pto-driven sludge pump?

[srjones]

I saw this one in the last NorthernTool catalog, and even if you can't spend the $3K+ for one, you might get some ideas on how to build it for a third of that.

TrunkPump PTO-Powered Water Pump 3in., Model# TP-3PT | Semi Trash | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Joe Batt]

Anyone have any recent experience with this method? I have lots of time and water. I would think that essentially slowly drilling a hole in the middle of the pond with a pump would allow the silt to be pumped out over time as it shifts into the hole. I was thinking of using a centrifugal sump pump on a solar panel, so it would run a little everyday. My spoils would be spread on the surrounding hay field. What I don't have a good feel for is how well each type of pump will handle solids.