petehutzel3778]

Tim The pond series has been fascinating and instructive, My orange kitty boys even watched parts. Now, how about a lottery? Put a big stake in the middle of your open pit mine. Then we all guess when the pond will reach the full line on your stake. Pete Hutzel

[@joeyshofner639]

Love the way you two work together. Not every couple can do that.

[@darenelliott4148]

It appears you have a spring under your pond. Which I think is a good place to have one. Love the show!

[@On_The_Farm]

You'll get there Tim. I would not worry about that small amount of water perking on the bottom.

[@Gnomoleon]

Keep on going Tim. If the water comes pump it out. Have fun don't stress.

[@TheGigglestick5000]

I work for the railroad and we get cars of bentonite that leak out in the yard. Makes a sticky damn mess but where it works down into the ballast it holds water like you wouldn't believe. No matter how you get it down I think you will have success getting that pond to hold water.

[@donhendrick6174]

Looking good I know you will get it done.

[@Kcolby47]

This is quite a ride watching the pond take shape as you learn and apply new knowledge. It’s almost like a “cliff hangar” in every episode. The compactor attachment is a boon to preparation, and yet something new coming as well? “Will there be a season 2 of the pond project? Wait and see!” Blessings.

[@malovens152]

Great series Tim, watch you all the time . Really hope the pond works out

[@RobertBrothersJr-dc7nr]

Tim, the pond looks fantastic. The compactor attachment is exactly what you need and it works great. I know it’s stressful but keep your head up and keep plugging away and I know you will get the pond project successfully completed. Thanks for another great video.

[@allenjessee8860]

It looks great!! Hopefully you will be bass fishing soon!😊

[@tima7763]

When you are all done are you going to give a a final cost of the pond improvements?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Not much cost yet…until the bentonite. THAT is expensive. Other than that, just fuel and a few things like the sump pump, cords, etc.

[@occ9867]

Just a wild thought Tim, ever think of digging down at that one leak spot about 4' or so with the mini-ex, say about a 10' X 10' square and mixing in a heavy dose of Bentonite with the refilling dirt? Then recompact that down. Shouldn't disturb too much of what you've already done on the bottom if it's dry. Know the rain would put off that action for a while.

[@tonyh.5827]

Tim, I salute you on the progress you've made on the pond project. I don't know if anyone has mentioned incorporating marine habitats into your project. Fish, frogs, etc. all need suitable, underwater habitats in which fry and fingerlings can hide, and adults can ambush prey. Also, (not including the dreaded cattails...LoL), you will need some aquatic vegetation for the amphibians. I'm sure your local wildlife management team will be able to help you with that. Hope this helps. You're an inspiration, Tim. Thanks to you and your wife for the spiritual messages as well. Take care, and God bless.

[@freepatriot6313]

Tim, I too have a leaky pond. Through my talking with some “experts”…. I’ve been told that the bentonite will flow towards a leak and eventually seal it. Kind of like tire sealant. The bentonite will expand when it gets wet as well … and the dirt will become more dense. Hopefully that is the case here. Wishing you success compadre.

[@bccycle1]

The things I have learned from tractor time with Tim.

[@johnhamilton9229]

It will be worth all the efforts when you have the lemonade next to the pond.

[@aaronburford5701]

Great video, fascinating info for the pond. Thanks for sharing.

[@bc65925]

Back around 1990 I put many pounds of antibiotic into totes like those.

[@jacobbuckley8232]

Looking good. And u did finally compact it some.

[@SkidSteerSolutions]

Great video Tim!

[@BrickyardPowerMan]

This has been a fantastic serious.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks!

[@jamesharrod8733]

i used skid steer before they have a nice compact 1 bottom plow and gauge wheel setup that i use

[@photocontrol]

Good progress adding the bentonite, I wonder if adding and tilling in extra bentonite to the wet area will help seal it.

[@PastorDavidFranklin]

What the heck do I know about this stuff but I am positive there is someone out there that has had the same issue that you are having Tim. Considering how far you have come the minor leaks are a small issue and will be resolved. Looking good, I am encouraged by what you and Christy have accomplished.

