WD45 power

Hi all!! I am a new owner, and have bought a wd45 mainly for basic bushhogging chores. Before I bought the tractor I went and took a look at it, and it seemed to run ok, but not great (I thought to be expected from a tractor thats almost 60 years old. It had a rythmic poping noise about once every 3-5 seconds. Anyhow, I went to do some cutting with it and using a 5ft hog and in first gear, it seems very low on power to me. It seems to really struggle. I have yet to do a compression test or to check timing or any diagnostics. My question is... A WD45 in good running condition should have plenty of power to bushhog right? I was under the impression that they ought to be able to handle that very easilly. Thanks in advance guys!! 

I don't think its lean on fuel, it actually puffs black smoke under load. I have leaned it down to where it stops doing that, but the popping continues. I will do a compression test and run a timing light on it this weekend, and im thinking that should tell me what i need to know. 

yeah I will check the valves if there is no major problems with the timing and cylinder pressure issues. My thinking and experience from the automotive world is that a leaking valve will show up as lower compression on that cylinder. I do understand that at times and under a load they leak more than just with the starter turning it. If I have good compression and fairly even between the cylinders then I will move on to other things and start some double checking such things as valve clearances and such. Is it common for these engines to have extensive cam lobe wear? 

Spark plugs and wires make a big difference too. I'd suggest Autolite or AC plugs for best results. If a WD45 is in good condition a 5' mower should be fairly easy unless you're in 4' tall grass and weeds trying to mow in third gear. Plus check your mower blades, it takes more power with dull blades.

 The compression test is a good idea, and checking timing.  I'd check the vacuum at the manifold too.Vacuum gauges are inexpensive and good diagnostic tools .

before you start any diagnostics,ck the valve lash on all 4 cylinders.if you have a valve too tight it will give you a false reading.also if you have a low cyl.reading,stake the valves in that cylinder,and see if the compression comes up...

I would suspect new manifold gaskets, rebuild the carb adjust float, clean fuel line, make sure there's no use in the tank, adjus points check wiring then see how she runs

You for sure have some bugs to work out of the WD45. 5ft mower behind a WD45 seems like a waste of power and fuel to me...I use 7 foot 6.

I have never heard of the 45's wearing a cam out.

I pull a five footer in 3rd through near 3 foot tall fescue with no problems. Im with the others who said a 6 foot+ is no problem for a strong running 45.

haha... no brakes definitely not on