On Apr 4, 12:48 am, Bobk207 wrote:
On Apr 3, 5:39 am, "Bill" wrote:

The vacuum idea sounds great! Even a shop vac with two people working would
probably be an easier way to get the dirt out. Also dust is created when
disturbing the old top layer of dirt, so the vac could also remove any dust
clouds. Thanks for the idea.

I've done the experiment (only to prove the futility) a reasonably
sized shop vac can only do about 1 gpm loose dirt removal. Plus you
need time (or a helper) to empty.

You'll need a vacuum excavator which is serious machine.

But they are becoming more available at rental yards and they
certainly have a lot of advantages. Some of the machines have a
reverse flow feature where the excavated material can be deposited
elsewhere on the site or in a truck/dumpster so the machine can keep
going.
http://www.constructionequipment.com...oID=1283221977

R