All machines use the same technology. They use nylon brushes (which are easily replaceable) which counter-rotate from direction of travel throwing the debris/manure into the catcher/hopper!
The main difference is the size; width of the pickup area and size of the catcher/hopper.
The other major difference is that the brushes on the 1500pro and 1500 Pro E are driven by an engine rather than ground driven.
The 1500 Pro E is operated by a remote where all other models are manually adjusted but the user.
The 1500 Pro and 1500 Pro E have an engine because it is ideal for picking up over a large area.
The 700 Mini and 1220 are ground driven to make them more affordable which also reduces running costs and maintenance costs.
Each machine does the exact same job. The difference is the engine on the1500 models drives the brushes enabling you to travel a little slower without losing speed in the turning brushes. This is of benefit in tough conditions i.e. longer grass, patches of heavy manure/debris and areas that require you to travel at slow speeds (around obstacles/small spaces) and backwards.
The 700 Mini is 27 inches / 700 mm
The 1220 is 48 inches (4ft) / 1220 mm
The 1500 Pro is 58 inches (5ft) / 1500 mm
The 1500 Pro E is 58 inches (5ft) / 1500 mm
Our customers always save at least half (most of the time, more!) the time it takes to collect by hand.
For example, one of our customers from upstate NY spent 1 hour per day picking manure by hand prior to owning a Tow and Collect. Now that they use the 1500 pro the same job takes them 10-15 mins.
The engine is a Electric Start 7 horse power 4-stroke Kohler.
It has a 2:1 reduction gearbox and wet clutch – this means the brushes won’t rotate when the engine is idling.
Because the brushes are rotating at ground level, it picks up anything in its way;
– Horse manure
– Mini and donkey manure
– Alpaca/Llama manure
– Goose Poop
– Sheep/Goat
– Zoo Animals
– Thatch (Dead Grass)
– Leaves
– Small sticks/bark
– Pinecones
– Nuts
– Rubbish
– Clay and wads (Clay Target Shooting)
and more!
We recommend a UTV, ATV/4 wheeler motorbike, however the machines can also be towed with many zero-turns, lawn tractors, small farm tractors and most other farm machinery. We recommend a tow capacity of 300cc or greater and a tow ball height of between 10 – 16 inches.
We also recommend checking the manufacturers specs on your specific tow vehicle to see what the towing capacity and limits are.
The coupler is a metric 50mm size. This will fit on an 1”7/8 ball or an older worn 2” ball hitch (US).
The 1500 Pro E has an adjustable coupler. Fit this to your specific tow ball before using the machine.
A 1”7/8 tow hitch can be purchased from the online parts store.
We recommend a speed of around 5 -9 miles/hour.
Yes. Most golf carts will be able to tow the Mini 700 or the 1500 models but please check your specific vehicles manufacturer’s recommendations for the towing capacity.
The clicking when turning and reversing is completely normal on the Mini 700 and the 1220. This occurs because of the direct drive system built into the smaller two machines which is a differential to allow the wheels to travel at different speeds when cornering or reversing. The wheels turn the brushes that do the collecting.
Please get in touch with us, we may be vising your area soon and if not we will see if we can put you in touch with one of our customers who might live near you.
1500 Pro and 1500 Pro E
– To cover the entire area, it will take approx 18mins at 8mph.
– To do typical spot cleaning, it will take just 10mins.
1220
– To cover the entire area, it will take approx 25mins at 8mph.
– To do typical spot cleaning, it will take just 15mins.
700 Mini
– To cover the entire area, it will take approx 35mins at 8mph.
– To do typical spot cleaning, it will take just 20mins.
Spot cleaning times will depend on how many horses are on the pasture.
Ideally, the length of grass for the machines to be most effective is no more than 4 inches in height for the Mini 700 and 1220. 6 inches for the 1500 Pro and 1500 Pro E. In longer areas (like urine patches) you may have to make a couple of passes to clear the majority of manure. This is also dependent on the density of your pastures and grass type. The less dense, the longer grass it can handle.