[@Tapthatsugershack]

Awesome stuff you guys are getting there 👏

[@harrycraviotto2375]

Only read the book after, that way we learn! Are you going to line with only bentonite ? I have seen liners put in as well?

[@N57RU]

If I remember correctly when my brother in-law had a leaker, the guy doing the sealing stated "OK" depends on the amount of the water leak versus the amount naturally filling. If filling is greater than the leak, it's no issue. They also applied some type of product over the leak area with the pond full which reduced the leakage. Good luck.

[@frankhanes8005]

I just love this pond build series. I have learned a lot for this can’t wait to see the results. Just wondering cuz I can’t see how fine that stuff is but could you of used a fertilizer spreader for that stuff?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Probably not. It is powder form. The ‘test bucket’ had granular form which would work in spreader.

[@LeeCazier]

Could you put the bentonite down with the grass seed attachment on Vinny

[@kencotton4645]

It is a huge project but I am envious of all the neat equipment you are using to accomplish it. I would love to have the time and resources to tackle building your pond. I have my eye on some land that I think would make an excellent pond. It that ever happens, I will certainly draw upon some of the lessons you have learned in constructing your pond.

[@brianhillis3701]

My pond is so similar to yours. Waiting to see success. I had assumed the spring was a good thing since it kept a small amount of water in the pond in droughts.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Head pressure from 12’ of water will push the opposite direction when full…so the incoming ‘leak’ will become an outgoing ‘leak’.

[@erichedges2948]

I kind of laughed when I saw you carrying those rocks on the blade but you probably using them for counter weights. Great series, I agree with other folks just keep plugging away.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Dirt clods. Can’t keep them off!

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Nice job. I’m know nothing. But wouldn’t the little bit of water from the spring help keep the pond full once your done of it. Now. With the rain coming and you wanting to get down in there a work, that’s not good, I’d say. You don’t want to disturb your great bottom work. That’s going to be a tough one to figure out. For me any way. 🤔 Have a great Sunday. 👋

[@AndyTychon]

I’m wondering if there’s a natural spring causing that water to come up?

[@NotMuchHere]

i am curious ... is that wet spot a spring ... water source? If it is not would the bentonite helped seal it?

[@earlyriser8998]

Christy drives vinnie like it is a part of her ...smooth

[@drewwagner7985]

I may be a little late but, why not mix the soil and bentonite before you spread it on the side slopes? Seems you could do that with the bottom full.

[@cutweldngrind]

I had better results with a blanket method versus tilling in the bentonite. The test I did were in 2 almost identical test ponds about 30ft in diameter and now planning on doing a 1/4 acre over the cooler months. The bentonite I used was in a form of chips ( 1/4" to 1/2" ) versus granular. I plan on hauling about 150 yards of clay and toss the remaining 4 tons on sodium bentonite. I have minimal clay 10 to 20 percent. This was a cool video for sure and maybe one day I might buy a mini excavator like yours.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Over a year ago now…this worked well, I think. We DO have some leakage up near the surface. (Later video shows that application). I think we saw too much erosion before it got full.

[@garynelson4749]

just curious.....has a pond liner ever been considered?....

[@joshuasmith5837]

Don’t give up faith brother every problem has a solution it’s going to be amazing when it’s done. Exactly where did you get the back wheel weights for that 1025r. I want some for mine

[@TractorTimewithTim]

72 lb starter weights. greenpartstore.com/ttwt use code ttwt

[@angryoverlanding5955]

Will the water 💦 in the bottom not help fill the pond? In my area we have some ponds that are filled by underground water.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Discussed at length in our prior pond episodes. Please check them out.

[@fsj197811]

It would help fill it to the level of the ground water. But anything above ground water would exit through that 'hole'. The water level would always want to equalize at whatever the ground water level is.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@fsj197811 hopefully the bentonite can help to seal and hold some of that pressure from either direction.

[@angryoverlanding5955]

@@fsj197811 Thanks for the explanation 👍

[@fsj197811]

@@TractorTimewithTim I hope so too. If not, maybe another load mixed in might do the job? Dunno, the only ponds I've dealt with have been 5' diameter, 2' depth and lined with rubber for sealing. Good luck and thanks for sharing, I've found it interesting.

