sounds to me like you may have a problem with the carb. Check the air filter is clean and that the spark plug is working. Also take the exhaust of and look to make sure it isnt blocked so that the exhaust gases can escape. if all those are fine then it will probably be a fuel problem. depending on what carb system you have on your mower ie/ Float , Diaphragm ? if it is a float check it is freely moving to allow the fuel to fill the bowl then shut of the fuel when carb bowl is full. if it is a diaphragm you have then look to see if the gaskets aren't damaged (if they are then it will draw air in ).
if your carb is clean then check fuel filter in the tank (if it has 1) check for any air leaks in the hoses, i would advise using a pressure test kit if you can get hold of one. if all these are fine then i would ask is the mower running for a while then cutting out , after about 10minuates is it working again? if that is the case it could be your coil pack
Jamie
April 2010