Yes they will however they will also collect your footing or sand. This means you will need to set up your machine so the brushes sit above the ground level and this may result in the manure pick up being less effective. Hardpacked sand will work fine however the abrasive nature of this surface will increase the rate of wear on the brushes.
The Tow and Collect will pick up small pebbles and small stones but rocks above 3” diameter may damage the machine. It would be best to avoid the large rocks and we would not recommend using it on rocky terrain if you can not drive around the rocks.
Yes it will as long as you can still travel at the required speed. We recommend using the machines on flat to rolling hills with a gradient of no more than about 10-15 degrees. This will need to be considered with your Tow Vehicle and its ability and safety rating also.
The widest part of the machine is the wheels. We recommend staying at least 1 foot away from your fences to ensure you do not crash into posts.
Yes, they will but be aware of the potential for dust creation. If you own the 1500pro or 1500 pro E be diligent in cleaning the machine, clean after each use by clearing dirt out of the filter, and also clean the engine filter regularly.
Depends how un-even! The 700 Mini is more suited to rougher conditions because of its off-road wheels and a narrower wheelbase. Gentle undulations are fine for all machines though.
The brushes need to be able to reach the manure. Driving in different directions in your paddock will help combat undulations.
The 1500 models will work, but at reduced efficiency.
Because the 700 Mini and 1220 ground driven, you may lose some traction.
The machines will work, but we do not recommend using them in wet or muddy conditions as this will clog the brushes up quickly and smear the manure.
We do not recommend using them in the snow.
If the snow is hard packed, and the manure is resting on top, then the machine may be effective unless the manure is frozen to the snow.
The ground driven models may struggle with traction.
If the snow is soft and fluffy and the manure is amongst it, then the Tow and Collect will tend to pick up a lot of snow as well.
Yes. The tines on the front of the Tow and Collect are made to scour the ground in front of the brushes to lift any manure that is low in the grass and also breaks it up making it easier for the brushes to pick it up.
If the manure is runny because it has huge water content due to recent rain causing it to lose its structure, it is not the best time to be collecting manure. The Tow and Collect will pick up 85% of the manure but tend to smear a small amount across the grass. Wait for it to dry out.
On the other hand, if the manure is fresh but not sloppy, the Tow and Collect will be 99% effective.
Most rocks will fall out between the brushes, some large rocks may get caught in brushes – be diligent in checking brushes are clear when unloading. Rocks and sticks can get jammed up on brush shaft.
Yes. The machines work very well for pasture grooming, they will pick up small sticks, bark, leaves etc. Be wary of excessive use on bitumen or concrete as this will wear out the brushes quickly. Be diligent in checking brushes are clear of sticks when unloading, some may get caught in brushes.
We do not recommend the machines for picking up cow manure unless the manure has a dense structure, is dried and cows are rotationally grazed.
Yes, the machines are very effective for picking up nuts along with all other debris on ground.
Yes the collector will pick up pine cones and some pine needles. Some extra large pinecones may clog the machine.
No. In most cases the Tow and Collect will help to groom your paddocks, removing dead or thatched grass allowing fresh new growth to come through. In bad drought conditions – tuffs of grass can be pulled out with tines – raise tines in these conditions
The machines will pick up clay targets and wads. For more information check out our page on Clay Target Collection.
Mini 700 = 2.5 Wheelbarrows = 320 Litres/84 Gallons
1220 = 3.5 Wheelbarrows = 500 Litres/132 Gallons
1500 Pro and Pro E = 5 Wheelbarrows = 620 Litres/163 Gallons
The machines all have holes on the sides that easily let you identify when the catcher is full.
Generally the machine stops picking up when it is full also, and starts to leave a trail behind it.
The hopper at the back is easy to open. It is opened by the use of a crank handle which is assisted with a gas strut. If you are finding it hard to open this suggests that the catcher has been overfilled.
Our brand new 1500 Pro E uses a bluetooth remote to open the catcher, this makes it as easy as the click of a button (literally!).