[@kensterling8628]

Are you thinking of putting a cement block in the middle of the pond? Then attach a chain and a buoy as an anchor for a floating platform and or aerator. Next consideration s to run electricity to it? Plan your work, work your plan. Good stuff, thanks for teaching us.

[@jakeschisler7525]

Just looking at the pond it really reminds me of open pit mining from the design of it. I think once it's filled with water and fish are introduced it will be a good place to fish all around it. You should put some kind of structure in and around the pond, like old tractor tires and would be nice to find some tires from a mining truck for fish to hide. They make and sell items to put in the bottom that look like trees that don't fall apart as a real tree will.

[@douglasbuhr5741]

dose the bentonite need to get wet first before it activates. a water tight seal

[@MarkJones-sk6vk]

We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. You can do it Mr. Tim.

[@BlakeConnor]

I’d dig two feet out of the wet spot and get some good moist fill mixed with plenty of bentonite and fill and compact with the wheels of the tractor really well

[@jefflawsonqwest]

Vibrating saturated materials “pumps” the free water upwards. So, your wet spot might just be temporarily angry. Maybe get a few bags of bentonite and till it in to the wet spot at a higher percentage than the other areas. Looking good though.

[@jddriver9565]

as you know iam absolutely fine with Johnny 5!:) But to be honest I would love to own both, a 1E and a 5E.:)

[@haoleman7675]

Tim there's a manual iron spike wheel compactor attachment for your excavator that you roll over your soil may be the way to go for the slope work good luck ! old school

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Looked into it

[@kennycurran6938]

Looks like you’re working in a quarry pit!! Impressive excavation!! Mining business or pond?

[@mikeholley8307]

I hope you will give us a cost of Whole project when finished..enjoying the videos

[@TractorTimewithTim]

The bentonite is the first REAL expense. Other than that, fuel. Less than 250 gallon so far. I don’t consider the mini Ex purchase as part of the cost. $3-500 in other stuff like extension cords, sump pump, pit, etc.

[@jessebucholtz9504]

So I have no idea about pond builds, but up here in northern Michigan the spring fed ponds are better, they always stay full, I’m not sure if that’s a natural spring you have, but if it is, I would think that a positive thing

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Please read the article at naturalwaterscapes.com/ttwt it explains it perfectly.

[@CadillacCowboy620]

Put white sand in the bottom and you can see the bottom of pond when full of water. Someone told me that was a thing one time probably not cheap tho

[@dougmcnattin386]

I'm not understanding What your trying to do? Are you making a dry hole or a wet pond? I understand you are going to compact the bentonite at 4 # per square foot. And you will be putting the bentonite around the edges of the pond. And it will be hard to get it worked in on the edges but won't you be letting water in when its done? I'm glad you got a professional company to help decide what you need next. Good luck.

[@ryany1753]

All of these pond videos means more tractor project content throughout the winter right ? 😀😀😀

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Until it gets too wet to go!

[@gslope1]

Interesting project. I feel a little silly commenting or suggesting after the fact (I suppose you're done already). I guess I would be thinking to dig a sump hole where the water is already coming in for a pump and then dealing with filling it in with a heavier mixture after. 🤷‍♂

[@thecardoc100]

Would it be wrong to lay some canvas on the spots where the water is still rising and bury it with about four to six inches of clay and bentonite?

[@BlakeConnor]

In saying that you’ll have better luck keeping water in than out. Soil works better in compression than tension

[@Idiopathogen]

How do you seal the walls and slopes other than the bottom?

[@Idiopathogen]

Never mind. Hadn’t watched to the end yet.

[@garynelson4749]

remember soil needs proper moisture to compact....that was also referenced in the bucket test instructions ....so proper technique would have been to apply some moisture before compacting ...not being critical just fyi ......sometimes in dirt work you do the best you can

[@lukehanson5320]

Doing all this work. Is that hole deep enough for a heat pump coolant loop? Or did you guys drill a vertical loop when you moved in a few years ago...I can't remember?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

W shave horizontal loop.

