A power equipment machine with operator selectable autonomous mode and manual mode is provided. By way of example, the power equipment device can provide user-assisted semi-autonomous steering along user-defined paths of a geographic area. Manual steering controls and autonomous guidance controls can be positioned on one or more movable armrests to enhance comfort and minimize operator fatigue. The manual steering controls can include a jog wheel and encoder mechanism located on a first armrest, eliminating conventional mechanical shaft and wheel steering devices and dual lap bar steering devices. Guidance and computer settings can be accessed through a touchscreen display mounted in front of an operator position on the power equipment device.