Best way to mow an abandoned area

[thastinger]

I would figure out how to clear an access to it, you'll need vehicle access to it anyway if you plan to maintain it from now on.
Once I had an access to it, I would turn it over with bottom plows, pick out the sapling stumps and till it smooth.

 

[mk378]

String mowers can't handle saplings larger than 3/8 inch or so, the strings will break. If there aren't a lot of such trees you can cut them to near the ground with loppers.

 

[nwjones18]

Rent something like this:

This. Many Home Depot’s have them for rent

 

[IndyIan]

Our old lawn boy push mower would eat stuff it really shouldn't. A 2-3" stump may kill it though or a big rock, so pull it backwards with one hand so you can see all the big stuff that will hurt the mower. It won't fun, but it can be done and I'd think way better than string mower.
I find the riding mower will eat 3/4" and under hardwood sticks too, and the weak point after HD blades seems to be spindles, which aren't that expensive, but take some time to change..

 

[Zee09]

Beware of bees...

 

[Fordiesel69]

Beware of bees...

Usually late june or early july is when we get them. Key words "usually".