A method of controlling a mower implement includes sensing a separation distance between the mower implement and an adjacent windrow with an outboard distance sensor. The sensed separation distance is then compared to a defined separation target. The computing device indicates that a course of the mower implement is on-target when the separation distance is approximately equal to the defined separation target. The computing device indicates that the course of the mower implement is drifting in a first direction when the separation distance is less than the defined separation target and greater than zero. An offset distance is sensed between the mower implement and a standing crop edge. The computing device indicates that the course of the mower implement is drifting in a second direction when both the separation distance and the offset distance are substantially equal to zero.

A system and method for an autonomous lawn mower comprising a mower body having at least one motor arranged to drive a cutting blade and to propel the mower body on an operating surface via a wheel arrangement, wherein the mower body includes a navigation system arranged to assist a controller to control the operation of the mower body within a predefined operating area.

A system and method for an autonomous lawn mower comprising a mower body having at least one motor arranged to drive a cutting blade and to propel the mower body on an operating surface via a wheel arrangement, wherein the mower body includes a navigation system arranged to assist a controller to control the operation of the mower body within a predefined operating area.

A motorized turf trimming system and method with integrated control for a carrier vehicle and rotary trimming attachments is disclosed. The system can be configured for automatically trimming around stationary objects such as trees, signposts, guard rail posts, barrier posts, light bases, etc.

A motorized turf trimming system and method with integrated control for a carrier vehicle and rotary trimming attachments is disclosed. The system can be configured for automatically trimming around stationary objects such as trees, signposts, guard rail posts, barrier posts, light bases, etc.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for operating an autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is embodied as a mower having a downwardly extending sidewall and a cutting blade assembly. The cutting blade assembly is adapted to cut grass along a path defining a proximal cut edge located at a first distance from the sidewall when the mower is configured in a first operating mode, and at a second distance from the sidewall when the mower is configured in a second operating mode. The mower is adapted to automatically switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when an electronic controller associated with the mower determines a local area of operation of the mower is free of unknown objects.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for operating an autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is embodied as a mower having a downwardly extending sidewall and a cutting blade assembly. The cutting blade assembly is adapted to cut grass along a path defining a proximal cut edge located at a first distance from the sidewall when the mower is configured in a first operating mode, and at a second distance from the sidewall when the mower is configured in a second operating mode. The mower is adapted to automatically switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when an electronic controller associated with the mower determines a local area of operation of the mower is free of unknown objects.

A cutting apparatus including a plurality of laser beams for cutting vegetation. The apparatus comprises a housing including side walls being extended generally perpendicular to form a downwardly oriented opening. An electrically powered laser cutting device is positioned centrally within the housing. A transport device is connectable to the housing to provide movement of the housing and laser cutting device along a surface covered by vegetation. The laser cutting device generates at least one laser beam that is directed downward underneath the housing.

A cutting apparatus including a plurality of laser beams for cutting vegetation. The apparatus comprises a housing including side walls being extended generally perpendicular to form a downwardly oriented opening. An electrically powered laser cutting device is positioned centrally within the housing. A transport device is connectable to the housing to provide movement of the housing and laser cutting device along a surface covered by vegetation. The laser cutting device generates at least one laser beam that is directed downward underneath the housing.

A lawnmower trimming and edging extension is attached to a lawnmower. The lawnmower has a motor, a deck, and a push handle. The lawnmower extension includes a trimmer motor having a shaft and a self-feeding string trimmer cutter coupled to the shaft. The trimmer motor coupled to the deck and oriented the self-feeding trimmer cutter to cut an area about the deck. The trimming extension controls electrically connects the trimmer motor to an electrical power source and the trimming extension controls. An outside protective plate is coupled to an inside protective plate by a trimmer-edger hinge and to the deck. The trimmer-edger hinge pivots the inside protective plate between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The trimmer motor is coupled to the inside protective plate such that is self-feeding trimmer cutter is oriented as the inside protective plate when it pivots between the horizontal position and the vertical position.