Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Mower pull string catches, grass lawn, tall grass

Question
Just moved into a house and got a used lawn mower from a friend (not sure how much use it got).  It's a Honda GV150 model (GV150-3024102 to Forward
online owner's manual is all I could find for it).  First time I started it, it started fine, but when I engaged the blades it stalled.  Cleaned the plugs, started it again and same thing happened.  Finally started it with engine on high speed rather than chock (i.e. hot start) and it ran fine, although it would get sluggish over tall grass (lawn hadn't been mowed in awhile).

Tried to start again today, week later, and it seemed to work fine, but stalled after about 3 minutes.  Tried to start again, but the pull string catches at intervals.  If you slowely release, then pull forward (at intervals) you can eventually get the pull string to full extension, and it goes back fine.  Engine seemed a lot warmer after 3 minutes then it did after doing my whole lawn last week though.  Never owned a mower, so not sure what the issue is.  

Any help would be appreciated

Answer
It sounds like your first problem (low power) is related to the carburetor needing to be cleaned thoroughly (or adjusted, if equipped with high speed mixture adjustment).
I don't really understand your issue with the pullstring but it sounds like the engine may be overfilled with oil.  If this mower is new to you and you've never owned one before, it might be wise to take it to a shop for a thorough check over and tune-up.  Hope this helps.