Yazoo Lawn Mowers
Yazoo began its career in Jackson, Mississippi as Kerr Tire and Rubber. J. A. and O. H. Kerr, the founders, manufactured tires, until 1945, the year they purchased a rather unusual mower from a welder. This high-wheeled vehicle brought about the name change from Kerr to the Yazoo Manufacturing Company. It also meant a change in direction.
By 1945, Yazoo was producing mowers. In that year, the company introduced the first out-front engine rotary riding mower. They called it the YR-60. It was, according to its full title, a Yazoo riding mower (YR) with three wheels, 12.5 hp Wisconsin engine and a 60-inch cutting deck. In the 1960s, they extended the line with the YR-32, YR-36, YR-42 and the YR-76. These were riding mowers for every type of lawn ranging from six to 18.5 hp engines.
The 1980s saw a number of changes. The widow of J. A. Kerrr sold the business to Robert Herrin. A partner in H. and H. Corporation, he ran the company until his death in 1991. Between 1980 and 1991, Yazoo replaced their clutch-driven transmission with hydrostatic front- end engines. The range increased from six hp to 23 hp.
On Herrin's death, Yazoo was run briefly by the H & H Corporation. They sold it, in May 1997, to a group of investors. They renamed the company Yazoo Power Equipment. In turn, they sold Yazoo to FD Kees and Company six months later. Another name change and the company becomes Yazoo/Kees Power Equipment. Not even two years later and the Swedish garden and lawn manufacturer, Husqvarna is the newest owner of the company. Still Yazoo/Kees, it becomes a part of the Husqvarna Turf Care Company.
Under the newest owners, Yazoo/Kees has prospered. The factory has expanded. They now operate out of a completely modern facility in Beatrice, Nevada. In 2005, Yazoo/Kees released Esteem a new series of zero-turn mower. The market is large residential ground or estate property. The Max series, the Mega Max mowers continue to provide owners and operators with the utmost productivity, comfort durability and power within an ergonomic framework.
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- Website: http://www.yazookees.com/
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