Learning to operate a Skid-Steer Loader (Bobcat) was one of the funnest "chores" Ive ever had to do. You can rent them and have them delivered to your door.
Resist the urge to yell "destroy" in a robot-like voice, though, least you scare the neighbors.
Hydraulics can be fickle. You can over-operate the controls and it goes into a kind of a fit where the whole machine just shakes violently with you trapped inside. Just let go of all the controls until it calms down.
I have wanted to get hold of one of those for a long time. I don't think it is going to be big enough for the holes I have to dig. I have three roughly square holes 6 - 7' deep, 75' x 75' to dig. With a 45 degree slope on two of them - third can be vertical. Then, since I have been "canal inspired", I have a total 400' long trench, 5' deep and 12' wide to dig....if SWMBO will let me....It will curve, too for some esthetic interest.
Have used a backhoe quite a bit in the past and that is a huge amount of fun! Am also looking for one to buy right now....have a brother in law who has one that looks like a very good deal...