How about using a tow behind mower like the DR or better yet (in my opinion) Kunz Engineering http://www.kunzeng.com/. I maintain my trails and food plots with a 57" Rought cut. The nice thing about this is you can offset the mover from the ATV and cut to the waters edge but not be close to it. THe rought cut mower leaves a reasonable finish look (not perfect) but can also handle brush up to and exceeding 2" in diameter.