Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Cub cadet engine problem, cub cadet, air compressor

Question
My cub cadet LT1024 has black smoke coming from it and when it's cutting it sounds like it wants to shut off and it doesn't want to pull. It goes but barely. I'm wondering if it needs a whole new engine or if it's maybe something that can be fixed. Please help me. Thank you.

Answer
Sounds like the engine if running rich.  Have you removed, dis-assembled, and cleaned the carb with compressed air from an air compressor?  When was the last time the air filter was replaced?  How old is the mower?  When was the last major engine tune-up?

Let me know.
Eric