Abstract: A machine for cleaning out or dredging out ponds, marshes, or canals, comprises a central longitudinally extending fluid-tight cylindrical body having a low coefficient of friction with the ground and provided with withdrawable stabilizing feet. The base of the body is beveled at both ends. An excavating shovel, having two articulated arms actuated by cylinder devices, is mounted on each end of the body and pivotal through at least 180.degree. about a vertical axis from one lateral side of the body to the other under the control of another cylinder device. The two shovels act as excavating devices or as devices for axially displacing the machine over the ground or laterally displacing the machine over the ground in combination with the stabilizing feet.