Last year I replaced the carb, spark plug and air filter because it was lacking power. It was so low on power it would stall the motor when I engaged the blades. The new carb fixed the issues and it runs a lot better.
With that said I am still thinking it is lacking power though because it doesn't handle thick or tall grass very well at all. I mow every week BTW. It seems almost like it isn't turning high enough RPMs at full throttle but maybe not. I have no idea how many hours are on it but being its 20 years old it could be a lot.
Is there anyway I can get more power? Its not a huge deal as I now just use it for trimming around the house and mowing the ditches but I don't remember it being this weak on power when it was new. Could dull blades cause this? The blades don't seem to be bad though. I cant imagine the motor is in need of a rebuild but maybe I am wrong?