Moving and positioning large rocks is part of many Japanese gardens. Surely someone can answer this question.

That is about 16 cf of rock at about 120 pounds per CF, if the dimensions are accurate. That is machine work. A machine that has a big enough bucket to get enough of the rock into it so that it does not flip out and strong enough to lift a ton. A small skid steer is not going to cut it, if those dimensions are true. Like the guy in "Jaws" said "I think we need a bigger boat".

'tis true, moving stones is a big part of the game. if they are at the top of a slope you already have an advantage (gravity). If you can pry them out of the ground onto something that will make the slope more slippery, scaffold poles, cedar poles for instance, someone here used the hood of an old Chevy once you are motoring. When they are fairly close to where you want them you can use a traditional method that Mike Yama explains on the back pages of this forum, which is a tripod. The problem with mechanical tools like a backho is that they can scratch the surface of the stones so if you use one attach a kevlar strap rather than pick them up directly with the bucket.

Thank you to both of you. Just the kind of answers I was looking for. And I think we definately need a bigger boat, lol. I think we will be looking for professional help for this. Some of the largest rocks haven't been uncovered yet. Heading off now to look up Yama's tripod.