This is dependant on a number of factors but as a general rule-
Mini 700 = 2.5 wheelbarrow loads – 1 to 4 horses
1220 = 3.5 wheelbarrow loads – 5 to 8 horses
1500 Pro and Pro E = 5 wheelbarrow loads – 8 plus
If you are unsure we recommend reaching out to our team to discuss your specific scenario!
The Mini 700 and 1220 are very quiet to operate. However, do be aware that when turning the machines around a corner or reversing they do put out an audible clicking sound. This is normal due to the self-drive system that turns the brushes.
On the 1500 Pro and 1500 Pro E, the motor is the noisiest part and is similar to the running of a hand-pushed motor mower.
No, the machines do not scare horses, like any vehicle entering their space they quickly get used to it.
We have parts available for immediate dispatch from our warehouse through our website here Spare Parts Archives – Tow and Collect – US
Servicing is simple and we have maintenance videos available here on our YouTube channel.
Mini 700 and 1220 Maintenance | Tow and Collect Mini 700 and 1220 – YouTube
1500 Pro Maintenance | Tow and Collect 1500 Pro – YouTube
The brushes are wearing part on the machine but they can be easily replaced when needed. Spare brushes can be ordered on our website.
The brushes will last up to 2 years under normal use and conditions. (Normal use is defined as being between 2-3 pickups per week.) We recommend watching our setup video to get the best life out of the brushes, if these are incorrectly set up in height (too low to ground), the brushes will become rounded and will smear manure behind machine and stop collecting. The brushes will only last up to 3 months if incorrect brush height is set.
Our salespeople have extensive knowledge to support you with after sales service and inquiries.
All spare parts are available to be purchased directly from the internet, dealer or over the phone.
Servicing is simple and we have maintenance videos available on our YouTube channel.
Any maintenance work can be carried out by a basic mechanic or the nationwide Kohler dealers or a small engine mechanic.
The warranty period is for 12 months from original date of purchase. Labour and travel expenses are not included. Tow and Collect will supply warranty parts either direct to you [as the customer] or to a suggested small engine/mower mechanic who is suitable to carry out the repair work.
Kohler offers a 3 year Worldwide Warranty on the engine (1500pro and 1500pro E) when used for non-commercial purposes. Please ensure all engine warranty issues are taken to an authorised Kohler agent.
Generally no. Exceptions are if you live in Georgia State then you will have to pay state sales tax unless you have an exemption. If you have a GATE card please contact us via email or phone to place your order.
Yes! To pay via check please contact us directly to arrange.
We accept all major credit cards, wire transfer, check and Paypal. We can also provide finance arrangements through Affirm – for more information please check out our Finance page.
Your shipping cost depends entirely on where you live. The best way to find out shipping is to go through the shopping process, put your details into the system, and the checkout will calculate the shipping as you go.
When we have stock in our warehouse your machine will be dispatched within 1-2 working days. The time taken to get to you is then entirely dependant on where you reside and how far away from our warehouse you are but delivery time is usually between 1-2 weeks. Please do not hesitate to reach out and ask the question.
The machines are easy to assemble. We provide these unpacking videos to help
1500 Pro: Unpacking and Assembling – Tow and Collect 1500 Pro | Maintenance – YouTube
1500 Pro E: You will receive a quick start guide with your unit.
1220 and Mini 700: How to Unpack and Assemble – Tow and Collect Mini 700 / 1220 | Maintenance – YouTube
Simply. The motor. Each machine does the exact same job. The only real difference is the 1500 Pro motor drives the brushes enabling you to travel a little slower without losing speed in the turning brushes. The brand new1500 Pro E has a remote that controls the functions of the machine including turning the motor on and off.
All the machines are manufactured in New Zealand at our factory in a small town called Dannevirke. Metalform, the designer and manufacturer of the Tow and Collect employs over 130 local people who build the Tow and Collect along with other heavy-duty farm equipment.
Metalform was founded in 1961 and has been in business ever since. The Tow and Collect machines were first designed and brought to market by Metalform in 2002. We ship to USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and our home market – New Zealand.