Welcome to the SurePath Quick Reference and Troubleshooting Guide. This guide will
help explain the use of the SurePath Auto Steer system equipped on this machine.
This guide is not a substitute for reading the entire Operator's Manual provided with
the mower.
The SurePath Auto Steer system uses GPS technology to semi-autonomously control
steering and turning capabilities to achieve consistent stripes, reduce turfing and
maximize mowing efficiency.
Practice Operation (Initial use)
Operating a zero-turn mower with the SurePath Auto Steer system is not like operating
a conventional ride-on mower. While the default mode is manual operation, which
can be used at any time, getting used to operating and safely controlling the mower in
SurePath Auto Steer Mode takes practice. It is strongly recommended that you locate
a large, level and open "practice area" where there are no obstructions, hazards or
pedestrians. Practice operating the mower in SurePath Auto Steer Mode for a minimum
of 10 minutes.
Carefully move the mower to the practice area. When performing the practice session,
the PTO knob should not be engaged. Operate the mower at approximately 1/2-3/4
throttle and at less than full speed.
Always wear appropriate clothing and personal protection equipment (e.g., safety
glasses, long pants, gloves, hearing protection, safety shoes, hard hat) when operating
or maintaining this machine. Follow all federal, state and local guidelines regarding the
use of personal protective equipment.
The SurePath Auto Steer system was built to be operated according to the
safe operation practices in the Operator's Manual and this Guide. As with any
type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands
and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in loss of control, property damage, personal injury
or death.
Safe Operation Practices
1.
To avoid personal injury to you or others, always use caution and be aware of
your surroundings when using the SurePath Auto Steer Mode. Stop the machine
immediately if anyone enters the area.
2.
The SurePath Auto Steer system will not detect any objects or obstructions in the
path of the cutting deck or the machine. Always operate the machine with care
and attention. Stop the machine immediately or manually steer the machine
around obstacles before resuming SurePath Auto Steer Mode.
3.
This machine is equipped with a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS). The
SurePath Auto Steer Mode will not detect overhead objects such as trees,
buildings, doorways, clothes lines, utility wires, etc. Be alert for overhead
objects that could be contacted by the ROPS and could cause machine to tip-over
or rollover.
4.
You must remain in full control of the machine when the SurePath Auto Steer
system is activated. You are responsible for controlling the machine, supervising
the system, and intervening, when needed.
5.
The SurePath Auto Steer Mode is not a crash avoidance system. The SurePath
Auto Steer Mode will not cause the vehicle to slow down or stop. Always pay
close attention when using the system. It does not replace attentive operation
of the machine. You can deactivate the SurePath Auto Steer Mode at any time by
grabbing the steering wheel and turning it slightly to the right or left, or press and
hold the SET LINE/ENGAGE AUTO button.
6.
The SurePath Auto Steer Mode will not detect steep slopes, drop-offs, ponds, or
lakes. Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from any drop-offs, ponds, or lakes. Do
not operate the machine on slopes greater than 20° (35%).
Quick Reference & Troubleshooting Guide
Pro Z SurePath Auto Steer Series, Zero-Turn Commercial Mower
7.
The SurePath Global Positioning Module (GPM) will continually monitor the
readiness of the SurePath Auto Steer system. The Indicator/Warning Lights on the
back of the GPM (on the Light Module) will indicate the status of the system to
the operator while in use. The operator must monitor the lights and be prepared
to resume control of the machine. If the Indicator/Warning Lights flash red, place
hands on steering wheel and be prepared to steer or stop the machine.
8.
The SurePath Auto Steer system GPM needs to be kept clean and free of any
foreign objects or obstructions which may affect the ability of the GPS antenna to
receive the satellite signal.
9.
To avoid RF exposure above limits established in the FCC Part 15 Subpart A, stay at
least 20 cm (8 inches) away from the GPM when the key is in the ON position.
10. The GPM may lose the GPS satellite signal or cellular connection at any time
due to heavy tree canopies, large buildings, poor weather conditions, electrical
interference, dead zones, or other obstacles. The monitoring system is designed to
be a mowing aid and does not relieve the operator of the responsibility to operate
the machine safely and with due care. Failure to observe the monitoring system
could result in loss of control, property damage, personal injury, or death. The
monitoring system is not intended to be a safety device.
11. Do not attempt to make a turn at high speed when using SurePath Auto Steer
Mode. The system will make smoother and more accurate turns at lower speeds.
12. Do not use SurePath Auto Steer Mode when towing an attachment or trailer.
13. The SurePath Auto Steer system reset should be performed while mower is
stopped, and PTO is in the off position. Holding the trigger for less than 3 seconds
will fail to reset line and may shift the mower back into auto mode if preset lines
are still stored. Damage to mower or personal injury may result.
14. The SurePath Auto Steer system is not intended for use when traveling in reverse.
15. If the SurePath Auto Steer system malfunctions, stop using the machine, or
disable the system, and have it repaired by an authorized service dealer as soon
as possible.
How to Use
Global Positioning Module (GPM)
•
Light Module (Indicator/Warning
Lights) - the Indicator/Warning
Lights are mounted on the back
(facing the operator) of the GPM
and visually communicate the
status of the SurePath Auto Steer
system to the operator. The two
lights will always match in color
and operation (flashing or solid).
•
4G Modem Antenna - integrated
antenna for the 4G Modem.
•
On-Board Computer - the GPM houses the main microprocessors, software and
logic to provide guidance to the equipment's drive systems.
SurePath Operator Control Panel
•
GPS — Green indicators will flash on the
Light Module and Operator Control Panel
GPS indicator while the GPM is actively
searching for a signal and will turn solid
green when signal is acquired.
•
LINE — Initially the LINE indicator will
be off. The LINE indicator will flash green
when first point (A) has been set and
will turn solid green once second point
(B) has been set.
IMPORTANT! Operator should drive a
minimum of 10 yards (30 feet) between setting point A and point B.
Indicator/
Indicator/
Warning
Warning
Lights
Lights
Blue
Blue
Green
Blue
Yellow
Red
Z
Left
Turn
Button
Set Line/Engage
Set Line/Engage
Auto Button
Auto Button
Form No. 769-26469
February 18, 2022
Right
Turn
Button