C Jay,
How big a yard are we talking about here???? If you go to the link under my signature, you will see pictures of my yard last winter and
spring as I worked to level my backyard and build raised beds in the front with the removed dirt. I did all the work by hand (about 190 wheelbarrow loads of dirt). It took me about 3 weeks total. After I had removed most of the soil, I used a tiller and rototilled it all as deep as the tiller would work. I then used a large rake, stakes, some string and string level, and leveled everything as best as possible.
I won't kid you, it was hard work, but it was well worth it in the "satisfaction and pride" factor. Also, I was on a tight budget, and wanted to spend my limited funds on
plants and grass
seed, etc.... instead of 60 - 100 bucks an hour for someone with a bobcat or backhoe.
I hope this sheds some light on your issue.
PS Welcome, I really love this place and all the people that are willing to help when you have a question.