What’s new for 50/50 mow patterns in QuickPlan

FireFly’s QuickPlan™ software continues to redefine turf management. The latest updates enhance how 50/50 mow patterns are created, offering turf managers and operators more control, smoother centerlines, and consistent results across every fairway.

We’ll briefly explore some of these new updates below. For full details, read the in-depth article on our support portal.

Beta tag shown on the 50/50 pattern type in QuickPlan’s Select Pattern Type screen.

Sharper, More Efficient 50/50 Mow Path Planning

QuickPlan now offers more path customization options, so you can refine the way each 50/50 mow pattern is generated. The updated algorithm reduces unnecessary overlap, which improves mowing efficiency and delivers a cleaner, more uniform look.

Users can fine-tune centerline smoothness with a new adjustable scale that helps strike the right balance between precision and flow.

Centerline on a sample fairway with the Centerline Smoothing value set to 1.
Centerline on a sample fairway with the Centerline Smoothing value set to 5.
Centerline on a sample fairway with the Centerline Smoothing value set to 10.

Custom Travel Modes for Every Fairway

Three new Travel Mode options give operators control over how the robot completes each pass. Whether the goal is maximum efficiency, reduced backtracking, path variety, or smoother turns, these modes help create the desired 50/50 pattern without sacrificing the crisp striping that defines professional-quality turf.

Diagram outlining the various Travel Modes. Mode 1 circles around the previous swath. Mode 2 spirals around by skipping swaths. Mode 3 is a hybrid that spirals for the first six swaths and then circles after that.

Built-In Wear Reduction

QuickPlan automatically introduces slight, random offsets along cleanup passes to prevent excess turf wear. This adjustment helps maintain turf health and appearance, even with frequent mowing. 

Close up of a sample plan emphasizing the connecting paths automatically generated at random offset distances from the cleanup passes to prevent excess turf wear.

Designed for Real-World Flexibility

New settings also let operators decide where turns and shortcut paths occur, providing flexibility to match the field layout. Combined with improved automation, these tools make it easier to achieve faster, more consistent results across every mow area.

Sample plan with Take shortcuts through operating area toggled on, with shortcut paths generated in the operating area to connect broken swaths.
Sample plan with Take shortcuts through fairway toggled on, with shortcut paths generated in the mow area to connect swaths.

Experience the Next Generation of 50/50 Mow Patterns 

The latest version of QuickPlan represents a major step forward in robotic mowing precision. Turf professionals gain more control, better coverage, and the unmistakable aesthetic of true 50/50 mow patterns, all delivered with less effort and greater efficiency. 

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