You can use goats! They are self-propelled and do not even require the use of a tractor!
In all seriousness, I have no good advice. All of my mowing is on flat ground.
What is your slope on the dam? If you add that bit of info, you might get some helpful advice from some of the experts that do mow relatively steep dams.
Are you trying to mow while keeping your tractor on the flat area at the top of the dam? That is a different set of equipment requirements.
I live in Kansas and we frequently use prescribed burns to kill off trees and improve grass quality. In my conditions, it would be easy to create some good fire breaks and burn up the two slopes of the dam. However, we always have variable weather so I get to pick my weather and humidity conditions depending on the whether I want a slow burn or fast burn. In LA, your dam cover may be too wet and grow too fast that fire is not even an option for you?
Good luck on your dam maintenance. That is an important project for the pond, AND also might get you in trouble if it looks too unruly to your wife!
