A long-time owner of the Tow and Collect Mini 700, Diane has been using the machine for over five years to clean her pastures with ease. In our latest video testimonial, Diane walks us through her manure management system — from collection to composting and spreading with her Conestoga Manure Spreader.
When Diane first started managing manure on her 10-acre property, she was picking up by hand. But with a growing number of horses, alpacas, and goats, that process quickly became overwhelming. Not only was it time-consuming — it raised real concerns about pasture health and parasite control. As the manure built up, Diane knew she needed a smarter, more efficient solution.
After searching online, she came across the Tow and Collect Mini 700. Right from the start, it stood out. Once the machine arrived and she began using it, it delivered on exactly what she needed: reliable collection with minimal effort. “It just worked great,” she said. “It collected very well.”
Today, Diane uses the Tow and Collect to remove manure from her rotational grazing areas. Once full, she dumps the load into her composting pit, where it breaks down before being loaded into her Conestoga ground-driven manure spreader. From there, it’s returned to the paddocks as a natural fertilizer — helping promote healthy regrowth across the property.
This system gives Diane full control over how she manages her land. During the warmer months, she cycles her horses through different pastures, collecting and spreading as she goes. The result is cleaner grazing areas, fewer parasite risks, and stronger, lusher grass. “I feel better about them eating grass that’s not mixed with manure,” she told us — a simple statement that speaks volumes about her commitment to animal wellbeing.
After five years of regular use, Diane is quick to note that the Tow and Collect has held up exceptionally well. The tines, brushes, and release mechanisms are still functioning perfectly, and the unit continues to handle large loads without issue. “Even when there’s more than I should put in it,” she said, “it still releases really well.”
Her setup is intentionally simple. A lawn mower to tow the Tow and Collect, a side-by-side for the spreader, and her tractor for loading — each tool doing its job without constant reconfiguration or swapping. It’s a streamlined, low-fuss approach that works well for smaller acreages and lifestyle blocks like hers.
When asked what advice she’d offer to others considering a similar setup, Diane kept it practical. Make sure the size is right for your needs. Know where you’ll be spreading. And ensure your loader can dump directly into the spreader. It’s all about making sure the equipment fits your workflow – so you’re not working harder than you need to.
For Diane, this isn’t just about time saved — it’s about peace of mind. With a reliable, low-maintenance system in place, she can focus on what matters most: caring for her animals and enjoying her land. Her Tow and Collect + Conestoga setup has helped create the kind of pasture every horse owner wants — clean, green, and easy to manage.
