cleaning out diversion ditch

[joeu235]

I've got a diversion ditch leading to a pond that needs to be cleaned out and re-graded. I've got a skid steer but thinking about renting a mini-x. Ground is heavy clay and about 300 ft long. How big a machine will this type work take and about how long for an experienced equipment operator but newbie to an excavator?

 

[Streetcar]

As an inexperienced operator I cleaned up 350 ft of ditch in a rented mini excavator in eight hours.
150 ft was congested area that took most of the time
Wet clay was easy digging, damp clay wants to stick to everything