I am probably one of the few Yazoo/Kees ZTmax users here

They are quite similar to the Lazer Z but they have subtle differences. The Y/K Mini Max and small Husqvarna, on the other hand, seem to have very little in common with the Lazer HP, and Alan, I completely agree, I am not impressed with the little one. Kees seemed to build this one on their own, without help from Exmark.

<p>The reason, in my opinion, that the Lazer and ZTMax were so similar is as follows: Dick Tegtmeier, founder of Encore, and co founder of Exmark worked for FD Kees for several years before either of the others were started. All three are located in the small town of Beatrice, Nebraska. I think Kees and Exmark had a good relationship after he left. I think Exmark helped Kees out, afterall Kees was no real threat to Exmark after the Lazer came out. However when Toro bought Exmark, I don't think Toro knew to much about this. Exmark filed a lawsuit against Yazoo/Kees for certain patent infringements. The wording from Exmark on this matter pretty much says that they were forced into this by Toro. Exmark also won $125,600 from Textron for similar patents and it was worded much the same way. I doubt you will see another similar Exmark and Kees. This is pure speculation but I believe it is pretty much what happened.<br>