My property isn’t smooth and has some pretty steep hills.I use my 2601 with a 54 inch MMM to keep my property mowed. It does fine. If I can't mow or walk under a tree because the limbs are too low, then they need to be removed.
A zero turn is faster as long as the area is smooth. My property isn't. The larger tires of my tractor make mowing a lot more comfortable than my zero turn.
Plus, a zero turn will only mow. My tractor will do many other things besides mow. For me it's a much more useful tool.
I used to mow with my B2601 w/ 60” MMM. It was perfectly adequate and didn’t use much fuel which was great. It took me 4 hours.
My mowing time is now 2 hours with the Cub Cadet Pro Z ZTR, plus, it’s a lot safer.
Nothing wrong with either option.
Mike