Dirt Removal - Anyone use the walk-behind units?

Last summer, my wife and I finally decided on a layout for our backyard. One of the prominent features was to be a stained and stamped concrete patio. I had never done a project like this so I consulted with friends and got some advice. One afternoon, I was feeling ambitious after work and decided to do the dig out. I had thought about renting a skid steer, however, I felt the size of the project, about 160 sq. ft. of concrete, was too small to justify this. My wife, son and I rounded up wheelbarrows and shovels and got to work.

It did not take too long before a friend showed up and helped out. I estimate we removed about ten yards of dirt, as we had to deal with a slope in the yard. After finishing I had to ask myself if there was an easier way to remove the dirt.

Has anyone out there used one of the walk-behind units, like a Dingo? I have seen them sitting in rental yards but never in use. We are planning to begin phase 2 this summer, which includes another dig-out. Any advice will be appreciated.