[@cogentdynamics]

I’m gona ask a dumb question: don’t you want the water to leak in? Maybe the hydrostatic pressure pushes the water down? A little drain tiles and a stand pipe? What a project, daunting to say the least. Good video is the best I can say.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Discussed at length in other episodes, and at the page linked at natural waterscapes. Yes, we believe the water will flow outward due to hydrostatic pressure when the pond is full.

[@frankhartmeyer9841]

Tim I think you are going to have to add more dirt to the bottom. I would think by doing that the water would reach a point to stop pumping. Great videos I'm excited to see the next videos. Really enjoyable for me. 👍

[@promold350]

Are you sure its leaking or is that a spring, that will help fill the pond?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

It is a spring. 12’ of water over the top will make it flow the other way…outward…a leak

[@anthonykeane154]

You could've used a set of flotation tires when things got sticky there😂😂

[@frankcunningham6335]

Hi Tim. Great video Thanks! Like @amossnowdaharleyman9179 Texas resident as well...Earlier this year I put in 2 tons of bentonite in the bottom of our pond/tank. It was draining like a sieve before and now holding even through this drought. Unfortunately I have the draining out the sides above where I stopped with the bentonite but I have water in the bottom still. Will be curious how you handle the sides. Thanks again.

[@peanutsmith1462]

Mr Tim can you please do us a favor please sr put a string line on top of the dirt pull it across the pond and see how deep it is please sr that’s a bummer we can’t see much of that new tiller

[@TractorTimewithTim]

It is likely about 11’ deep now…added some more material in this episode.

[@Zanderthelab]

I wonder if a Johnny 6R would’ve worked better with the wider tires that it has?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Oh yea! I need you to talk with Christy!!

[@Zanderthelab]

@@TractorTimewithTim Dear Christy, Tim needs a 6R tractor pls! We will happily pay an arm and a leg. Sincerely, Dawson. No this is not a joke or a test. 🤣

[@stevedrew5425]

Spreader broadcasts lime it has an agitator in the hopper

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Might work then.

[@barelystablefarm7151]

I may be off in left field here, but is there any type of liner material that can be laid down on the very bottom on some pure sand? Kind of like a pool liner? I would imagine it would last awhile with no UV exposure.

[@jamesberg3106]

Tim, how much ballast are you using on the rear of the 5075E? Liquid plus weights? My farmer friend suggested I needed around 3K. The only reason I asked is because I noticed the weights hanging off the back. Thanks

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, liquid Rimguard plus 1800 lbs. …and still not enough. Owners manual does indeed recommend 3000lb. And we need more.

[@stevedrew5425]

Would the bentonite spred with a 3pt hopper spreader?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Doubt it…would bridge over. If spreader will spread ag lime, then yes, would work.

[@bobd7384]

It is suppose to be a pond, correct. Your feed to the pond is natural water, is there a overflow to create the circulation?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Incoming water will reverse and become a leak when 12’ of head pressure applied.

[@SledgeHammer43]

Tim I think that is to dry. In road construction we have to have some moisture in the dirt and or gravel to compact it. We like it near 15% at minimum.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

It was pretty moist in the bottom there.

[@HuserHelpers]

It may be the only way to seal that spring would be to dug it out and core it. But it may still not work. We had a leaky pond that caused a wet hole in the field below the levy. We dug out a trench 8' wide 10' deep 100' wide and packed it full of clay. We didn't truly stop the leak, but we forced the leak water to find a new path.

[@BitCounter]

After this project is complete. Christy will approve any future projects not related to ponds. Hope I did not give your plan away... You should also find a way to mark that spot so you can come back later and sprinkle bentonite over the area to finish sealing it if it does leak.

[@jakecrane3690]

Does anyone know if they offer the 4066 in power reverser

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Even if they do, I would highly recommend the hydrostatic drive. Quite powerful in the 4 series.

[@mattv1415]

I believe on BammaBass when they discovered a leak on their new pond dam wall they added a flocculant type substance that sealed the leak. It was a substance that swells and plugged the leak. Would this be an option if you discover the pond isn’t holding water after it is filled?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

BamaBass used naturalwaterscapes.com/ttwt as well. They didn’t think the soil flock would work as well in our situation.

