When initially started, the engine seems to catch or "stutter" a bunch until I get the choke put in the exactly right spot. Then, upon activating the blade deck, it sputters everywhere from every few seconds, to every few minutes, I cannot cut lower than the highest blade height setting or it will more than likely stall out. I also cannot go any faster than the slowest speed or it will not cut right. I replaced all the filters and liquids when I got it from a friend after it was idle for a year or so. I fixed it up the best of my knowledge.
Also, the blade deck (46" MTD) has a weird grinding sound that I cannot identify but i think it is part of the reason the engine can stall during mowing. I finally found the correct PTO belt (it seems...) so I'm not sure what the problem is. I'm a first-time mechanic learning as I go.