[@nathanbrodeur]

Tim your going to need at minimum another 36000 pounds of bentonite maybe 48000 pounds with 12000 to 18000 pounds out of it put in the bottom and when it comes to the sides you might want to use the broadcast spreader on the 3046R we’re the bottom meets the sides it’s like a vehicle tire at that spot cracks can form to create leaks cause where the tread meets the sidewall if the air pressure is to low it creates internal cracks that can’t be patched if it’s not mixed in and packed to harden it will leak out

[@TractorTimewithTim]

So you are bentonite expert now?

[@nathanbrodeur]

@@TractorTimewithTim it’s my gut feeling

[@TheCritterWindow]

Might have to put your sump pit back in a low spot.

[@lloydcrowder1283]

I don't think I would stress about water entering the pond. If this is dry season you may be at ground water level and as such water will enter but not exit.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Why would it not exit when 12’ of head pressure is applied over that hole?

[@lloydcrowder1283]

At the moment I believe you are at the level of the water table. It is creating an upward pressure on the soil and moving to the surface. The mixture of bentonite and silty sandy clay is not thick or strong enough to stop this movement of water but, when the bentonite and clay mixture fully activates with tons of water on top of it I think your pond will seal and not leak out . Pressure will equalize with a seal between the surface water and the ground water.

[@Nsanderson1971]

Maybe should have started with the sides first then work to the bottom.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes. I think I mentioned that necessary attachment had not yet arrived. Unfortunately, things don’t always work as you wish!

[@tjt1992]

Try using your excavator to spread the bentonite!

[@jeremylee6668]

Where’s ur kubota tractor Tim!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

In the shed. I really don’t like it, honestly. Need to get it sold.

[@jeremylee6668]

@@TractorTimewithTim is it the hydro pedal? Curious as to why you don’t like it!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

@@jeremylee6668 won’t pull much. Uncomfortable. Then, yes, the hydro pedal is awkward. Jerks when I press the pedal…not smooth like hydrostat should be. Many other ‘less than refined’ areas as well.

[@jeremylee6668]

@@TractorTimewithTim there’s a video for when you get a chance of why you don’t like it

[@WilReid]

It doesn't have to be a pond. Looks like you got a decent start on a short basement now. Now just build a round castle shaped house on top of it.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Would be nice!

[@williamgaines9784]

I was wondering if the cats would line up to "test" the bentonite... 🐱🚽 😂

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, a bit worried about that!

[@kurthanushek5520]

So many litterboxes, so little time.

[@jacobbuckley8232]

Youd think if water is coming in that hole it will be ok because it shouldnt let water out.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Nope. With 11’ of water on top, the pressure will cause the flow to reverse. Then, the pond will drain back into the water table.

[@henriqueroque3701]

How's a 5 series not fun?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Just more awkward to drive. It is still fun…just not as much fun as the smaller ones to me.

[@henriqueroque3701]

​@@TractorTimewithTim Well, I can imagine you're also getting that sensation because it is a cab tractor, it would be a lot more fun as an open station. For me, I'd take the bigger one, I actually enjoy having more levers and gears and having to shift between them, I also like a lot the sound of these 3 cylinders engines. But hey this is me, the most important is getting the work done and again having fun during the process, I can see in your videos you already do that, so keep it Tim! Grettings from Portugal!

[@Jeremy-fy1sz]

I'm sure this is obvious, but you can't expect it to stay dry below the natural level of water in the soil. Even with a plastic liner it would still float up. Even if you line with concrete it will float up or crack unless it is full. The same principal will apply to this. I'm not guaranteeing that your pond will hold water, but I assure you that some level of water ingress has to be expected in it's current state.

[@andrewkirch5920]

Interesting choice for bible verse. I figured that you might go with “foolish is the man who builds his pond on the sand”

[@brucealvarez9263]

I am still confused as to why you want to keep the ground water from coming up into the pond. Isn't water in the pond the long term goal? Seems like that will be your only source of water in the pond other than rain.